Coming up on an anniversary of sorts for Randolph Park. The largest park in the city, the midtown green space was donated to the city in 1925. It features a golf course, zoo and baseball park along with some significant 3-D sculpture and just plain green grass–and a lake.
The heirs of Epes Randolph gave the acreage to the city in 1925 (that’s his bust at the top of this post). A pioneer engineer, railroader and banker at the turn of the last century, Mr. Randolph is a significant figure in this “cowtown” (as Roy Drachman called it). Because of his engineering expertise, the Colorado River breach was closed. He helped build the Santa Rita Hotel in Downtown Tucson, too.
Since about 1978, the park has been called Reid Park. Gene Reid was parks director, mid-century, and grew the parks system from 8 to over 30 parks. The Zoo is named for him as well. Randolph’s name is still on some buildings and the recreation center.
And Hi Corbett, pioneer lumberman and civic leader, is credited with bringing MLB spring training to Tucson. That’s why the ballpark on the north side of the park bears his name.
Just like the artwork that adorns this town, you can’t turn around without bumping into history. These men really built this city. And they left their footprints and stories behind for us.
Relentless
