100 years of South Mountain stewardship

The city of Phoenix celebrated 100 years of South Mountain Park and Preserve last week. 

Why it matters: At 16,000 acres, it's one of the largest municipal parks in the country and consists of three mountain ranges — the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe.

• There are more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the park. 

Flashback: The city purchased the first 13,000 acres of land in 1924 for a whopping $17,000. 

Zoom in: As part of the anniversary, the city renovated the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, which reopened to the public last Friday. 

My thought bubble: I spent my childhood hiking South Mountain and now am lucky enough to live within walking distance from a trailhead. 

• I've found beauty (and usually a coyote or two) on every trail, but I'm particularly fond of the Mormon Loop and Fat Man's Pass.