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Welcome to Altura Park, the tucked-away heart of our local community. Situated within our neighborhood, this park holds both awe-inspiring and cultural significance for residents and visitors alike.
What truly sets it apart are the awe-inspiring Siberian elm trees that grace its boundaries, offering a unique and captivating experience.
Below, we’ll delve into the rich history, natural beauty, and communal activities that make Altura Park a cherished local treasure.
Seventy years ago, during the tenure of Mayor Clyde Tingley, the city planted a remarkable collection of 73 Siberian elm trees around the park, making it a sight to behold. These trees, though not as grand as their American elm relatives, possess a resilience perfectly suited to our arid desert environment. Notably, they have proven to be resistant to Dutch elm disease, a blight that devastated the urban landscapes of New England and the Midwest decades ago.
Seventy years ago, during the tenure of Mayor Clyde Tingley, the city planted a remarkable collection of 73 Siberian elm trees around the park, making it a sight to behold.
These trees, though not as grand as their American elm relatives, possess a resilience perfectly suited to our arid desert environment.
Notably, they have proven to be resistant to Dutch elm disease, a blight that devastated the urban landscapes of New England and the Midwest decades ago.
Among the city’s green spaces, Altura Park proudly showcases a distinction: it is one of just three areas featuring this unique tree planting style. The other two locations are the country club area and the western vicinity of the university. The soaring canopy created by the elms adds an enchanting aesthetic appeal to the park. However, it’s worth noting that these trees produce abundant pollen, seeds, and suckers. This natural exuberance is compensated by the captivating beauty they lend to the surroundings. Additionally, it’s advisable to exercise caution during unsettled weather, as the elms have a propensity for shedding large branches during strong gusts.
Among the city’s green spaces, Altura Park proudly showcases a distinction: it is one of just three areas featuring this unique tree planting style.
The other two locations are the country club area and the western vicinity of the university. The soaring canopy created by the elms adds an enchanting aesthetic appeal to the park.
However, it’s worth noting that these trees produce abundant pollen, seeds, and suckers. This natural exuberance is compensated by the captivating beauty they lend to the surroundings.
Additionally, it’s advisable to exercise caution during unsettled weather, as the elms have a propensity for shedding large branches during strong gusts.
Regrettably, these beloved elms are reaching the end of their natural lifespan. Recognizing their significance to the community, the City has initiated a 10 to 15-year program aimed at thinning and replacing the aging trees.
This endeavor will ensure that Altura Park continues to flourish, maintaining its allure for generations to come.
Learn more about Altura Park’s aging trees.
Altura Park itself holds a captivating history that further enhances its appeal. The land was generously granted to the City in the 1950s by the Keleher and Coe families, demonstrating their commitment to the community’s well-being. Encompassing approximately 7 acres, the park stretches for 0.48 miles around its exterior boundaries, providing ample space for various recreational activities.
Interestingly, the original deed includes a stipulation related to the families’ fondness for tennis. It specifies that the City is responsible for constructing and maintaining tennis courts within the park. Should the city fail to fulfill this obligation, the land would revert back to the original grantors. This charming detail highlights the importance of community engagement and the park’s ongoing development.
Altura Park’s transformation into a cherished green oasis took time. The initial homes along Hannett Avenue were constructed before the streets were even paved or the park was fully landscaped. Over the years, the community’s dedication to enhancing this natural haven led to the establishment of a playground during the tenure of former mayor Jim Baca in the 1990s.
An endearing aspect of Altura Park is the presence of memorial trees that serve as poignant tributes to departed friends and loved ones.
These trees hold a significant place within the park’s landscape, symbolizing the enduring connections and memories cherished by the community.
However, due to overwhelming demand, the practice of planting memorial trees has been restricted, ensuring a balanced and sustainable environment.
An endearing aspect of Altura Park is the presence of memorial trees that serve as poignant tributes to departed friends and loved ones.
These trees hold a significant place within the park’s landscape, symbolizing the enduring connections and memories cherished by the community.
However, due to overwhelming demand, the practice of planting memorial trees has been restricted, ensuring a balanced and sustainable environment.
Altura Park truly thrives as a dynamic hub of communal engagement. Its popularity among residents is evidenced by the consistent high usage it enjoys. This beloved park hosts an array of organized sports such as soccer and volleyball, along with regular practices for the Young American Football League (YAFL). It is a common gathering place for picnics, fostering shared moments of joy and connection.
As you explore Altura Park, immerse yourself in the calmness of the Siberian elm canopy, enjoy the boundless recreational opportunities it offers, and embrace the sense of community that permeates every corner. Altura Park is more than just a green space; it’s a testament to the collective spirit and enduring legacy of our neighborhood.
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