Five years later, by July of 2018, most of the funds had been disbursed to residents who lost their homes and local infrastructure. The remaining funds were designated for the Memorial Park which was dedicated on June 30, 2021.
The YHRG changed its focus. To honor the memory of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and the homes and memories lost, we will continue our efforts to develop Yarnell and the area into a thriving, economically sustainable community. Under the DBA Yarnell Area Resource Group (YARG) its mission is now “Collaborating for sustainable communities in the Weaver Mountains.” This will include:
- maintaining the park.
- offering a 501c3 umbrella for organizations and projects that warrant such provision and which align with the mission.
- retaining and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations in the Weaver Mountains area and Yavapai County, and State Wide Organizations.
- collaborating to organize events, offer suggestions and resources based on our experience that can benefit other local organizations.
As part of our effort in offering the 501c3 umbrella for organizations in the area we were able to obtain a $10,000 grant for Walden Meadows Community Co-op (the water company for Wilhoit). Pictured here are Frances Lechner and Judy Garner presenting the check to Cal Lewis, treasurer and Terry Williams, vice president of WMCC.
T-SHIRTS, HOODIES, & PATCHES
Visitors and neighbors may now order items that help to sustain the Park and the Yarnell Area Resource Group. Click on the button below for information or order.
YARNELL SOUTHERN ENTRANCE SIGN
Businesses, organizations and individuals may rent space (REALLY reasonable!) on the large sign on the entrance to Yarnell at the top of the hill. Click on the sign below or “Community Sign” in the footer.
CLICK ON SIGN ABOVE OR COMMUNITY SIGN IN THE FOOTER TO SEE THE NEW FEATURE AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS FROM YARNELL AREA RESOURCE GROUP AND YARNELL-PEEPLES VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Ninth Annual Remembrance Event took place at the Park on June 30, 2022.
Paul Jones started the program with an Invocation. Chuck Tidey followed with stories of the park construction. Frances Lechner gave a brief view of the first year of operations of the park. Nina Bourbeau sang a moving rendition of “Blazing Honor”.
Arlon Rice from Yarnell Fire District and Shawn Bomar from Peeples Valley Fire District brought the audience up to date on the current efforts of their fire districts. Mark Weise, Director of Operations, AZ State Parks and Trails commented on the beauty of the park. Maria Adams followed with a lovely presentation of “Forever Young”.
Lew and Marcie Theokas read the names of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, with Bob Brandon ringing the bell as a tribute to each name read. A brief period of silence was observed as a tribute to the hotshots. Lew and Marcie had done an interview with the television crews before the event and those crews kept the cameras rolling during the entire program.
The program was ended by Linda Ma with an invitation for all to visit together under the cottonwoods at Lohrwood. We hope all who attended enjoyed the Ninth Annual Remembrance Event.
Painting by Ray Antolik. Click to enlarge. He is making the prints affordable for us to raise money for the Yarnell Hill Fire Memorial Park. They can be purchased at the Yarnell Emporium, 928-427-9593.
Wildland Firefighter©
by Bob Brandon
Bob Brandon, a self-taught artist, was on the frontline of fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. Bob and his crew were creating a firebreak in the Shrine Road area. A sudden wind shift forced them to abandon their work. The wind shift changed to course of the fire – and the course of many lives.
Prints of “Wildland
Firefighter” are
available.
The following buttons will connect you to You Tube videos of the 2021 memorial service and park dedication. Click on the button you wish to watch. You will leave this website to view the video. When you are done watching a video press the return button at the top of your screen to return to this website and select another.
In May 2023 the park was turned over to Arizona State Parks and Trails. They will continue to operate and maintain the park as a memorial to the events of 2013. Their website is: https://azstateparks.com/
The shuttle service to the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is run by the Yarnell Fire District, providing a critical income stream for the department. The State Park is staffed by a Yarnell resident, and shuttle passengers have the opportunity to visit local shops and restaurants, all of which benefit the local economy.
Pictures of other bricks are on the Memorial Park page.
