Estrada Park in south Tempe is named after one of Tempe’s true pioneers, Pete Estrada. The son of Raphael and Raphaela Estrada was born May 13, 1891 in Tempe in the area of what now is Sun Devil Stadium. Pete, his parents and the Estrada children operated a grocery store, barbershop, restaurant and pool hall in downtown Tempe at 4th and Mill and also operated a 40-acre farm in what is now south Tempe. 

Pete gradually shifted his attention from the family’s various businesses to politics in 1923 at the age of 32. On January 1, 1923 Pete was hired as a court interpreter for the Maricopa County Superior Court where he remained for 30 years. In 1953, Pete was promoted to county law librarian where he served for 15 years before retiring at the young age of 77. 

While he dedicated himself to service, Pete and his family never drifted from Tempe. An active member of the community, Pete was a remarkable man whose name and legacy has been forever immortalized in the naming of Estrada Park. 

Park size is 8 acres.

About the park art

Mary Shindell
Walk in the Park, 2019
Litho-mosaic in concrete pathways, and designed rubberized floor planes 

Description: Walk in the Park is a fully integrated artwork that creates a connection between the landscape of Estrada Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Artist Mary Shindell was inspired by the plants in the neighborhood to create patterns in the fitness path and play areas. Mosaics in the pathway at the entrances were created to provide color and detail for all entering the park. Several mosaics were placed along the fitness path to coincide with the location of actual plants. On the playground and in the workout areas, these botanicals became large shapes of color connected by a vine throughout the park. Walk in the Park was created to provide interest for visitors of all ages.

Read more on Tempe Public Art's map.