Papago Park History & Amenities Papago Park is a 1,500 acre park known for its many distinctive geological formations and wide variety of desert plants, including the giant saguaro cactus. The history of Papago Park is long and rich. Well before the park was formally recognized, the unique natural resources were appreciated by pre-historic civilizations. The growth of civilization over thousands of years has been dynamic and the park is now centrally positioned in the heart of our metropolitan area. Papago Park is a desert retreat right here in our backyard, surrounded by the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Active and passive recreation opportunities exist throughout the park, including bicycle and pedestrian trails, an archery range, picnic areas with historic ramadas, fishing lagoons, and athletic facilities. Papago Park is home to the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Hole in the Rock, Hunt’s Tomb, Papago Sports Complex, Rolling Hills Golf Course, and Papago Golf Course.
The growth in and around the park has placed pressure on the unique park environment, creating the need for a new Regional Master Plan. The legacy and the protection of the resources for future generations is a paramount goal for the planning process. The plan will not only address current needs and desires for the park, but look well into the future to help guide decisions for future management of the park.
