Mitchell Park
Mitchell Dr. & 9th St.
11 acres
Mitchell Park was once part of the
vibrant Mitchell School campus. When the Tempe
Elementary School District closed Mitchell School along
with Ward and Rural schools in the 1980’s the City moved
to acquire the school for both a park site and future
building use.
The park and school bear the name
of one of Tempe’s most prominent citizens, William W.
Mitchell. William Mitchell is the grandfather of Harry
Mitchell and great-grandfather of current Councilmember
Mark Mitchell. William Mitchell was born in Johnson
County, Illinois in 1880. He grew up in the area and
later became a school teacher in the county. Looking
for adventure, he moved to Mesa, Arizona where he
oversaw the publication of a local newspaper.
Always possessing a soft heart for
education, he donated land he owned to the Mesa Public
Schools for Booker T. Washington School. In addition,
he was instrumental in having the University of Arizona
develop their experimental farm Mesa.
Shortly after WWII, William began a
residential development for veterans and other moving to
the state. The development was located in west Tempe
between University (old 8th Street) and 11th
Street in what is referred to today and the Mitchell
Park East and West neighborhoods. While Mitchell
donated the land for the school, the school district
decided to conduct a vote for school’s name. The Tempe
community voted overwhelmingly to name the school in
honor of William.
As a long-time Tempe resident and
pioneer, William represented the community in the state
legislature for 7 terms. He also was an active
businessman, newspaper publisher, farmer and land
developer. We are fortunate to have citizens like
William precede us in the community. Through his civic
involvement and philanthropy Tempe is a better
community. His legacy will long be remembered and
Mitchell Park shall honor his contributions to our
community for many years to come.
