Anza Trail Cultural History Park Grand Opening Report

The long awaited, momentous occasion has arrived. The original idea and promotion came from the Anza Society, Inc. It took 7 years and a cooperative effort among many organizations and individuals, but together, look what we have done!

The Anza Trail Cultural History Park was dedicated in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, January 28, 2023. The park is fully accessible for people of all abilities, including students and staff of the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB), a next-door neighbor. The beautiful public park relates the history of the Anza National Historic Trail as well as the cultural and biological stories of the region. The Grand Entrance Archway, located on West Speedway Avenue, represents all of the people who have come through this area over the centuries.

Pictured from left to right: Kerry Hodgkinson, ASDB instructor; Kristine Hodgkinson, ASDB graduate; Naomi Torres, JUBA Superintendent; Casey Hopper, former ASDB instructor; Jasmine, ASDB student; Laura Bolyard, NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program; Anne Rempe, ASDB instructor; Ronald Quinn, Anza Society, Inc.; Christopher Bentley, JUBA; Lane Santa Cruz, Tucson City Council Person; Dave Jeffries, Anza Society, Inc.

Approximately 250 visitors enjoyed food and music provided by the Tohono O’odham people, a game for children, and mariachi dancers. Guests included students and staff from ASDB, numerous National Park Service staff and volunteers, Naomi Torres, Superintendent of the NPS Anza National Historic Trail; Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, Arizona State Representative; Lane Santa Cruz, Tucson City Council Person; and Trisha Waddell, ASDB Principal.

The idea of this park, located adjacent to ASDB and the Anza National Historic Trail, first conceived by the Anza Society, was promoted, planned, designed, funded, and constructed through the efforts of numerous nonprofit and government organizations, generous donors and foundations, plus thousands of volunteer hours. The National Park Service co-hosted the dedication event with numerous community partners.

Note from the Web Administrator: Hats off to Anza Society Officers Ron Quinn and Dave Jeffries for their countless hours dedicated to see this project to fruition!

To see more about the Anza Trail Cultural History Park, go to: lea1775.org

SAVE THE DATE – Sat Jan 28, 2023 – 12 noon – 3:00 pm Grand opening of new park at 830 W Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

from Ron Quinn via Laura Bolyard

Hello – we have big news!

After hearing from as many of our contacts as we could to identify a good event date,our new community park Anza Trail Cultural History Park (830 W Speedway Blvd) grand opening celebration will be: Saturday January 28th between 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Please save this date on your calendars and share with your community groups as we hope all can join in the celebration of their new park and its amenities!  

This event will be open to the public and we expect congressional representatives.  We plan a local band and local food provided.  

Please also let us know how your community would be interested in participating.  Watch for a news release and more details

Image of new entrance to park north of Speedway Blvd, east of Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind, and west of the Santa Cruz River.

Image of students from Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind using the new park with it’s new exhibits as an Outdoor Classroom, October 2022.

Laura Bolyard, Project Manager

on behalf of the Anza Trail Cultural History Park/La Expedicion de Anza 1775 project planning committee

  • Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind
  • Anza Society, Inc.
  • Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
  • National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program