News and image source: City of Maricopa
Maricopa, AZ – Maricopa was born on the rails, and now, that story is being brought vividly to life. Mike Ingram Heritage Park, a landmark along Maricopa Casa Grande Highway, will soon undergo a major transformation that both honors the past and builds for the future.
Already home to the Maricopa Museum and Visitor Center, the Zephyr railcar, and the inviting Historic Timeline Walk, the park has become a cornerstone of the Heritage District. Now, it’s set for a dramatic upgrade designed to make it an even greater gathering place for our community.
What’s Coming to Mike Ingram Heritage Park
- Expanded Performance Stage with the iconic railcar as its backdrop
- Amphitheater-style seating, perfect for concerts, celebrations, and cultural events
- Signature Railroad-Themed Playground to spark imagination for the next generation
- Beautiful new landscaping that ties the park into the broader Heritage District
City leaders are enthusiastic about the impact this project will have on quality of life in Maricopa.
“We’re so excited to welcome these new investments,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “This unique space will give our community more opportunities to gather, celebrate, and connect—always with the railcar, the passing trains, and Maricopa’s unforgettable skyline as the backdrop.”
The upgrades to Mike Ingram Heritage Park are part of a larger vision for the Heritage District. With the new pedestrian bridge opening access to Southbridge retail and dining, nightlife at Duke’s Roadhouse, and now a reimagined community park, the area is fast becoming the heart of Maricopa’s social and cultural life
“This project has been a long time coming,” Vice Mayor Henry Wade added. “When you combine it with the improvements we’ve made throughout the Heritage District, you can feel the momentum. What an incredible time to live in Maricopa!”
Construction Timeline
Crews will mobilize in mid-September, with completion anticipated by mid-December—just in time to kick off a new chapter of community events and celebrations in the heart of our city.
The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, September 23 at 8:00 a.m. The event will be held outside the Maricopa Museum and Visitor Center, 44200 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa, AZ 85138.
