Exploring Peorias Sporting History A Journey Through Time

Peoria, Arizona is a city that cherishes its sporting traditions and community spirit. From baseball to horse racing, this southwestern town has played host to a wide range of sports throughout history. If youre looking to explore the rich heritage of Peoria sports, here are some mustvisit destinations:

1) The 1895 Phoenix Trotting Park (16001 N.Dysart Rd., Surprise AZ 85378) This historic site was once a mecca for harness racing in the early 1900s and hosted numerous championship races. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the grandstands and track that made this park famous.

2) The Peoria Sports Complex (161011 N 83rd Ave., Peoria AZ 85382) where since it opened in1984 two Major League Baseball teams have come every year for spring training games(prior to the pandemic). Check out murals featuring local artists at each entrance gate.

3) Challenger Baseball Field(15745 North Quartz St., Surprise AZ 85374), named after Sarah McDaniel who spent her life including children with special needs in activities, allows children from all abilities play Americas favorite pastime with adaptations determined by their unique limitations. It opened on April10th,2010 as part of the Chance Foundation which raises funds for creative opportunities like drumming circles or yoga lessons.

4) Rio Vista Community Park located near downtown(Peacock Village Shopping Center ) along Thunderbird Paseo which connects many parks provides an easy way to walk or bike between them.

a.Pickleball courts

b.Bocce ball courts

c.Skateboard plaza

d.Baseball fields/soccer fields/football field area

e.Historical Marker telling how people used irrigation ditches now filled with water provided recreation before air conditioning became affordable .

Peoria is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich sporting history that continues to thrive today. Whether youre a sports fan or simply curious about the towns heritage, these destinations offer an exciting glimpse into Peorias past while reflecting its communityoriented values.

Websites:

https://www.surpriseaz.gov/1756/SarahMcDanielChallengerBaseballField

https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/communityservices/parksrecreationandcommunityfacilities/parksandtrails/maps

Twitter: @PeoriaParks