The economic downturn that occurred over the last few years left a lot of businesses and organizations hurting.
Not the least of those was the Arizona State Parks system, which saw its budget swept by the legislature.
Several parks were faced with closure across the state, including Fort Verde State Historic Park, one of the most-intact Western military posts from the 19th century and a huge part of downtown Camp Verde.
Since 2008, the park has operated with only one full-time employee, Park Manager Sheila Stubler.
That changed this month with the hiring of park ranger and assistant park manager Robert Jennings.
The park was able to stay open thanks to financial help from the Town of Camp Verde and Yavapai County.
Camp Verde was the first community in Arizona to come to an arrangement to keep its park open. Many others around the state soon followed suit.
The fort also benefited from an army of volunteers who stepped up to work at the park during the difficult economic times, a group that continues to help keep the park’s operations running smoothly.
Jennings said he was happy to receive the promotion to full-time ranger.
Jennings worked as a contractor prior to moving to Camp Verde, bringing with him a skill set that helps out at Fort Verde.
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, April 29, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
