Papago Park is a popular destination in metropolitan Phoenix, attracting thousands of visitors each year to enjoy nature in the heart of the fifth-largest city in the U.S. However, there was a proposal in the 1970s that could have drastically changed the park’s experience if city leaders had approved it. The proposal suggested the construction of a 600-foot-tall neon-lit saguaro cactus in the center of Papago Park, towering over the city. This article explores the intriguing chapter in Phoenix’s history, covering the origins of the idea, its reception, and why it never came to fruition.
History of Papago Park:
Spanning 12,000 acres, Papago Park has a rich history dating back to the Hohokam people, who considered the area sacred and marked the seasons by the way sunlight filtered through the buttes. Initially vacant, the park was designated a national monument for a period and saw significant military use during World War II, including hosting a military base and a German prisoner of war camp. Following the war, Phoenix experienced rapid growth in the ’50s, leading to challenges in balancing infrastructure development with conservation efforts to preserve the Valley’s natural beauty. It was also a time when Phoenix sought to distinguish itself from other western cities, aiming to attract investment and attention beyond golf and the Grand Canyon.
The Proposed Neon Cactus Tower:
Commercial artist Howard Walrath proposed a bold idea in 1976 – a massive 60-story neon saguaro cactus to be built in Papago Park. The structure would feature a restaurant, shops, and a cocktail lounge towards the middle, offering panoramic views of the Valley. While some business leaders suggested downtown as a location, Walrath believed Papago Park’s pristine desert setting was more suitable. Despite presenting the idea to the Phoenix Parks board, no immediate action was taken, with the Valley of the Sun Convention and Visitors Bureau set to review the concept.
Outrage and Controversy:
Walrath’s proposal stirred strong opposition among Arizonans, with several letters to the editor condemning the “monstrosity” and questioning its impact on the park’s natural beauty and visitors’ experiences. The national media also picked up on the story, sparking discussions on talk shows and among tourists. Criticisms of the concept ranged from comparing it to a giant neon slot machine in Las Vegas to concerns about its visibility from various parts of the Valley. Ultimately, the neon cactus tower idea did not progress beyond the initial presentation, leaving Papago Park untouched by this futuristic vision.
The debate over the proposed 600-foot-tall saguaro cactus tower in metro Phoenix eventually fizzled out, with the city politely rejecting the idea. If the tower had been built, it would have drastically changed the landscape of the Valley. Some envisioned a 60-story neon cactus dominating the heart of the city, potentially leading to more development around recreational areas. Other proposals around the same time included trams on Camelback and South mountains to transport tourists to peak attractions, as well as a 400-foot tower in downtown Phoenix. However, the realization of these projects may have encroached on the natural beauty of places like Papago Park and its sandstone buttes, cherished by residents and visitors for hiking, biking, and enjoying the untouched scenery of the Valley of the Sun. Despite living in a rapidly expanding community, the appreciation for undeveloped spaces like Papago Park remains strong among Phoenicians and Valley residents.
