Storm Damage Forces Indefinite Closure of Phoenix’s Encanto Park

Damage caused by the monsoon storm that swept through Phoenix on Aug. 28 has forced the Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily close Encanto Park, 15th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. Downed trees and limbs are blocking some park paths, bridges and parking areas, and minor flooding from heavy rains has left many areas unusable. The 65-acre park will remain closed indefinitely until staff can remove downed trees, fill in root holes, and inspect and repair any damaged park features such as bridges and walkways. Although Encanto Park is closed, the Encanto Golf Course is and will remain open for business.

Encanto Clubhouse, 2605 N. 15th Ave., will be open on Tuesday, Sept. 2 for county election purposes, but will remain closed for all other uses.

There is no estimate on a reopening date, though it likely will last for at least one week until crews can eliminate any safety risks. Staff’s preliminary inspections revealed 100 or more trees within the park lost or damaged. Fences around the tennis courts and Encanto Pool also were damaged by falling trees (the pool has been emptied for the season). The park’s buildings are undamaged.

Anyone with a reservation or plans to visit the park in the next week should call 602-261-8443 for updated information. During non-business hours, visitors can get an up-to-date recording on the park’s status. There are several other parks in the area for residents. An interactive map of all city parks is available on the department Web site at phoenix.gov/parks.