Escalante Park

Park Overview

Tucked away at the intersection of River Road and Orange Street in Tempe, Arizona, Escalante Park spreads across 10.1 acres of green space. It's a peaceful retreat where you can stretch your legs, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family. The park is generally well-kept, but you might want to watch your step on the exercise path after it rains - some sections can get a bit muddy.

Historical Background

Back in 1964, the City of Tempe bought this land from the Birchett family for $47,500 - not a bad investment for what would become a beloved community space.

By 1967, the city had hired Kemper and Michael Goodwin to design the park. Their vision got the green light from the Parks Board in February 1968, and construction kicked off that spring.

The park got an extra touch of green thanks to the "Trees for Tempe" program, which added 60 trees donated by community members who wanted to make their mark on this local hangout.

Memorial Significance

There's a deeper meaning behind Escalante Park's name. It honors three brave souls who gave their lives during World War II: brothers PFC Cipriano R. Escalante and PFC George R. Escalante, along with their cousin PFC Gabriel V Escalante.

These three men fought and died in the Pacific Theater. If you visit the entrance to the Escalante Community Center, you'll come across a touching memorial with busts of all three men - a quiet reminder of their sacrifice.

Features and Activities

Whether you prefer the solid footing of paved sidewalks or the natural feel of dirt trails, Escalante Park has paths for walkers, joggers, and hikers of all levels. For those looking to level up their workout, several exercise stations dot these paths, great for adding some strength training to your cardio routine.

The park's spacious layout means there's room for everyone. Open areas invite impromptu games of frisbee or catch, while designated sports sections keep the more organized activities humming along. It's not unusual to see multiple games happening at once, especially on weekends.

Recreational Facilities

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home with baseball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, and volleyball courts all available for use. No matter if you're joining a league game or just shooting hoops with friends, there's space for your sport of choice.

Kids gravitate toward the well-maintained playground, while families often claim spots in the picnic areas or fire up the grills in the grilling area. When the Arizona sun is beating down, the park's shelters offer welcome shade for a break from the heat.

Community Amenities

Green thumbs can get their hands dirty in the park's community gardens, where locals grow everything from tomatoes to zucchini. When nature calls, you can find clean restroom facilities on-site - always a plus for longer visits.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all it has to offer, whether you're an early bird or prefer evenings under the desert sky.