The City of Phoenix celebrated the 100th anniversary of South Mountain Park and Preserve on Friday. The event, held at the newly renovated South Mountain Visitor Center, brought together local officials, residents, and park enthusiasts to mark the milestone. Mayor Kate Gallego called the park an important part of Phoenix's history and a cherished local landmark, according to the City of Phoenix.
South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., covers 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert, home to wildlife, cacti, and rich cultural history. It serves as a popular spot for outdoor fitness, environmental education, and recreation. District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the park's importance as a place for all and the city's commitment to preserving it for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts, as reported by the City of Phoenix.
District 6 Councilman Kevin Robinson spoke about the park's role as a community and conservation resource, while Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar shared personal memories of growing up near South Mountain. The ribbon-cutting marked the completion of the Visitor Center's renovation, transforming it from the South Mountain Environmental Education Center into a more modern space with updated design and exhibits, as stated by the City of Phoenix.
The centennial celebration in Phoenix included a variety of activities, such as guided hikes, pollinator plantings, serenades under the open sky, and a photo opportunity for a time capsule. The time capsule, which will be placed in the Visitor Center's wall. As the city looks ahead to its next centennial, efforts to maintain and preserve its parks continue. For more information on trails and events, visit phoenix.gov/parks/trails.
