Sunday, August 24, 2008

Encanto Park


Encanto Park sits in the middle of central Phoenix and covers a total of 222 acres. It was inspired by Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and Balboa Park in San Diego and was built in part with the aid of a grant from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1934 and 1938. Along with the picturesque lagoon system, the park boasts a swimming pool, paddle boats, canoes, and a “Kiddieland” playground with a carousel believed to be the oldest in Arizona. There are also lighted basketball courts, handball and racquetball courts, a softball field and an adjacent golf course. Encanto Park is another Phoenix Point of Pride.

7 comments:

Kate said...

Cities are so wise to put aside plots of land for parks and recreation. It's a valuable environmental asset. Yours looks like a delightful stopping-off point!

Petrea Burchard said...

Encanto means "enchanting," doesn't it?

Laurie Allee said...

I've never managed to visit this park when I've been in Phoenix but it looks like I missed a beautiful spot. (Those swans are so wonderful!) It would be great to see the vintage carousel sometime... hint hint... :-)

Sharon said...

Petrea, you are correct. It does mean enchanted.
Laurie, I am planning on going sometime in the evening to get a photo of it with the lights on.

Ming the Merciless said...

Glad to see Phoenix, AZ has its own park. I love the concept of a lagoon system in it.

Janet said...

Enchanting!

Jane Hards Photography said...

That's a beautiful scene.