J. S. Acker Memorial Park was established in a September 1995 vote by the citizens of Prescott who overwhelmingly supported fulfilling the wishes of Mr. Acker's will that specifically bequeathed this land to the City of Prescott for park purposes.

The Friends of J. S. Acker have adopted this park to facilitate community involvement to assist the City of Prescott in preserving and developing J. S. Acker Memorial Park.

Continued community support is essential to the evolution of the Park with primary emphasis on providing a natural open space environment for visitors. Featured improvements include an Education/Presentation area for small community gatherings and events, handicap accessible areas, children's activity site, and educational/interpretive signage.

We invite you to join us in partnering with the City to do our share of the work to improve the park. Many projects have been identified which can be accomplished through volunteer efforts. Civic groups, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to contact us at 771-1428 or craig@northlink.com.

(Below is the text of Mr. James S. Ackers instructions and will written in 1949. Note in the blue colored text the specific reference that expressed his desires for the land which is now J.S. Acker Memorial Park. Mr Acker died in 1959.)

To My Administrators Joe Eckert and Dr. Newton Ferguson

My Friends: I am asking a great deal of you, but such requests, luckily,
come but once. In connection with my passing and the disposal of my body
and the property I leave; I desire a plain, simple burial in the lots I
own in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery with I.O.O.F. Service.

This expense should not exceed $250.00. My current bills and outstanding
obligations should be less than $100.00, with exception of Hospital and
Doctor's Services, if any.

Such lots and plots of ground as appear to you best suited for park and
playground purposes, I desire to be given to the City for such use. The
2 1/2 acre Tract at Corner Butte and Cory Streets, I give to the City -
to be called "Flinn Park," in honor of and as a memorial to Dr. John W.
Flinn.

I also give to the city that unsold or unplotted portion of the 117 acre
Tract adjoining the City on the East, for a park, or two parks.

As funds are realized from the Estate, you can apportion and spend such
moneys for the improvement of said parks and for the promotion of music
in the City School or otherwise in advancement of musical Culture in the
community.

I solicit the hearty cooperation of the Mayor, the City Officials and
all Citizens in your effort to realize the largest civic benefits to be
had from the limited resources at your disposal under this trusteeship.

Prescott, Arizona March 25th 1949

J.S. Acker

This is my will, and my instructions for the disposal of all property,
real and personal, owned by me at the time of my death.

First: I hereby assign Dr. Newton Ferguson and Joe Eckert to act
jointly as executors of this will, but either one of them shall serve in
the event they can not act jointly, and shall take immediate charge of
all my property and all my business immediately after my death. They
shall act without bond and be free of restrictions in handling my estate
and may sell and dispose of as herein provided any part or all of my
property wherever situate.

Second; Any just debt, including sickness hospital and burial shall
be promptly paid.

Third; I give to the City of Prescott for Park purposes Lot 6 Block
10 Joslin Whipple Subdivision and the sum of two hundred dollars for
trees, seats and improvements of same. I give to the City of Prescott
for Park purposes, Lot 1- 3-5-7-9-11-13 and 15 in block 35 and the sum
of one thousand dollars for improving the same - the planting of trees
and the placing of seats, and comfort rooms for the use of our people,
the children in particular. This is a sightly spot that has a small
natural amphitheater and has a charming view of much of the city.

Fourth; I give to my brother, Dr. Charles T. Acker of Montevallo,
Alabama, the sum of five hundred dollars and $250 each to my niece Kate
Griffin Cook of Montevallo, Alabama and her daughter Bara Rose Cook
Henderson ( Mrs. Hanford M. Henderson Jr.) of Chapel Hill, North
Carolina.

Fifth; My books, furniture and all personal effects, I give to my
above designated administrators, Dr. Newton Ferguson and Joe Eckert to
be disposed of and used as they may elect, without any
restrictions.

Sixth; All residue of my estate, after payments as above set
fourth, together with expenses incidental thereto and administrators
fees, I give to the City of Prescott, to be used for Parks and for
promotion of Music particularly for children.

Finally; All property now owned by me has been acquired since
September 1st, 1937, and no relative or other person has any right or
interest therein. It is my earnest wish that the directions above given
be carried out. If for any reason the administrators named cannot act,
then appoint Albert Crawford as the administrator under the same
directions and expressed wishes. I want to make clear and to emphasize
my desire that my town- The City of Prescott - and our citizens shall
benefit in the fullest measure from the property left them by me. And I
herein appeal to the Mayor and City Officials to cooperate with my
administrators to the end that this wish shall be realized.
Prescott, Arizona,
March 25th 1949
J.S. Acker

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