3.2006 No Rock Climbing at Monument Valley | 5.2006 Monument Valley - Mitten not collapsing| 5.2007 Az Family - Road Trip | 5.04.07 Monument Valley Closure during Red Bull Air Race | 5.3.07 Navajo Nation President Signs off - Red Bull Air Race| 5.12.07 Welcome to Red Bull Air Race | 5.2007 Red Bull Air Race Videos| 5.30.07 Asaayi Lake/Bowl Canyon open for Summer | 6.20.07 July Celebration at Monument Valley | 6.28.07 Camp Asaayi Closed due to Construction | 6.28.07 Fire Restriction at Bowl Canyon | 3.28.08 Monument Valley Marathon | 3.28.08 Monument Valley Anniversary Logo | 3.28.08 Monument Valley Golden Anniversary Celebration begins | 4.23.08 Good Morning Arizona | 5.5.08 Good Morning Arizona at MVTP | 5.2008 Outstanding Employee, Helen Webster | 5.2008 Electric Billboard | 5.2008 Nate Boyd, Nominated PRCA Committeman of the Year Award
PRESS RELEASE June 16, 2008
Governor Napolitano issues Proclamation setting July 11 as “Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Day”
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park was established by the Advisory Committee of the Navajo Tribal Council on July 11, 1958. On July 11, 2008 in Monument Valley, the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Park. A full day of activities is scheduled beginning with a flag raising ceremony, a ceremony starting at 9:00 a.m. with invited dignitaries and officials, an afternoon of traditional entertainment and contemporary music, and culminating with a concert by Earl Thomas Conley, and fireworks. Ray Russell, Department Manager of the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, stated that, “We are very happy and honored to have played a major role in protecting Monument Valley through the fifty years and our vision is that Monument Valley will be preserved for many more years to come.”
Monument Valley became world renown through the efforts of Harry Goulding, who opened the neaby Goulding’s Trading Post in 1921. Mr. Goulding introduced Monument Valley to Director John Ford who later brought in movie making with stars like John Wayne, Ward Bond and many others. The movies generated much interest and tourism began. Today, the Park hosts over 250,000 visitors a year. Most of these visitors want to experience the rugged frontier life depicted in John Ford’s movies and Monument Valley has remained that way.
Governor Janet Napolitano was contacted by the Parks and Recreation Department through Dawn Melvin of the Arizona Office of Tourism. The department drafted a Proclamation using the guidelines issued by Governor Napolitano’s office and the Proclamation was issued on June 2, 2008. The Proclamation will be read by Navajo Nation President Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., at the ceremony on July 11, 2008.
Farewell luncheon for Henry Begaye
NPRD has farewell lunch for one of the loyal construction personnel - Henry Begaye, Construction Supervisor - January 29, 2007 thru March 28, 2008.
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Thank you Henry for all your hard work! Enjoyed working with you and may future prospects be well for you. - From all of us at NPRD Left to Right: |
NAVAJO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ON-DUTY FOR FAIRGROUND’S TRASH PICKUP
Window Rock, AZ – What once was glittered with shiny plastics and sweaty glasses, confettied with used wipeys and multi colored food wrappers, can now be recognized as the clear and litter-free parking area of the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. On Thursday, September 20, 2007, staff of the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department (NPRD) once again met up in a team effort to do the final phase of trash pick-up for NPRD’s construction and maintenance crew. READ more...
PRESS RELEASE
March 7, 2006
NO ROCK CLIMBING AT MONUMENT VALLEY
Recent stories have disseminated information that Monument Valley will soon be opened to rock climbing. The provider of this information states that they are working with the Navajo Nation to negotiate an agreement that will allow them to start rock climbing expeditions in conjunction with a local Navajo Tour Operator.
As of this date, the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, the resource manager of Monument Valley Tribal Park, is not negotiating with any company with the intent of authorizing rock climbing in Monument Valley. There had been a similar proposal about two years ago from The Access Fund, a national rock climbing organization, but this proposal was not favorably received by the local residents. Ray Russell, Department Manager, stated that “this proposal will likely meet the same fate and we would not be open to any activity that would desecrate the sacred significance of the rock formations under our charge.” The company promoting this proposal was informed of this earlier attempt and they were advised that getting the residents’ support was a first step but the final decision lies with the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department.
It is possible that the company may be working with the tour operator to promote this venture but the Parks and Recreation Department has not been formally approached with a written proposal. It is unlikely that authorization will be given in light of the unfavorable publicity already generated by the premature announcement.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Martin L. Begaye, 928/871-6647
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park “Mitten” Intact Window Rock, AZ
– Recent reports and several photos have been circulating exaggerating the status of the eastern “Mitten” at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. These reports have been exaggerated greatly. The eastern “Mitten” when viewed from the visitor’s center would be on the right of a visitor’s line of vision. Ostensibly, it would be the “right hand” mitten. On May 18, 2006, the processes of nature began to erode the right “Mitten” and part of the top and side of it fell away. (...read more)
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