Harelson Park
Warner Ranch Dr. & Myrna Lane
11.2 acres
Harelson Park is one of the largest
neighborhood parks in Tempe and has become one of the
most popular parks in Tempe for its vast open space,
tennis courts and other features.
The namesake for this south Tempe
gem is none other than Harvey Harelson, whose
family roots are long and deep in Tempe. Harvey
arrived in Tempe in 1918 from his hometown of Quincy,
Illinois at the ripe age of 27. He immediately went to
work for the Tempe National Bank at 6th
Street and Mill where he met his future wife Mabel whom
he married in 1919.
At the time, the biggest employer
was the Borden Creamery (now Four Peaks Brewery) and the
namesake of Creamery Park. Fishing and hunting in the
Salt River were popular activities and Harvey was a
regular participant. A founding member of the Tempe
Rotary Club in 1923, Harvey also severed as member of
the Tempe City Council from 1924-28.
In 1942 he left banking and began
an insurance business, Harelson Insurance Services also
in downtown Tempe. In the mid-50’s he was joined in the
business by his WWII veteran son James and later by
James’ son Patrick. In all, three generations of
Harelsons were involved in the insurance business in
Tempe. Harvey and James were also active golfers who
regular played Rolling Hills Golf Course, often 3 or
more times a week.
While Harvey passed away in 1986,
James continues to be an active Tempe resident who
currently lives across the street from the park that
bears his family’s name. The City and it’s current
residents are lucky to have had such a leader as Harvey
Harelson for 68 years and his children and grandchildren
have continued his spirit of service still today.
