City Set to Transform Park with New Name and Historic Walkway Unveiling

The City of Maricopa is moving forward with plans for the Mike Ingram Heritage Park, introducing a historic walkway aimed at celebrating the city’s vibrant past and dynamic growth. City crews were observed completing shade structures on Tuesday, which will soon shelter pillars adorned with historical plaques.

The initiative received funding from a $100,000 grant provided by Mike Ingram, the founder of El Dorado Holdings. Ingram, whose company played a pivotal role in developing Rancho El Dorado—Maricopa’s first neighborhood—will have the park named in his honor.

The newly constructed walkway will serve as an integral feature of the park, which is slated for landscaping in the future. The city has allocated $93,000 specifically for the shade structures, enhancing the visitor experience.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for next month, although the exact date and time are yet to be confirmed. City spokesperson Quinn Konold emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “This event marks a landmark occasion for our city as we honor our past while looking forward to a bright future.”

The heritage walkway will offer residents and visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on Maricopa’s journey—a trajectory from its inception to its current status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Each of the nine pillars along the walkway will narrate separate chapters of the city’s history.

Parking for the park is conveniently located in the adjacent school district administrative offices parking lot. According to Mayor Nancy Smith, the Mike Ingram Heritage Park will be “a lasting tribute to the spirit of Maricopa,” recognizing the contributions of the community’s pioneers.

Smith also expressed gratitude for Ingram’s generosity, noting it significantly contributes to preserving the city’s heritage. The park resides at 44240 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, close to the Maricopa Historical Society’s headquarters.

Former City Manager Rick Horst, now the chief strategy officer for economic development, initially conceived the park. The site was generously donated to the city by local pioneers John and Mary Lou Smith.

The design of the history plaques utilizes insights from the late Patricia Brock’s historical works, including “Reflections on a Desert Town” and “Images of America: Maricopa.” Brock was a past president of the Maricopa Historical Society and a beloved educator who collaborated with her students to create these educational resources.

Brenda Campbell, a member of the historical society, highlighted the walkway’s significance, stating it captures the city’s rapid development. In 2000, Maricopa had a mere 1,200 residents, with the Heritage District serving as the core of the community. Today, the population has surged to approximately 75,000.