[Source: Brian J. Pedersen, Daily Star] -- Before it became one of the fastest-growing towns in Arizona, Marana was a small farming community that sprang up thanks to its proximity to both the railroad and the Santa Cruz River. Now, Marana has more rooftops than crop fields, and many of its newest residents have little or no knowledge of the town's roots. Town officials hope the Marana Heritage River Park, which is under construction, will help shed light on Marana's rich history. "Marana is building up, going from a rural community to a suburban community, and a lot of people here don't know about the town," said Tom Ellis, Marana's parks and recreation director. "Without the railroad and the availability of water, it would have just been another spot in the road." Along the banks of the Santa Cruz River in southwestern Marana, the Marana Heritage River Park eventually will consist of 290 acres of farmland, historic buildings, a museum, an amphitheater and a train ride. [Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source of train car that will run at the Marana Heritage River Park: Jim Davis, Daily Star.]
