Park Gets New Name in Honor of Rancho Developer: A Legacy Unveiled

Maricopa witnessed a significant milestone today as local leaders and historians gathered at Heritage Park to honor Mike Ingram, a pivotal figure in the city’s development. During the morning ceremony, the city unveiled a new history walk featuring plaques that highlight key chapters in Maricopa’s vibrant past. This initiative celebrates Ingram, the founder of Scottsdale-based El Dorado Holdings, which played a crucial role in developing the Rancho El Dorado subdivision and other major projects in the area.

Ingram contributed $100,000 to enhance the park, with a substantial portion allocated for its improvements. City Councilmember Vincent Manfredi remarked on the city’s transformation, noting, “There’s one person that expected it to be as big as it is, and he’s sitting over here,” while gesturing towards Ingram.

City Manager Ben Bitter emphasized Ingram’s influence on local infrastructure, recalling how El Dorado Holdings’ efforts led to the establishment of State Route 347 in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a significant development for the community. Bitter acknowledged the highway’s original design limitations, but he credited Ingram’s advocacy for its future expansion.

During the ceremony, Ingram reminisced about the collaborative efforts that paved the way for Maricopa’s growth. He highlighted the contributions of local pioneers like Mary Lou and John Smith, who played crucial roles in launching the Maricopa Road development. Ingram also expressed gratitude to the Gila River Indian Community for their vital donation that facilitated the highway’s construction.

Ingram commended the city for recent infrastructure improvements, notably the John Wayne Parkway overpass and safety enhancements along SR 347. Reflecting on his early challenges, he recalled how his development plans faced skepticism from locals. “I got a lot of abuse,” he admitted, stressing the community’s rich history predating his projects.

He acknowledged the support from local farming families, whose efforts helped secure funding for the municipal pool site now home to Ingram Park. Ingram also faced hurdles, such as issues with utility service providers, which motivated him to establish Electric District No. 3 through a partnership with Edison.

Ingram’s efforts extended to bringing Amtrak services to Maricopa, a move that has left a lasting legacy in the city. “The people who used to laugh at me, saying you’re building a road to nowhere, they realized nowhere has arrived today,” he remarked, underscoring the community’s growth since Maricopa’s incorporation two decades ago.

The ceremony concluded with Ingram and Maricopa Vice Mayor Amber Liermann cutting the ribbon to officially open the history walk, marking a day of reflection on the past and celebration of Maricopa’s journey into the future.