Projects

Anza Trail Cultural History Park Grand Opening Report

/ Anza Bob / Leave a comment

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

Progress Report for La Expedición de Anza 1775 (LEA)

/ TheAnzaSociety / Leave a comment
  • LEA Entrance
  • Site for Outdoor Classroom

LEA has become a reality this year. This cultural education facility on the Anza Trail in Tucson, Arizona, opened to the public in March, 2020. The National Park Service will soon be fabricating a tactile map and a colorful wayside panel, allowing people with perceptual disabilities to understand the events and geography of the Anza Expedition. A series of interactive artworks are planned for the coming year.

An outdoor classroom, designed for use by classes from the neighboring Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB), and other schools, is the only unfunded element of the LEA Master Plan. We need your help now.

As we enter the holiday giving season, please consider a donation. We are almost there! We have raised almost $32,000 for the outdoor classroom, and we need another $9000 to build.

All donations in any amount made this month will be doubled!

Thanks to the Federal Cares Act, taxpayers who file using the standard deduction are now eligible to deduct up to $300 for cash donations made to charitable organizations. This one-time allowance expires December 31, 2020.

You may donate now by going to our LEA web site: https://lea1775.org

Donations are managed by the Anza Society International (ASI), a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Tax ID #06-1723695, incorporated under laws of the State of Arizona. ASI is an all-volunteer organization. 100 percent of all donations go directly to the completion of the LEA outdoor classroom.