The City of Grand Junction, in partnership with the North American Basque Organizations (NABO), hosted a celebration at Canyon View Park on May 18 to mark the historic designation of Plaza Urrutia in the State Register of Historic Properties of Colorado. The celebration highlighted the contributions of the Basque community to the development of Grand Junction with a range of activities including a plaque unveiling detailing the Plaza’s history and featuring pelota players from San Francisco and Chino, California, one of whom has familial ties to the historic handball court built by Jean Urruty in 1978.

Read more about Plaza Urrutia and local Basques in a previous story.