Sahuaro Ranch Park, Glendale

My husband and I have lived off of 63rd Avenue and north of Olive for twelve years. Almost every day we take a walk through Sahuaro Ranch Park. We need the exercise, and the atmosphere of the park makes it a joy. Our walk starts on the west side near the soccer and baseball fields, and the doggie park. Walking through beautiful picnic grounds shaded by pecan trees, we see the children's playground full of active little kids, and the volleyball courts with teens. We pass the covered tables area, which often hosts a birthday party or wedding reception. Suddenly, we're strolling through the historical grounds, and immersed in the remnants of a past century. The old, ramshackled farmhouse, the red-brick ranch house, the fruit packing shed--all surrounded by citrus trees and palms, a corn-field and grape-vines--it feels like we're in a rural community instead of the middle of the city of Glendale. Our senses are all engaged. We see the peacocks glorious in their finery, the chickens protective of their little chicks. We stop to watch the antics of rabbits scurrying among the roses, or a cat chasing the pigeons. Sounds fill the air: the cooing of doves, nasal honks of geese, clucks of turkeys, and the shouts of delighted children, the murmuring conversations of grownups. And the smells, oh the smells! Picnickers grilling hamburgers, the heavy scent of citrus blossoms, and hundreds of lovely roses. Sometimes we just have to stop awhile and smell the roses. It all makes for a wonderful walk in the park, good for body and soul.