Phoenix celebrated the 100th birthday of South Mountain Park and Preserve on Friday.
In 1924, the city purchased 13,000 acres of land. Today, at more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation.
At the centennial celebration, Mayor Kate Gallego helped cut the ribbon on the newly renovated visitor center. She said she and so many others have treasured memories along the park’s trails.
“I also have so many traditions with my family, including an annual hike with my son to Fat Man’s Pass," Gallego said. "So we have a picture every year with him ‘getting stuck’ in Fat Man’s Pass. A 2-year-old can’t really get stuck in Fat Man’s Pass, but he did his best he could.”
Park employees also took photos of the event with polaroid cameras. Those photos will be put in a time capsule, jumpstarting what they hope will be another 100-year stewardship at South Mountain.
“It’s an educational resource for so many of the city’s children, residents and the 3 million visitors that come to South Mountain each year," Gallego said.
-
By the time the Tillman Scholars reach the Pat's Run start line, there's an ease, a comfortable feeling that they're among peers, like-minded people who uphold the values of the race's namesake, NFL player-turned-Army Ranger Pat Tillman. -
Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary this year. Despite losing its status decades ago as one of the nation’s main arteries, people from around the world still flock to it to take perhaps the quintessential American road trip and soak in its neon lights, kitschy motels and attractions, and culinary offerings. -
Phoenix’s iconic Mystery Castle has a new owner promising to preserve the once-threatened landmark. -
This effort all began three years ago, when Republican state Rep. Teresa Martinez sponsored a bill that pitched letting the Gila River Indian Community design a plate of its own. -
Barrett Marson of Marson Media and Democratic strategist Tony Cani joined The Show to talk about President Donald Trump’s executive order to end mail-in voting, the repeal of Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona and more.
