32 APRIL 2018 By Mallory Gleich N estled between Phoenix and Tempe is one of Arizona’s most well-known destinations, a 1,200-acre spot of land known as Papago Park. The official Phoenix Point of Pride’s many features were formed in the prehistoric ages and have eroded over time into some of the most majestic mountains in the area. From 1914 to 1930, the park was known as the Papago Saguaro National Monument and was under federal jurisdiction. During that time, the park encompassed more than 2,000 acres until the city of Tempe took over the park. Between 1933 and 1935, Papago Park was transformed when two fish hatcheries, ramadas, an amphitheater, barbeques, park trails and paved roads were all added to the area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1938, the State Land Department granted the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society a permit for 308 acres, what has grown into the Desert Botanical Garden. In 1942, a Prisoner of War camp was built for WWII and was also used as a veteran’s hospital until 1953. By the 1960s most of the camp was torn down and now, only pieces of the guard towers remain. In the early 50s, many areas of the park were closed to the public due to people throwing trash into the fish hatcheries. Then, in 1953, the city of Tempe sold 22 acres to Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and in 1959, the city of Phoenix bought 1,176 acres from the state, reopening the park in 1960. Galvin Parkway, where the park is situated, opened in 1962. A golf course was added, as well as a softball and sports complex in 1975. Arguably one of the most interesting points at Papago Park is the Hole in the Rock. This is a natural geological formation that opens up to a massive cave-like area where people can look out over the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. The park also has a television claim to fame as it was the finish line in the fourth season of “The Amazing Race.” There are 10 different trails located at Papago, ranging from easy to difficult. Maps provided at the start of the park explain the difficulty and which trail to follow. “Papago Park is all-around awesome. There are a bunch of trails that can be easy to climb and you can take a seat in one of the caves. My favorite memory as a kid is driving by the Red Mountain and taking in all of the desert smells,” said Tessa Ardestany, who has lived in Phoenix since the 1980s. Along with the trails, Papago Park offers a multitude of different activities for people to enjoy. There are two fishing ponds filled to the brim with Rainbow       PAPAGO PARK “My favorite memory as a kid is driving by the Red Mountain and taking in all of the desert smells.”

33 APRIL 2018 trout, Largemouth bass, Catfish, Tilapia and Carp. Patrons might also catch a glimpse of the Woodhouse Toad, Mexican Bat or turtles. Papago also boasts an archery range, a public golf course, as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden and Hall of Flame Museum also call this park home. Located on one of the many hilltops is a small white pyramid encased by a fence. This landmark is known as Hunt’s Tomb. Designed by Thomas Maddock, the Secretary of the Colorado River Commission for Arizona, the tomb was built for the first, and only 7-time governor of Arizona, Geo. W.P. Hunt. Del Webb built the pyramid as a resting place for Hunt and his family. It was finished in 1931 and cost $1,700. As of right now, there are no future plans for changes to Papago Park. It will continue to be managed and maintained as it is, although there were public workshops in 2009-2010 to get the public’s opinion about the park. “Papago Park offers a variety of amenities and provides something for many different interests. The park provides residents and visitors a fun place to get outside, be active and stay fit, and helps improve quality of life,” said Gregg Bach, who works for City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation. From the multiple trails, to the red-rock buttes, from the fishing to the gorgeous views of the city, it’s easy to see why Papago Park is one of the treasures and Points of Pride in the Valley of the Sun. By Elaina Verhoff I f you head to Papago Park on any fine spring day, you’re sure to see a crowd at Hole in the Rock, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The perfect spot for a quick hike and a beautiful view, Hole in the Rock is a sandstone rock formation that got its hollowed-out shape from natural erosion. And long before it was a backdrop for selfies and Instagram posts, this window on the world played a special role in the lives of the prehistoric Sonoran Desert dwellers called the Hohokam. The Hohokam, known for their role in developing a network of irrigation canals, were farmers in the Salt River Valley and used the canals to water their crops. They were also astrologists, marking the movements of the heavenly bodies. By charting the sun’s rays through a small hole in the ceiling, they created a calendar on the floor of the rock shelter that told them the year’s solstices and equinoxes, and when to plant crops and mark traditional ceremonies. According to the sign at the trailhead, nearby boulders also played a role in marking these important events. This historically significant spot was preserved as a designated archeological site, in part thanks to old postcards. In 1913, Arizona’s first congressman, Carl Hayden, had been getting nothing but rejection letters from the federal government in his quest to designate Papago as a national monument. Then he broke through by attaching five dime- store postcards to his correspondence with the land commissioner. “It is believed that under the National Monument Act, the extraordinary forms of cacti shown in the postcards enclosed with your letter are of sufficient scientific interest to warrant their segregation and protection by the Government,” the commissioner responded. Over the years, many of the Hohokam petroglyphs were painted over with graffiti. In his history of Hole in the Rock, author Jason Gart shares the National Park Service’s concerns about the desecration of the monument: Hand-painted on the monument by a host of local business firms, the writing disfigured the monument with endorsements of Goldberg’s Men’s Furnishers, Go to Hartwells for Photos, and White and Wesley Reliable Jewelers. The next time you take out-of-town guests or a picnic lunch up to Hole in the Rock, take a moment to remember the special role this sandstone rock formation played in the lives of the Hohokam civilization. And if you’ve never been, go check it out. The smooth path around the back makes it an easy trip up to this unique geological formation. HOLE IN THE ROCK Peering through history W.P. Hunt’s tomb has been a key feature of Papago Park since its completion in 1931. Easter sunrise services used to be held in Papago Park. The well-known event, like this one from April 1934, would bring hundreds together to celebrate.