A New Interpretive Program for Mesa Grande
An Arizona Centennial Legacy Project
A new interpretive program is now underway for Mesa Grande. This program
focuses on providing interpretive material along a self-guided trail at the
site. Our goal is to present an interpretation program developed in
collaboration with the O’odham people and information from the
archaeological work at the site.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has generously funded the
first phases of the project, and the museum is seeking further funding from
various sources. The museum is working with architects and planners from
WHPacific, Inc., to plan for a no-impact trail with interpretive signage and
shade features.
We hope that this effort will allow us to open the site of Mesa Grande on
a regular basis to visitors. Currently, the public can only visit the site
for special events (see our annual open house) or by arranging a tour of the
site.
The Arizona Historical Advisory Commission has designated Mesa Grande an
official Arizona Centennial Legacy project. To achieve this designation, the
project had to meet a number of criteria, including producing an enduring
product that will live on after 2012. For futher information about Arizona
Centennial Legacy Projects, visit
www.azcentennial.gov, click on legacy project and scroll down the left
menu to Mesa Grande.
Plan of the mound by WHPacific from a
digital scan showing proposed trails, interpretive areas and canopies for
erosion control and shade.
The Welcoming Center and Gathering
Place, from the northeast on the mound with trails in the foreground.
The Welcoming Center and Gathering
Place, from the west, with mound to the left.
The Welcoming Center and Gathering Place, with rammed
earth wall, from the south, with Mesa Grande and trails to right.
Centerpiece of the Gathering Place at Mesa Grande will be the life-size
sculpture
Hohokam, by Antonio Pazzi, gift of Dennis R. and Mary L. Pollard