Tolleson, measuring about six square miles, is a self-contained community west of downtown Phoenix. Once dependent on agriculture, Tolleson today has a strong commercial and industrial base. The city has a stable population and a friendly reputation. W.G. Tolleson of South Carolina founded the town in 1912 on the site of an old stage station known as Ten Mile Store. One day he chartered a railroad train to bring potential buyers from Phoenix. Town lots sold for $50, and Tolleson gave a $5 gold piece rebate to all buyers who signed contracts. About 80 lots were sold during the one-day promotion.

Principal Economic Activities

Tolleson sits along a major transportation corridor and is served by the Papago Freeway, a segment of Interstate 10. The Outer Loop Freeway, Arizona 101, connects to I-10 in Tolleson at 97th Avenue. The mainline Southern Pacific Railroad and State Highway 85 also serve Tolleson. Tolleson’s diversified economic base includes retail, manufacturing and several warehousing and distribution facilities. The City of Tolleson recently completed an ambitious $10.5 million redevelopment of its downtown core, branded “Paseo de Luces."

Scenic Attractions

Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to the southwest features major auto races including the Copperworld Classic, Indy cars and NASCAR. Nearby sits the 19,000-acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park with an 18-hole golf course, camping, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking. The 18,000-seat Ak-Chin Pavilion features about 50 major shows annually. Phoenix metropolitan area attractions include professional sports, symphony and theater, many museums and a zoo. South Mountain Park, one of the largest city parks in the world, is nearby in south Phoenix. The Gila River Indian Reservation, to the south at the confluence of the Gila and Salt Rivers, is where Pima Native Americans have lived for at least 2,000 years.

Community Facilities

The city of Tolleson offers a broad range of community facilities. Tolleson holds a community center, a library, five lighted ball parks, three local parks, Estrella Park, the Community Action and Senior Citizen Programs and numerous lighted basketball, tennis and racquetball courts. In 2005, the city opened its youth park and recreation center and the following year opened the Tolleson Veterans Park. In 2010, Tolleson unveiled its two newest facilities: the LEED Gold fire station and LEED Silver police and courts building. Additionally, the Tolleson Boys and Girls Club serves Tolleson and its surrounding communities.