During the Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Thursday evening, the board voted to approve a name change for Circle K Park.
The new name for the park is “Highline Park" (1346 E South Mountain Rd.) due to its proximity to the Highline Canal in South Phoenix. The name change was approved alongside the approval of the proposed master plan for the park that will include a park renovation and bring amenities such as a new playground area, new lighting, a new sport court, 9-hole Disc Golf Course, WalkPHX path and a new park restroom to the newly-named “Highline Park."
“We are thrilled to announce this name change for our beloved park. The new master plan will provide a wide range of enhancements that will make this park a great place for everyone in our community," said Parks and Recreation Board Chair Kelly Dalton.
Park renovation design and permitting is anticipated to take approximately 12 to 14 months, and park construction is anticipated to take 12 months. The Highline Park renovation process is expected to be complete in summer 2025.
Background
The land was initially bought in 1972 and was named Escondido Park. In 1984, the park was developed in a partnership between Parks and Recreation and Circle K, resulting in the name change of the park to Circle K Park.
In 1984 the park site was developed through a partnership between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Circle K Corporation. The City of Phoenix contributed $400,000 of City Bond Funds, and Circle K provided a donation of $300,000 towards the project. During the community process and development of the park, the community supported a name change of the park to Circle K Park.
Since 1984, the park site has seen many improvements to amenities. The playground has been replaced, the parking lots have been renovated and new ramadas have been installed. Many infrastructure items in the park need improvements or replacement, including items such as the area lighting, sports courts and park restroom.
Because of the needs identified, $2.48 million in Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative Funding was allocated for Fiscal Years 2022-24. Staff also worked with the community to develop a new master plan for the park due to the age of the original master plan.
