The Phoenix Area's Parks and Preserves (AZ) (Images of America)

Metropolitan Phoenix is one of the countrys fastest growing areas, contains the nations fifth largest city, adds more than 100,000 residents each year, and rapidly consumes the surrounding desert. However, it is not losing all of its open space. One can stand anywhere in the Valley of the Sun and look toward the horizonin just about any direction the glories of nearly 100 years of preservation efforts are visible. All told, over 300 square miles of the most beautiful desert and mountain scenery are preserved or targeted for preservation in the Phoenix area. This book celebrates the beauty of these special places, and the foresight, determination, and efforts required to preserve this critical link to the great outdoors. Using more than a centurys worth of historical photographs, it tells the stories of the acquisition and development of seven of the Phoenix areas most important parks and preserves.