Mesa officially renames Grande Cultural Park to Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki

PHOENIX — The City of Mesa has officially renamed Mesa Grande Cultural Park to Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki, according to a press release.

The Sce:dagi Mu:val Vaaki name comes from a series of songs that originated at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The renaming is part of Mesa’s commitment to reflect the heritage and connection to the O’odham and Piipaash peoples and their ancestors, according to the release.

As part of the park’s renaming, a ceremony took place on Monday that celebrated the history of the Native communities who inhabited the land and preserving the historical link that exists between the Oodham, the Piipaash and Mesa’s cultural heritage.

“The lands that comprise present-day Mesa are culturally affiliated with the O’odham, Piipaash and their ancestors, who have lived on and stewarded this land from time immemorial,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said. “This renaming pays tribute to their enduring legacy and the sacred significance of these lands to the O’odham and Piipaash way of life.”

Sce:dagi Mu:val Vaaki, located on 10th and Date streets, will open to the public for the season on November 9. It will be open until mid-April on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.