09/02/2026
Letter to our community regarding CVAA and the Equestrian Center:
First and foremost, I am immensely proud to have been part of the original team that created, organized, fundraised, and built a multi-million-dollar facility. Together, we established a space for world-class events, generated valuable tax revenue for our town, and brought our community together.
Recent discussions have made it clear that much of the history behind this project has been forgotten or was never known to begin with.
The True History of the Facility
The Early Days: The Town of Camp Verde originally purchased a full arena from Bullhead City with the guidance of Bob Weir, Bill Lee, and Louis Rezzonico. When the larger sports complex project was put on hold, the arena was placed in town storage, though it was still brought out to run Bull Bash fundraisers and other local events.
The Master Plan: The Town initially invested approximately $60,000 to design plans for a complete sports complex, including a four-field ballpark, a football/soccer field, and an equestrian center. When an anticipated grant fell through, the arena was once again placed on hold.
The CVAA Foundation (2018): When Mary Phelps returned to Camp Verde and asked about the stored arena, momentum shifted. On September 5, 2018, we formed the Camp Verde Arena Association (CVAA). The Town established a 25-year lease at $1 per year for CVAA to build and operate the facility, allocating approximately $540,000 for core infrastructure.
The final town financial support was $55,000 to build the Concession Stand & $55,000 to build the bathrooms.
Blood, Sweat, and Community Investment
The sheer labor required to build this facility was staggering, not only by our committee members but by local businesses.
Site Preparation: Volunteers spent countless hours leveling the land and parking lots. We hauled in hundreds of truckloads of specialized dirt needed for safe arena footing and proper parking. While the dirt itself was donated, CVAA paid local trucking companies out of pocket (at reduced rates) to haul it.
Capital Improvements: Through focused fundraising, CVAA purchased a second arena, brand-new roping chutes, and a small announcer’s stand. We bought a large conex box, which VACTE remodeled into our main announcer’s stand. We eventually purchased two tractors to properly maintain the ground. So much more that it would take pages to list. So many businesses that donated items, work or expertise that would take pages to list and most of these are posted on our gates and buildings at the facility.
We had to construct a handicapped parking area to be in compliance which had many extra costs CVAA had to encumber.
Volunteer Driven: Every single member of our committee worked unpaid. Thousands of volunteer hours were poured into the grounds to meet our August 2018 opening deadline.
Every dime brought into the facility was reinvested directly back into it. Furthermore, we frequently waived fees to donate the facility to local community programs—events that actually cost CVAA money to host.
Transparency & Financial Integrity
There have been ongoing questions regarding our financial records. I want to state clearly and directly to anyone questioning our financial management: our books are open.
We welcome anyone to sit down with us and review our detailed event records, meeting minutes, and financial statements. It is deeply disheartening to read negative, speculative statements from individuals who have never once asked to look at our paper trail.
I personally used to keep the books and the records and so I know they are accurate.
Moving Forward: A Call for Unity
The truth is, CVAA got exhausted. We got tired of working around the clock for no pay, only to be publicly ridiculed. We got tired of hearing how events "could be done differently" by people who never stepped up to volunteer.
(On a personal note, I carry my own guilt for stepping back from the board to care for my mother during her battle with Parkinson's and to support my son through his fight with cancer. Though I stepped down, I still tried to volunteer as secretary for the annual Fort Verde Days to support the cause where I could.)
It is heartbreaking to log onto social media and see our neighbors fighting. Did the Town of Camp Verde make mistakes? Perhaps. Did CVAA make mistakes? Perhaps. But now is the time to leave pride at the door, stop placing blame, and work together to get this facility open and operational again.
The Next Steps
CVAA has proposed donating all equipment back to the Town, with a simple agreement that allows the association to host heritage events like the Fort Verde Days Rodeo. CVAA should not resume day-to-day management of the facility on a volunteer basis—at this stage, facility management should be a paid position so future board members aren't worked to exhaustion.
To everyone who has pointed fingers or made assumptions: please take a step back. Let’s support the new Commission and solve these problems together. The events held at this arena over the last six years have brought measurable success and pride to Camp Verde.
Instead of fighting online, please reach out to us directly. Sit down with us, let us walk you through the records, and see for yourself that we are simply your neighbors who cared enough to build something lasting for our town.
Sincerely,
Daria Weir
Co-Founder / Board Member, Camp Verde Arena Association
