There are places in every city that seem to pulse with the spirit of their community- places where stories are told, friendships are formed, and memories are made. For me, Clark Park in Tempe, AZ, is one such place. Every time I walk its paths or hear the laughter from its playground, I’m reminded of how parks like this are more than just green spaces; they are living chapters in a city’s ongoing story.
Clark Park is not just a park – it’s a testament to the vision and generosity of a family that believed in the future of Tempe, Arizona. Its legacy is woven into the city’s fabric, offering a space where history, recreation, and community come together in meaningful ways.
A Legacy Built on Service and Community
The story of Clark Park begins with Ken Clark, born in 1907 in Abilene, Texas, who moved to Tempe with his family at a young age. Ken’s roots grew deep in this desert city, graduating from Tempe High and Arizona State Teachers College in 1928. After teaching in the local schools for five years, Ken shifted his focus to insurance and real estate. For over six decades, he ran his business from an office near 6th and Mill, witnessing and shaping the growth of Tempe, especially during the post-World War II boom.
Ken Clark’s influence extended far beyond the business world. He served with distinction on the Tempe City Council from 1943 to 1936, and his family was deeply involved in civic organizations, always holding a special place for the children of Tempe. Their commitment to the city’s youth is immortalized in the land donation that became Clark Park, a gift that continues to benefit generations.
A Center for Recreation and Connection
Spanning 10 acres at the intersection of 19th Street and Roosevelt Street, Clark Park in Tempe, AZ, is a vibrant hub of activity. Its amenities reflect the diverse needs and interests of the community: baseball and basketball courts, a playground, picnic areas, ramadas, a dog park, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts. The park’s recreation center stands as a tribute to the Clark family, marked by a plaque that honors their enduring legacy.
One of the park’s most notable features is the Matt Mantei Little League Ballfield, dedicated in 2003 as part of the “Field of Dreams” program by Diamondbacks Charities and APS. This field, complete with new lights, fencing, and an electronic scoreboard, has become a cherished destination for young athletes and their families.
The Heartbeat of Neighborhood Life
Over the years, Clark Park has grown into a steadfast community anchor, hosting neighborhood associations and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages. The park’s role as a social and recreational hub is perhaps best exemplified by its community garden, established in 2014. What began as an effort to repurpose the shell of a closed pool has blossomed into a thriving center for urban agriculture, education, and connection.
The garden’s story is one of resilience and adaptation. In 2019, as the City of Tempe began renovating the park and rebuilding the pool, the garden found a new home within the park’s grounds. It continues to flourish, offering a space where neighbors collaborate, learn, and grow together.
Rebirth and Renewal: The New Community Center and Pool
After the original pool closed in 2008, the absence was felt by many. But in 2024, Clark Park experienced a renaissance with the grand opening of its new community center and heated pool. This milestone marked the return of swimming and aquatic activities to the park for the first time in over 15 years.
The new facilities are designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and ages. Four modern classrooms host a range of activities, including fitness and martial arts, childhood education, and the arts. The heated pool, featuring a 17-foot spiral slide, invites families to create new memories, while reservable rooms offer space for meetings and celebrations. The center is open year-round, ensuring that Clark Park remains a lively and welcoming place for all.
A Park for the Future
As Clark Park in Tempe, AZ, undergoes its master planning process, the community’s voice is helping to shape its next chapter. The redevelopment aims to preserve the park’s historical significance while enhancing its amenities and accessibility for future generations. The balance of honoring the past and embracing the future is at the heart of the park’s ongoing evolution.
The park’s location, just under a mile from Arizona State University and surrounded by mid-century homes, adds to its unique character. Access to flood irrigation allows for lush landscaping and mature trees, creating a welcoming environment for students, families, and long-time residents alike.
The Spirit of Clark Park Lives On
Every visit to Clark Park in Tempe, AZ, is a reminder of the power of community and the lasting impact of visionary leadership. The park stands as a living tribute to Ken Clark and his family, whose dedication to Tempe continues to inspire. From its playgrounds and ballfields to its gardens and classrooms, Clark Park is a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the spirit of service lives on.
As I reflect on the park’s journey-from its origins in 1949 to its vibrant present-I am filled with gratitude for the spaces that bring us together and the people who make them possible. Clark Park is more than a park; it is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with vision, generosity, and a commitment to the common good. The legacy of Clark Park in Tempe, AZ, will continue to grow, just as the city itself does, rooted in history, reaching toward the future.
Sources: tempe.gov, Clark Park Google My Business Page
Header Image Source: Clark Park Google My Business Page
