Making History in Maricopa

Published on August 22, 2024

The City of Maricopa is thrilled to announce the unveiling of a significant new addition to Heritage Park: a historic walkway that celebrates the rich history and remarkable growth of our community. This project, along with the overall park design and construction that will commence in the coming months, has been made possible in part thanks to a generous donation from Mike Ingram, founder of El Dorado Holdings. In recognition of his invaluable contribution, the park will now proudly bear the name Mike Ingram Heritage Park.

"Maricopa was already a great farm community before I got there," says Ingram. "With the help of many of the leading citizens, such as John & Mary Lou Smith and the Ak-Chin leadership, we were able to start Maricopa on a new path of growth and excellence.  We will always remember the great efforts of Jane Askew and her family, Alma Farrell, Delia Carlyle and Leona Kakar, for all they did to make Maricopa road possible."

We invite the community to join us for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 19th, at 9:00 AM at the park. This event marks a landmark occasion for our city as we honor our past while looking forward to a bright future. Parking will be conveniently available in the school district parking lot adjacent to the park.

The new historic walkway offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to journey through time, tracing Maricopa’s path from its early days to its current status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Although officially incorporated only 20 years ago, Maricopa’s history is steeped in pride, resilience, and a strong sense of community—qualities that continue to define our city today.

“The Mike Ingram Heritage Park will stand as a lasting tribute to the spirit of Maricopa, honoring the individuals and milestones that have shaped our community,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “We are deeply grateful to Mike Ingram for his generosity and commitment to preserving our city’s heritage.”

This celebration is open to all, and we encourage residents to come out and be a part of this special event. Join us as we commemorate the unveiling of the historic walkway and the official naming of Mike Ingram Heritage Park—a space that will serve as a testament to Maricopa’s rich legacy for generations to come.

Event Details:

What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Mike Ingram Historic Walkway

When: Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at 9:00 AM

Where: Mike Ingram Heritage Park, 44240 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa, AZ 85138

Parking: Available in the school district parking lot adjacent to the park