From “Open Country” to “Open Space”: Park Planning, Rapid Growth and Community Identity in Tempe, Arizona, 1949-1975
Abstract | Tempe experienced rapid growth in population and area from 1949 to 1975, stretching its resources thin and changing the character of the city. City boosters encouraged growth through the 1950s to safeguard Tempe’s borders against its larger neighbor, Phoenix. New residents moved to Tempe as it grew, expecting suburban amenities that the former agricultural supply town struggled to pay for and provide. After initially balking at taking responsibility for development of a park system, Tempe established a Parks and Recreation Department in 1958 and used parks as a main component in an evolving strategy for responding to rapid suburban growth. Through the 1960s and 1970s, Tempe pursued an ambitious goal of siting one park in each square mile of... (more) |
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Created Date | 2019 |
Contributor | Sweeney, Jennifer (Author) / Thompson, Victoria (Advisor) / Gray, Susan (Committee member) / MacFadyen, Joshua (Committee member) / Smith, Jared (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher) |
Subject | American history / Modern history / History / Open space / Parks / Phoenix / Suburbs / Tempe / Urban planning |
Type | Masters Thesis |
Extent | 140 pages |
Language | English |
Copyright |
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Note | Masters Thesis History 2019 |
Collaborating Institutions | Graduate College / ASU Library |
Additional Formats | MODS / OAI Dublin Core / RIS |