In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their lives and inspires people to both experience and become devoted to these special places.

On August 25, 2006 – the 90^th anniversary of the National Park Service – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne launched the National Park Centennial Initiative to prepare national parks for another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment. Since then the National Park Service asked citizens, park partners, experts and other stakeholders what they envisioned for a second century of national parks.

A nationwide series of more than 40 listening sessions produced more than 6,000 comments that helped to shape five centennial goals. The goals and vision were presented to President Bush and to the American people on May 31^st in a report called The Future of America’s National Parks.

Every national park staff took their lead from this report and created local centennial strategies to describe their vision and desired accomplishments by 2016. This is just the first year, and there are many great things to come as the National Park Service prepares to celebrate 100 years!

To keep up with the Centennial Initiative and to experience the interactive version of The Future of America’s National Parks and special features please visit the centennial website at www.nps.gov/2016.

Coronado's Centennial Strategy [255k PDF file]

We Want Your Opinion!

When looking to the NPS Centennial in 2016, Coronado National Memorial will be focusing on becoming a critical source for educating the public on the significance of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's expedition in the 1540's.  To achieve this vision, the staff will rethink the nature and focus of interpretive exhibits - indoors and out.  The Memorial's location and viewshed help tell the stories of immigration and exploration in the 1540's but also of immigration in present times.  Visitors will be able to understand the Entrada's influence through the creation of interactive exhibits, the addition of strategically created and placed passive interpretation, and the enhancement of web-based or technology driven educational tools.  The Memorial staff will work to integrate school groups, volunteers and other relevant organizations into the creation and development of the new interpretive media, creating a better understanding and clarifying the relevance of the memorial to the residents of Cochise County. 

Coronado National Memorial is beginning the process of updating the exhibits in the visitor center. To help better serve the public, we'd like your input on the proposed exhibits, topics, and layout. Comments can be sent via email or postal service to the Chief of Interpretation. A draft synopsis and detailed drawings are available online. A three dimensional model can be seen at the visitor center.