Joyce Park

Historical Significance

Joyce Park is a 4.6-acre neighborhood park located at the intersection of Hermosa Drive and Laguna Drive in Tempe, Arizona. The park was named in honor of Fred Joyce (1881-1967), a prominent figure in Tempe's early development who arrived in the area in 1911 after graduating from the Missouri School of Mines.

Fred Joyce played a significant role in Tempe's growth, serving as a city councilman from 1922-26 and contributing to various civic organizations. He was involved in addressing a housing shortage in 1924 by developing the Park Tract subdivision, which largely comprises the Maple Ash neighborhood.

Joyce's diverse career included work in the mining industry and as an insurance agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York.

Park Features and Community Use

The park offers a range of recreational facilities for visitors and serves as a gathering place for the local community. It provides ample opportunity for residents to enjoy its amenities throughout the day and into the evening.

Future Improvements

In 2025, the City of Tempe announced plans for improvements to Joyce Park, including upgrades to the playground equipment, expanded rubber playground surfacing, and the addition of an accessible picnic table location.

These enhancements aim to improve the park's functionality and accessibility for all visitors.