Improvements come through work of many

Community improvements don't just magically happen. Often much work and the dedication of many individuals provide the impetus.

An example of that is improvements on the riverfront in northern Yuma. A founders memorial was dedicated this week at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park that honors those who contributed to make it possible.

For longtime Yumans, the list of 26 names on the memorial is a familiar one, as the individuals have played a key role in improving the community beyond just the park for many years. A number of them have been honored by the Yuma Sun in the past as Yuma County Citizens of the Year.

The vision of an important historic area anchored by the Yuma Quartermaster Depot began some five decades ago in the minds of people committed to preserving the important historic past of our community which has served as an important crossing point for travelers for more than a century and a half.

That vision grew over the years to include a larger park and recreation area that we now know as the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. The executive director of heritage area, Charles Flynn, calls the Quartermaster Depot the foundation of the riverfront transformation.

There were many over the years who ridiculed or rejected the idea of preserving this part of our community's heritage, but dedicated individuals – including those on the new memorial – remained steadfast in their vision and we are a better community for it.

This is only one of many stories that could be told about those who have worked to improve Yuma, but it is a notable one.