Ned Hall Community Park is dedicated to a man of historical significance to the area.
Edward, "Ned", Hall (Oct. 3, 1916 - November 13, 2004)
“Ned” Hall was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended a military academy after high school, but lived the majority of his life around Willcox and Bowie, Arizona, where he ranched for many years. He was related on his mother’s side to the Monks, who were prominent in Willcox and Tombstone in the late 1800s.
Ned and his first wife, Lupe, lived in Bowie. Several years after Lupe died, Ned met Anabell Harper, who had a floral shop there. They were married on July 24, 1988. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Rodeo, where Ned had purchased a ranch from Finley Richards. They were together for about 15 years when Anabell died at their home on October 13, 2003, in the new home he had built for her southest of Rodeo.
Ned was an active member of San Felipe Catholic Church in Rodeo. He had a big heart, donated to many charities, and was loved by everyone in Rodeo. He was a successful rancher and businessman.
On November 27, 2004, Ned was driving in his pickup truck, checking waters at the north end of the ranch. He got the pickup stuck and, although only 100 yards from Highway 9, decided instead to walk four miles across the desert to the home of his ranch hand. During this time, an unusually bitter cold front had moved in several days before, bringing temperatures down to the teens. Ned never made it to the house. His body was found a couple hundred yards from the house by search teams consisting of the Bootheel Search and Rescue team, Grant County Search and Rescue team, the Border Patrol, Sheriff’s Department, and many local volunteers. He was 88 years old.
Ned was the 1993 inductee into the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, a Business Member of the National Coalition for Public Lands and Natural Resources, recipient of the 1992 New Mexico Cattlegrower’s “Wrangler” award, and grand marshal of the 1995 Rodeo, NM 4th of July parade.
Please keep in mind that this is rattlesnake country. Proper footwear is recommended, and be alert to what may be in the tall grasses. This is a nice birding area where you might see black throated sparrows, lark bunting, vermillion flycatchers, Say's phoebe, loggerhead shrike and various birds of prey, to name a few.
This is a great "family" stop, where kids (and adults!) can enjoy the various playground equipment. Sheltered picnic tables with cooking grills are also available, if you wish to spend more time and have a picnic! Have fun!
Congratulations to allisapie for FTF - so glad you and your fam had fun!