Encanto Park

A Park with History

Situated in the heart of Phoenix, Encanto Park has been a green oasis since 1934. William G. Hartranft, who headed the first Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board, dreamed it up with ambitious visions - he wanted to create something on par with San Diego's Balboa Park or San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Pretty lofty goals, right?

Over the decades, this urban retreat has evolved through several facelifts. The south side got a refresh in 1982, swapping out the old archery range for game courts and adding more parking and play equipment. A few years later in 1986, the north side underwent its own transformation with improvements to the lagoon system, a new boathouse, better lighting, and more play areas. More recently, the playgrounds have been beautifully redesigned to welcome children of all abilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

Natural Beauty

Spanning 222 acres, this urban space offers a surprisingly serene landscape with winding lagoons, canals, and islands where local waterfowl gather. Take a stroll and you'll notice an impressive variety of unusual trees and shrubs within the grounds, not to mention the ducks, geese, and other birds that have made this place their home.

At the heart of the park sits a 7.5-acre lagoon that's about 6 feet deep - great for a bit of urban fishing or a relaxing boat ride. The lagoon is regularly stocked with catfish and trout, so don't forget your fishing gear if that's your thing!

Recreation for Everyone

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the two courses designed by William P. Bell, a big name in golf course architecture and founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

For the little ones, Enchanted Island is a charming amusement park nestled on one of the park's islands. It's primarily designed for children ages 1 to 10 and features a historic carousel, train rides, pedal boats, and classic carnival games - simple pleasures that never seem to go out of style.

Get Active

For those interested in sports, the park has tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and baseball fields. These facilities are well-maintained and lit for evening play, making them popular spots for the local sports community.

Need to cool off? Head to Encanto Pool, a spacious public swimming facility featuring two 1-meter springboards, dedicated lap lanes, a floating balance run, and basketball hoops in the shallow end. There's also a separate kiddie pool, so swimmers of all ages can enjoy the water.

Family Fun

The recently updated playgrounds deserve special mention for their inclusive design. These aren't your average jungle gyms - they feature wheelchair-accessible equipment, special needs swings, and interactive elements that allow children of all abilities to play together. It's refreshing to see such thoughtful design in a public space.

Throughout the park, you'll find numerous picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills, many positioned along the waterside and shaded by trees. These spots are ideal for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or simply enjoying a meal outdoors.

Architectural Charm

Take a moment to appreciate the various buildings scattered within the park, designed by the local architecture firm of Lescher and Mahoney. These structures showcase Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Moderne styles, adding a touch of historical character to the landscape.

It's no surprise that Encanto Park has been named a Phoenix Point of Pride and is included in the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its central location and diverse offerings make it a go-to spot for both Phoenix locals and visitors looking for a refreshing escape from the urban hustle.