Phoenix purchased the original 13,000 acres of South Mountain Park from the federal government in 1924 for 17,000. A large number of the structures and trails were built in the park throughout the ‘30s. Today, visitors enjoy more than 50 miles of trails suitable for hiking, as well as riding bikes and horses.

Dog shows, family reunions, small arts and crafts fairs, all seem to find the Tempe Women's Club Park the ideal place to set up during the spring and summer months. A smaller shade park in north Tempe, the park always seems to be busy with one thing or another, and is usually open to the public.