The Riordan Action Network (RAN) met at Riordan Mansion’s Visitor Center Jan. 28 for a brainstorming session resulting in a possible short-term solution to the closing of the mansion on Feb. 22. The Arizona State Parks Board made the decision this past month to close the mansion and 12 other state parks by June 3.

Mike Davis, Riordan Mansion park manager, announced in the meeting the mansion could operate with the assistance of volunteers and donations — something that has never happened before. Davis said all of the money raised would be put into an umbrella account under the 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Code (IRC) operated under the Arizona Historical Society (AHS). The AHS is an established non-profit organization that could act as a holding point under the IRC.

“Any [money] we keep ourselves is subject to sweeping [by the state],” Davis said.

If the plan is approved, RAN and the community would gather the resources for salaries and supplies; AHS would hold the money and write the check.

According to Marilyn Ruggles, one of the RAN organizers, the purpose of the mansion’s partnership with AHS and the 501(c)(3) code is to assure donators and supporters that the money will go back to the park and not to the state.

“The money generated here would stay here to run [the park],” Ruggles said.

After the short-term plan was announced, the group brainstormed ideas on how to attract more visitors to the park and how to raise money for the fund.

“If we can raise a set amount of money and propose this to the [Arizona State Parks Board], they can give [the approval to keep the park open],” Davis said.

It would cost roughly $50,000 to run the park under a basic operation until the next fiscal year.

According to Ruggles, the long-term goal of keeping the park open is up to the legislature. There are two proposals that have not been approved: one written by Karen Washabau, a RAN organizer, and another written by Davis.

“[We are] seeking input from you all to keep this place alive in the community, even if it is on a limited basis,” Davis said.
Two bills have been introduced into the legislature that would charge an additional vehicle registration fee; in turn, residents would be allowed free one-day passes into Arizona state parks.

Flagstaff Rep. Tom Chabin (D) said he is in support of any efforts to keep the parks open.

“If parks close, then we’re gonna lose some very valuable history and legacy,” Chabin said.

Katy Lein, a senior sociology major, has been a volunteer at the park since fall 2007.

“I am completely distraught about the park’s closing,” Lein said. “It is a loss of history and culture.