A Commitment to Community. Four words that describe what makes Yuma one of the best places in America to live and play. What sets Yuma apart from so many other communities across America is that while it is one of the countries fastest growing cities, uncontrolled growth, expansion at the expense of its citizens' needs, is not an option. Health, education, recreation, and quality family life are priorities that are addressed daily by civic leaders and residents alike.
The crowning achievement of Yuma's educational system is the Arizona Western College / Northern Arizona University-Yuma campus. With an enrollment of 8,000, the College, while attracting students from surrounding communities, is expanding its national and international enrollment annually.
Visitors and residents will find a variety of activities and events to enjoy throughout the year at the Yuma Civic & Convention Center. Antique shows, arts and crafts bazaars, seminars, health fairs, home shows, banquets, concerts and dances are a continuous source of entertainment at this versatile complex. Yuma's Parks and Recreation Department oversees the operation and maintenance of 13 parks, 7 athletic complexes, 3 recreation centers, 3 swimming pools, 3 tennis complexes and 2 golf courses. Citizens and visitors of all ages are afforded year round availability of venues for all their recreational needs. Youth activities are a primary focus of the Department, several hundred acres of parks have paths for bicycling and hiking, as well as areas for picnicking.
The military has played a major role in the heritage of Yuma and whether here for a few weeks or a few years, are considered to be, and treated as, citizens of our community.
The Marine Corps Air Station was founded in 1962, houses up to 5,000, and continues to be one of the country's top training and testing facilities, due in part to our outstanding year round weather.
The Yuma Proving Ground, located north of Yuma, is host to all branches of the military, as well as friendly nations, for testing all types of new and modified military equipment and munitions, as well as conducting joint research testing with the Navy and Air Force of position testing via a satellite system.
An abundance of fertile land in valley regions, combined with a warm, dry climate, has resulted in a thriving $700 billion a year agriculture business in Yuma County, the most productive in Arizona. The Colorado River supplies the irrigation for the 200,000 acres of cropland. Lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupe, watermelon, wheat and Sudan grass are the main crops. The leading citrus crop is lemons. You will also see cotton and alfalfa fields when driving through this rich and diverse region.
-Yuma Visitors Bureau
