Papago ParkIn Sunday’s Perspective section, the Tribune had a column by William Godfrey of Phoenix who joined a growing chorus of people who say Papago Park needs immediate and long-term attention to restore the sparkle of an aging desert gem. Godfrey focused primarily on the future of the Papago Park golf course, which made sense since he’s written a book about its history. While not providing many details, Godfrey seems to align himself with advocates who want to bring big changes to the park in order to attract new generations of users. They want more features to expand on what’s offered by the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo. In other words, these advocates want development appropriate to a desert climate but far more than preservation.This approach contrasts sharply with views of many people who live near Papago Park. These people (I happen to be one of them) generally like the park as it is now with its emphasis on walking, jogging or biking in a desert-like setting. Clearly, the park has problems. Too many trails go every which way. Features installed years or decades ago have been allowed to deteriorate beyond usability (the rock amphitheater on McDowell Road) or just seem completely out of place (a series of metal

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