The property was purchased from J. W. Doris 100 acres (40 ha) and Dr. Norton, amongst others; the quitclaim deed took effect November 27, 1934 and it was re-classified as a park (initially to curtail livestock grazing).

By 1955 the Encanto Park Brochure hosted activities such as archery, tennis, badminton and other games.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in the '70s promoted archery competitions in particular.

In 1985, more outdoors facilities were added catering to increased societal interest in physical fitness and games with a focus was on soccer and handball, leaving archery to one side.

These sundry improvements and others were made to the “south side” by way of 1979 and 1984 bonds totaling $1.3M [2]