Five years later, in July of 2018, most of the funds have been disbursed to residents who lost their homes and local infrastructure. The remaining funds are designated for the Memorial Park. The YHRG changed its focus. Under the DBA Yarnell Area Resource Group (YARG) its mission is now “Collaborating for sustainable communities in the Weaver Mountains.” This will include:
- retaining and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations in the Weaver Mountains area and Yavapai County, and State Wide Organizations.
- offering a 501c3 umbrella for organizations and projects that warrant such provision and which align with the mission.
- collaborating to organize events, offer suggestions and resources based on our experience that can benefit other local organizations.
The YARG will also oversee the completion of the Yarnell Hill Fire Memorial Park, located at 22556 State Route 89.
The Upper Restroom is now open for business!
Granite Mountain Hotshots Centerpiece Takes the Stage at Yarnell Park
Unveiling event: Saturday, November 16, 2019 – 2 pm
22556 State Route 89
The iconic image of the Granite Mountain Hotshots in a human pyramid formation has been planned from the outset as the centerpiece of the Yarnell Hill Fire Memorial Park in downtown Yarnell. The image has been transformed into a 9’ etched steel image, and will form the backdrop for a flagstone performance area in the Yarnell Hill Fire Memorial Park. The structure was unveiled at a special event at the Park at on Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 pm. PMA Industries, Inc., E2 Innovations and Sabatina and Davis, all Valley firms, collaborated to bring the image to a whole new level of honoring the Hotshots. A generous donation by Bob and Sharon Ball made the construction of the centerpiece possible.
The Unveiling Event included performances by local musicians, brief comments by Board Members of the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group (now dba Yarnell Area Resource Group) which owns the Park, and special acknowledgements of the donors of funds, services and building materials for the Centerpiece, and other elements of the Park.
The historic image of the team in a human pyramid was taken at the world record alligator juniper tree in Prescott, saved from the Doce FIre a week prior to the Yarnell Hill Fire. The photo was recovered from the personal camera of Granite Mountain Hotshot Christopher MacKenzie. The photo of the hotshots has been modified, with family permission, to include two members of the crew who were not actually present for the photo and Chris who was taking the photo.
