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Sometimes it's most impossible to track dates/times of old Parks but Trolley records printed in 1908 and perhaps earlier (and later in 1916) say East Lake Park was OWNED by the Trolley Company. The comments below are c/c/p from the City of Phoenix. Maybe Trolley ownership ended in 1914 ?? East Lake Park was the focal point of ---- for much of it's existence... ?? Arizona became a state in 1912 and 'black' population ?


Phoenix Park, as it was called back in the 1890's, was developed by Moses Sherman specifically to give passengers of his tram line a pleasant place to spend time while waiting for the next tram. A tree lined lake covered much of the existing park. In 1914, it was purchased by the city of Phoenix and became Eastlake Park.

Eastlake Park has been the focal point of African American history in Phoenix for much of its existence. Until it outgrew the space, the park was the home of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The park has been home to many civil rights rallies, visits from civil right leaders and the starting point of all civil rights marches to the Capital. It is home to the Annual Juneteenth Celebration and the Phoenix Arts Commission Civil Rights Memorial.

The trolleys no longer run and the lake has been drained, but Eastlake Park lives on as a vital community asset. It is a place where children, teens, adults and seniors from across the valley meet to participate in outstanding cultural programs.

All can enjoy free classes in dance (hip-hop, jazz, ballet, African, Capoeria, tap, tumbling, cheer, pom), arts and crafts, pottery, Jujitzu and aerobics. Sports programs include basketball; t-ball, coach pitch and kid pitch (sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks), flag football (sponsored by the Arizona Cardinals), track, softball wiffleball, kickball, and splatterball, are offered free or at a minimal fee. Educational classes in computer, cooking, sewing, teen council, tutoring and mentoring are free to everyone. Activity Schedule

Eastlake Park embraces the spirit of Phoenix.