Hance Park Revitalization Project ​​​Updates

The Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project is a public-private partnership led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, consisting of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy. Funding for the project, estimated at $100 million, will come from public and private sources. City of Phoenix has dedicated $15 million of voter-approved Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative (PPPI) funds toward the project. A fundraising campaign is being led by the Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy to generate private funding.

Follow this page to receive the most current information about the construction timeline and other project updates. Additional information is available on the project's main website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Stay informed by reading and subscribing to the monthly Hance Park Newsletter.

Questions and feedback may be provided to hance.park@phoenix.gov.

Update as of February 26, 2021

Hance Park Newsletter - February 2021

Read the February issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This latest edition shares details about additional construction-related activity and landscape enhancements underway in the park's west side, and also provides an update about the design of Phase 1.Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of February 10, 2021

Hance Park Construction Update - Phase 1A Enhancements

Additional construction-related activity and landscape enhancements are scheduled to take place during the coming weeks on the west side of Margaret T. Hance Park.

Starting the week of February 15 and lasting for approximately two weeks, contractor Haydon Building Corp will install a new set of steps on the north side of the area that was recently renovated as part of phase 1A of the park's revitalization project. The new steps are being added to provide an access point for park visitors who are entering from the north or the Culver Street parking lot. During construction, the north sidewalk and a portion of the escarpment walking path will be closed to parkgoers during daytime hours. Also during this time, Haydon Building Corp will be power washing the walking paths in this area of the park. Sections of the pathways will be intermittently unavailable when being cleaned. Aside from the pathways being temporarily wet from the cleaning, there should be no further impact to visitors.

Starting the week of February 22 and lasting for approximately two weeks, a project to enhance landscape plantings, including adding additional trees to the south side of the escarpment, will take place. The work will occur during daytime hours. During the planting work, a portion of the escarpment walking path as well as the north perimeter of Fiesta Bowl PLAY will be impacted; however, Fiesta Bowl PLAY will remain accessible throughout, and visitors will have access to that amenity via the east entrance. The enhanced plantings are a result of feedback from the community.

Completion of the $8.6 million phase 1A of the Hance Park Revitalization Project was substantially completed in December. The centerpiece of this first phase of the project is the Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park, which was made possible thanks to a $2 million legacy gift from the Fiesta Bowl and supporting partners. Phase 1A also included construction of the infrastructure, escarpment and landscaping that surrounds PLAY. Funding for the remainder of the project was supported by the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative (PPPI), which is a voter-approved sales tax that supports annual capital improvements to facilities managed by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

The revitalization project is a public-private partnership led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, consisting of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) and Hance Park Conservancy (HPC). A fundraising campaign being led by PCA and HPC is focused on raising approximately $40 million in private funding to continue phase one.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the project newsletter is available at Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of January 28, 2021

Hance Park Newsletter - January 2021

Read the January issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This latest edition reviews the significant and exciting progress made on the park's redevelopment during 2020. Watch a time-lapse video of phase 1A construction and PHXTV's coverage of December's ribbon-cutting celebration.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of December 22, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - December 2020

Read the December issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue highlights the completion of the $8.6 million phase 1A of the park's redevelopment and the ribbon-cutting celebration for the $2 million “Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park."

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of December 15, 2020

"Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park" Opens

Completion of the $8.6 million phase 1A of the Hance Park Revitalization Project was celebrated by the Hance Park Partner Coalition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park."

The 20,000-square-foot PLAY is the centerpiece of the opening phase of the park's renovation and was made possible thanks to a $2 million legacy gift from the Fiesta Bowl and supporting partners. The grand opening of PLAY comes in conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl's 50th Anniversary, and its community efforts will live on through this one-of-a-kind play area for millions to enjoy for years to come.

In August 2019, the Phoenix Community Alliance announced the Fiesta Bowl's legacy gift as part of a groundbreaking ceremony for PLAY, which is located on the west side of the park. It was the first significant monetary contribution to the park's revitalization effort.

Read more about the opening of PLAY | Watch PHXTV's coverage of the event

Update as of November 23, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - November 2020

Read the November issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes photos of the "Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park" play area as it takes form, a construction update as phase 1A of the park's revitalization project nears its December completion date, and information about free fitness programs being offered this fall by FitPHX.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of November 6, 2020

Construction Update - Upcoming Demolition Work

As construction on phase 1A of the Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project nears its December completion, work is scheduled to begin on the removal of the existing playground, as well as the structure that previously housed the Phoenix Trolley Museum, in the coming weeks. Both are located within the west side of the park.

The demolition of the trolley barn structure, which is located adjacent to the historic Ellis-Shackleford House near Culver St. and Central Ave., will take place during the week of November 16. After it is removed, that area will be landscaped with a decomposed granite surface and surrounded by fencing.

Beginning the week of November 6, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department staff will begin to prepare for the demolition of the existing playground by removing the sides and climbing structures. This prep work will reduce project costs and allow the department to potentially reuse parts of the playground equipment in other areas. During the week of November 16, when the trolley barn is removed, the poles and foundations from the playground will also be removed. While the playground amenities are being taken out, the existing swing set, sunshade and sand play area will not be affected and will remain available for use.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of October 12, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - September/October 2020

Read the September/October issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes details about this month's Noche en Blanco event that will feature a unique format, an update about the construction progress on phase one of the park's renovation and information about free fitness programs being offered this fall by FitPHX.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of August 31, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - August 2020

Read the August issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes a phase one construction update, a feature about project contractor Haydon Building Corp and the schedule for the park's annual overseeding process.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of July 31, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - July 2020

Read the July issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue provides a closer look at the “Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park” play area, an update about the work being done by construction crews and information about free FitPHX activities previously held in the park that are being offered virtually this summer.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of July 17, 2020

Construction Update - Extended Work Hours

As construction on the first phase of the Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project continues, an Extended Work Hours Permit has been approved by the City of Phoenix to allow construction crews to operate on weekdays between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

Due to the summer daytime heat, these extended hours are necessary so that crews can follow proper temperature specifications and pour concrete during the overnight hours. The concrete work is expected to begin during the week of July 20.

This Extended Work Hours Permit gives variance to Phoenix City Code that permits construction activity from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to September 30.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the monthly project newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of June 30, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - June 2020

Read the June issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes an update about the work construction crews have focused on in recent weeks, information from Phoenix Community Alliance about the progress of the redevelopment of downtown, and summer safety tips for outdoor recreation.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of May 29, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - May 2020

Read the May issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes a look behind the construction fence, an update about work that has been completed to date and what will occur in the coming weeks, and COVID-19 guidelines related to outdoor recreation.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of April 22, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - March/April 2020

Read the March/April issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes information about how park users will be impacted by the construction work, what the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is doing to address the coronavirus pandemic and a review of M3F that was held in the park in early March.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of March 13, 2020

Construction Update - Work to Begin the Week of March 16 after Delay Due to Inclement Weather

The Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project moves into the first phase of construction this month. Signs advising residents and park users of the upcoming construction were positioned around the west side of the property during the week of March 2, with placement of temporary fencing, equipment staging and repair work on Interstate-10 tunnel joints now scheduled to begin during the week of March 16. This week's inclement weather delayed the start of construction activity. As a reminder, per Phoenix City Code, construction activity is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October 1 to April 30 and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to September 30. Read additional information about Phoenix City Code as it relates to construction noise.

What to Expect as a Park User

Along with the adjusted start of construction, there is a change to how the work will impact park users' connectivity through the property. The walking path that runs along the south edge of the park will now be closed for the duration of this first phase of construction (March 2020 to December 2020), and those wishing to connect from west to east will need to use the sidewalk along Culver St. on the park's north edge, and then access the stairs or ramp near the Central Ave. bridge. This route is different from what was previously communicated. Park users will still be able to enjoy the existing playground during this first phase of construction. Additionally, area lighting within the footprint of the project will be affected, but lighting outside the construction zone will remain as is.

This is a complex project and construction timelines and park user access is subject to change, but the Hance Park Partner Coalition is committed to maintaining consistent communication.

As was shared in previous communication, work in the park during the coming weeks also will include removal and salvage of select trees. This removal is temporary. When completed, the entire park will boast a total of more than 1,000 trees - approximately double the existing amount. Construction will also require the removal of the flag poles that recognize the Phoenix Sister Cities initiative. The flag poles will not be part of the redesigned park. As such, City of Phoenix staff and project design team HargreavesJones is working with Phoenix Sister Cities representatives to develop a new way to represent this partnership in the park.

Additional information is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of February 28, 2020

Construction Update - Work to Begin the Week of March 9

The Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project will move into the first phase of construction during the month of March. Signs advising residents and park users of the upcoming construction will be placed around the property in the coming days, with construction staging and repair work on Interstate-10 tunnel joints scheduled to begin during the week of March 9. Per Phoenix City Code, construction activity is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October 1 to April 30 and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to September 30. Read additional information about Phoenix City Code as it relates to construction noise.

The joint repairs are being completed by contractor Haydon Building Corp in coordination with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Those repairs are being done prior to construction of the “Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park" play area and surrounding infrastructure and landscape. The building of the play area will begin later this spring and be completed by the end of the year. Joint repairs within the Japanese Friendship Garden will take place this summer, to minimize the impact on garden operations. Following those repairs, the garden will be returned to its pre-construction condition. As these projects proceed, City of Phoenix, ADOT and Haydon staff continue to work closely with its partners and neighbors located in and around the park.

What to Expect as a Park User

During the coming months, usage of portions of the park's west side will be limited, but park users will be able to enjoy the existing playground and always have access to a walking path that connects them from the west side to the east side of the property. During the months of March and April, the walking path on the south edge of the park will be closed, but the path on the north edge will remain open for connectivity. Starting in May, the scheduled closure of those paths will be flipped.

Work in the park during the coming weeks also will include removal and salvage of select trees. This removal is temporary. When completed, the entire park will boast a total of more than 1,000 trees - approximately double the existing amount. Construction will also require the removal of the flag poles that recognize the Phoenix Sister Cities initiative. The flag poles will not be part of the redesigned park. As such, City of Phoenix staff and project design team HargreavesJones is working with Phoenix Sister Cities representatives to develop a new way to represent this partnership in the park.

Additional information is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of February 13, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - February 2020

Read the February issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes an updated construction schedule, a preview of the M3F music festival and a closer look at the City of Phoenix's project partners.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of January 10, 2020

Hance Park Newsletter - January 2020

Read the January issue of the Hance Park Newsletter. This issue includes information about the next public meeting, upcoming park programs and activities, and an updated construction timeline.

Additional information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project and instructions for how to subscribe to the e-version of the newsletter is available on the project website: Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization.

Update as of December 9, 2019

Hance Park Newsletter - December 2019

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