A Walk In The Park

A Walk In The Park - With Susan McDaniel

I o en enjoy a Sunday morning stroll at Encanto Park.

This scenic park is in central Phoenix and is comprised of more than 200 beau ful acres of land consis ng of picnic areas, a lagoon, a boat house, swimming pool, nature trail, amusement park (Enchanted Island), fi shing and two golf courses. Forbes names “Encanto Park” in Top 12 Best City Parks In America!

Encanto Park was conceptualized by William G. Hartran , a millionaire philanthropist and chair of the fi rst Phoenix Parks and Recrea on Board, who envisioned a park of similar scale to Balboa in San Diego and Golden Gate in San Francisco. Construc on of the park began in 1935. It was completed three years later.

The fi rst me I visited the park was on Easter 1984, shortly a er I moved to Phoenix. We barbequed hamburgers and had Desi’s famous potato salad! Then, off to the paddle boats!

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You never know what you are going to see when you visit Encanto. There are people fi shing in the lagoons, brightly colored paddle boats everywhere (I’m sure the fi shermen don’t appreciate this), walkers like me, kids riding bikes, adults riding bikes, babies being pushed in their strollers, church revivals, yoga and tai -chi classes, runners, golfers, a few friendly transients (I think one is on the welcoming commi ee), dogs on leashes and off (FYI off is not allowed and pick up the poop – I some mes have to remind people of this), kick ball tournaments (I’m thinking about joining because I am an excellent kick ball player), amateur so ball games (and I do mean amateur), a few undercover agents, tennis players, swimmers, and some very wild ducks! These ducks think that the park is “their turf”. One me a group of them blocked my path and started hissing at me! Lucky for me, I can s ll run fast and a few others followed along thinking we were in some kind of marathon!

Every now and then you will hear a train whistle. Not to worry; it’s just the Enchanted Island train (C.P. Hun ngton). Enchanted Island is the on- site amusement park. It boasts a train that tours around the park, a merry-go-round, rock climbing (no, I haven’t done this yet but thinking about it), Red Baron Airplane (yes), helicopters, airplanes, Dragon Wagon (on my bucket list), bumper boats, castle clash, and splash pad (not allowed on this anymore). The hot dogs and slurpees are outrageous and a good me will be had by all!

So you see, visi ng this park is a great way to start the day and lots of free entertainment that leads to slightly embellished stories.

Enjoy Your Week!

Submi ed by Susan McDaniel - Bill Luke DCJR