Yuma County Smucker Park Project Stalls After Contractor Reportedly Leaves

Yuma County says construction at Smucker Park is on hold after the contractor working on a stormwater retention and detention basin left the project before finishing, a move that has left parts of the park closed and regular users unable to complete morning walks. Park regular Norma Guerrero said, "In the morning, we used to see people exercising before work, and we don't see that anymore because the path is blocked."

The work was part of a broader flood-control and park-improvement project near Ray Smucker Park. County officials reported that "the company hired to handle flood control and drainage work stepped away," halting progress on the stormwater-retention/detention basin and pausing other construction activities tied to drainage and safety.

The Yuma County Flood Control District is responding by reviewing its legal and procurement options. County officials said they are "now reviewing its options, including possible legal action, and looking for a new contractor to complete the job," and are weighing how best to secure replacement contractors while minimizing risks to flood-control functions tied to the basin.

City of Yuma leaders say parts of Smucker Park have reopened to the public while crews finish safe, isolated tasks. Mayor Doug Nicholls reported that "most of the dead trees have been removed and the city is reviewing a contract to replace them," and city officials say additional repairs and landscaping are planned this spring as they coordinate with county crews on site access and safety.

Community reaction has been immediate. Guerrero said she "hopes a solution is found soon" and stressed the community "needs the park back in good condition," reflecting broader disappointment among regulars who rely on the park for exercise near downtown Yuma. City leaders told reporters they appreciate the community's patience as crews and officials sort next steps.

Key details remain unresolved: county officials have not released the contractor's name, the date the company ceased work, or the contractual terms including project cost, completion timeline, or whether a performance bond is available to pay for a replacement contractor. For now, county officials are deciding what steps to take next, including whether to pursue legal remedies and how quickly to open a procurement process to finish the flood-control work.

Yuma County and City of Yuma officials say they will update the public once a new contractor is selected or when legal actions are filed; in the meantime, parts of Ray Smucker Park remain closed where construction left paths blocked and landscaping unfinished.