City of Tempe, AZ

Ken Clark was born in Abilene, Texas in 1907 and relocated to Tempe with his family shortly after. The Clark’s continued to live in Tempe where Ken graduated from both Tempe High and ultimately, Arizona State Teachers College in 1928. After teaching for in the local school system for 5 years, Ken began a long and illustrious career in both insurance and real estate in Tempe which he ran out of his downtown office near 6th and Mill for more than 60 years. 

Ken saw and participated in much of the growth and development of Tempe, particularly Tempe’s rapid growth in the years after World War II. His real estate business bought and sold many of the parcels that make up what is now downtown Tempe and his family business provided life insurance to many Tempeans. Ken served with distinction on the Tempe City Council from 1943-36. While in Tempe, Ken and his family served many civic groups and organizations, but always kept a fond place in their hearts for Tempe’s children through the continued involvement with Clark Park. 

Today, the park is a center of activity for several neighborhood associations and is currently going through a master plan process for the future redevelopment of the park and pool. The recreation center located within the park still bears a plaque in honor and memory of Ken and his family for the generous donation of land for the park that still bears his family name. 

On September 26, 2003, Diamondbacks Charities, along with APS, dedicated the Matt Mantei Little League Ballfield as a part of their "Field of Dreams" program. The field included new lights, new fencing and backstops, and an electronic scoreboard.

Park size is 10 acres.