06/19/2026
Have you heard of Opal Lee? Often called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” she spent decades fighting to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday.
Every year, Opal organized a 2.5 mile walk to honor the two and a half year delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free on June 19, 1865.
In 2021, after years of tireless advocacy, she stood as an honored guest at the White House as Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday. Opal Lee’s legacy is a powerful reminder that change is possible and the fight for justice is always worth it.
06/15/2026
In recognition of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, several Tempe Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed or have adjusted operating hours. Please see the closures and facility hours below.
Closures:
Cahill Senior Center, 715 W. Fifth St.; Closed (480-858-2420)
Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave.; Closed (480-350-5211)
Kiwanis Park Batting Range; Closed (480-350-5727)
McClintock Pool; Closed
Adjusted Operating Hours:
Clark Park Community Center, 1730 S. Roosevelt St.; Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (480-350-5208)
Escalante Multi-Generational Center, 2150 E. Orange St.; Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (480-350-5800)
Kiwanis Recreation Center, 6111 S. All-America Way; Open noon to 6 p.m. (480-350-5201)
North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St.; Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (480-858-6500)
Westside Multi-Generational Center, 715 W. Fifth St.; Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (480-858-2466)
Tempe Splash Pads; Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Clark Pool; Open 9 a.m. to noon.
Escalante Pool; Open 1 to 5 p.m.
Kiwanis Wave Pool; Open noon to 6 p.m.
For more information on Tempe aquatics, please visit tempe.gov/pools.
