Community steps up to keep open Territorial Prison

We knew the community could do it. Everyone has come together to save the Yuma Territorial Prison from closing at the end of this month.

 The announcement of the achievement came Wednesday evening from Yuma Mayor Al Krieger at a fundraising event at the prison park which the state plans to close due to budget difficulties.

The goal is for the historic prison site to be operated locally again with the help of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, the city of Yuma and community members. The key to that happening is raising $50,000 to match $50,000 provided by the Heritage Area.

It is now projected that money will be successfully raised, based on the amount of money that will be received from past and coming fundraising efforts throughout the community. And, as noted by the mayor, "That means that the Yuma Territorial Prison will remain open and operating."

That's great news. The old prison has a special place in the history of Yuma and many community members have fond memories of visiting there and sharing the experience with visitors.

It is appropriate that the announcement came at the sold-out "3:10 to Yuma" fundraising event on the park grounds. It was a fun activity featuring entertainment and other activities, along with food and beverages.

Charles Flynn, executive director of the Heritage Area, has said that the organization hopes to do more in the way of community activities with the prison once it is run locally.

It has always been a point of interest in Yuma, attracting locals and visitors, but now it may became a focal point of local activities where the community can do more than experience history - they will also be able to share fun times.

Much remains to be done to prepare for the transfer of the prison, but for now there can be satisfaction that the community has stepped up to ensure the future of the Yuma Territorial Prison.