Although Tolleson is a small community on the west side of Phoenix, with only 5.6 square miles of border and just over 7,000 residents, per the U.S. Census, their commitment to connectivity is equal to the heart and tenacity of a big city. With over one quarter of the residents still under age, Tolleson embraces its youngest residents through a variety of ways, providing special events, programs, and resources to make the area family-friendly.

And while outside the perimeter of the city and within the Greater Metro area, residents have access to a myriad of entertaining possibilities, within the confines of Tolleson is where the community shines as one of the most close-knit suburbs.

Here’s why you should check out Tolleson if community strength is important to you.

Typical Arizona home

Community Events

There are over a dozen events happening throughout the year intended to create an inclusive environment for all walks of Tolleson life. From events that celebrate pets like the Community Health and Pet Expo to the 4th of July Celebration with a hotdog eating contest, free shuttles, and fireworks, there really is something for everyone.

Most popular among the residents is the Whoopee Daze Festival held at Veterans Park near the Tolleson Meadows neighborhood. Built around the main event on the Saturday of the festival, the traditional Whoopee Daze Parade joins carnival rides, food and craft vendors, softball tournaments, competitions, free activities for the children, and live entertainment.

The community also embraces neighborhood rejuvenation by way of their Pride Day Clean-Up when members of school clubs, organizations, and local businesses celebrate community pride by cleaning up the neighborhoods. Volunteers pick up bags of trash, remove debris from alleys, and help local residents pull weeds. JAG (Jobs for Arizona Graduates) is typically involved with the event, and it’s a community-based program currently located in Avondale and Tolleson, providing youth ages 16-24 with work readiness training and support to achieve their educational goals.

Community Center

The Esther Angulo Community center by the Isabell neighborhood, hosts events, classes, and programs for the community. The center has hosted events for the local elementary school, Mariachi Bands, dances for the Senior Center, and meet and greets with officials in the community. Some of the programs include Ballet Folklorico, Teen Council, and Teen Explorers.

Community Action

The Community Action Program was put in place to encourage and support members of the community by empowering families and individuals to attain self-sufficiency by broadening life skills, knowledge, and motivation within the community. This can be seen in employment opportunities, education, and job training.

One of the ways that the city responds to the needs the community is through the Council Reach Out, where Mayor Anna Tovar and Council members have made it a priority to be “out” in the community and listening to community members. Also, from September to May, free movies are offered at Central Plaza at Downtown Paseo de Lucas, near Tolleson Townsite. Prior to each movie the mayor and council members are available for questions and provide updates on major city projects.

Commitment to Culture

Tolleson offers several ways to connect with the area’s vibrant cultural opportunities and to get involved with the arts. One way is through their Act One Culture Pass, which allows library cardholders free admission for two people to participating cultural institutions or theater performances. Pass are available for checkout at the Tolleson Public Library.

Connecting Commuters

To make commuting as efficient as possible, Tolleson offers programs like Share the Ride. The ride matching system allows commuters to quickly and securely find a carpool, vanpool, public transit, biking, or walking option by basing matches on proximity, destination, and travel route, as well as schedules and preferences. The program not only saves commuters money, it helps reduce driving stress and emission pollution. Participants can also log commutes, earn points, enter contests and win prizes.

Summer Fun

Finally, we wanted to highlight Tolleson Parks and Recreation Summer Program, which offers an affordable option for working parents. The program includes arts and crafts, field trips, science exploration, sports class, guest speakers and more. It’s held at the Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, near the Baden neighborhood. For a nominal fee of $15 per week, each participant will be given meals and provided care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m daily. 

For the remainder of the year, the new Tolleson parks and Recreation Center, near the Tolleso Oetz neighborhood, includes fitness center, satellite public library, teen room, game room, arts and crafts center, indoor gym, free public Wi-Fi, rock climbing room, and art walk, as well as after school programs, cooking classes, fitness classes, and more.