Celia's Rainbow Gardens

Main Entrance

The large slabs of rock at the entrance were donated and put in place by the Yuma BLM rangers and staff. The rock on the left will have the dedication information, and the rock on the right has the names of everyone who has been remembered in the Gardens. The rock butterflies were made by members of the Rock and Gem Club. In front of these rocks is the large planted bed with the Rainbow made of colored glass, welcoming people to the gardens.

Celia’s Oasis

A special area in memory of Celia and other children who are remembered. This area has a waterfall fountain in the center, surrounded by a low wall with the handprint bricks made by the children Celia went to school with. To the right as you go past the wall entrance, there is a gathering circle of seats for small children for reading, inspired by Celia’s teacher Mrs. McClenning.

As you go past the oasis area, there are two trails, one to the left and one to the right.

The Pioneer Village Trail

This area contains two large bedded areas that house a display of miniature pioneer buildings donated by the Quartzsite Historical Society. These buildings have been restored and put in place, and will eventually have plants and landscaping included. The old wagon in the center was donated by Tony and Cee Carnevale, and is thought to be one of the original wagons used to haul freight from the ferry at Ehrenburg.

Palm Tree Plaza

The large palms in this semi-circle were donated by Main Event owners Howard and Marilyn Armstrong, and were planted by his crew. Several benches and landscaping are also included.

Desert Information Area

Across from the palm trees stands a giant saguaro estimated to be over 300 years old, struck by lightning with four giant arms growing from the scarred center. To the left, the QIA pavilion will have displays of reptiles, birds, mammals, insects, flowers, cacti, and trees of the area. On the right, the Rock and Gem Club pavilion houses displays of local rocks in their raw and polished states. Behind the saguaro is the mining equipment display donated by BLM.

September 11 Memorial & Play Area

This area honors the police, fire department, and rescue workers and individuals who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks, as well as the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line every day. Plans include a pond with a spray fountain and a wildlife pond. Behind the memorial, two mazes for kids (a dinosaur and a turtle) and a play set are also planned.

The Amphitheater

This area will have several tiers of seating and a cement staging area with room for many group activities — outdoor weddings, seminars, art events, and more. The sides will be landscaped after the seating area is finished.

The Chapel Trail

A non-denominational area where you can quietly sit, meditate, and enjoy the beautiful mountain views. The center bed has been planted by the Master Gardeners, who also built the little chapel in the middle. At the end of this trail is the entrance to the wildlife pond and a pet remembrance area.

A Gathering of Peoples (future)

This large area will eventually become a tribute to the Native American tribes who gathered here for centuries, as well as the early pioneers. Plans include a miniature replica of Quartzsite at the turn of the century and a representation of Mexican influences from that era, as well as a potential intaglio.