Spring is here. Just as the season arrives, it seems to quickly vanish to the scorching summer temperatures. Spring is here. Now is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, parks and gardens of Downtown Phoenix.
Margaret T. Hance Park, named after former Phoenix Mayor Margaret Taylor Hance, sits directly above the Papago Freeway Tunnel (also known as the Deck Park Tunnel) in Downtown Phoenix. Hance was a strong proponent of the tunnel and the park, and thus the park was named after her. On any given day, hundreds of vehicles drive through the tunnel right under the feet of any park-goer! The park is lovely and features walking paths, drinking fountains, grills, ramadas to reserve, a volleyball court, and The Irish Cultural Center and Japanese Friendship Garden.
At The Irish Cultural Center the foundation’s Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies offers an array of unique indoor and outdoor classes in everything from Celtic instruments – including bagpipes and the bodhran – to Celtic languages, such as Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, to step dancing.
At the Japanese Friendship Garden (Ro Ho En), one can admire elegant waterfalls, streams filled with swimming Koi fish, and more than 50 varieties of plants. Strolling through the garden offers tranquility and beauty. The garden’s name, Ro Ho En, is a combination of three Japanese words. Ro means Heron, a bird symbol of Himeji City. Ho is the Japanese word for the city of mythical Phoenix bird. En means garden. Apparently, more than 50 landscape architects from Himeji, Japan, contributed to the Japanese Friendship Garden project. General admission prices are: adults $5; students, military, seniors (62+), and children $4; children ages six and younger when accompanied by an adult are free. Daily traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies take place at various times. Participation is available for an additional fee.
Just a few blocks away, Civic Space Park sits as the newest park in downtown Phoenix, which is across the street from Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus. At night, look for a large illuminating sculpture that soars high into the sky. This sculpture is called “Her Secret is Patience” and was created by Janet Echelman. During the day, this park offers many shaded areas making Civic Space Park a comfortable retreat from the sun. Frequently, park-goers can enjoy weekend activities such as yoga and movie nights in the park.
At Central Avenue and Washington Street sits Patriots Square Park at CityScape where kids can enjoy water features and adults can kick back to relax in the outdoors on a lunch break. Patriots Square Park also features Pop-Up Parks during the week with a DJ, games, and even a library of books to choose from! The park also hosts yoga and other fitness activities throughout the year.
Spring is here and Downtown Phoenix offers many options to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in an urban setting. So, get out there!
Margaret T. Hance Park
West side of the park -> 67 W. Culver Street
(between Central and Third Avenues in downtown Phoenix)
(602) 262-6412
Japanese Friendship Garden – Ro Ho En
1125 N. Third Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 256-3204
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 258-0109
Civic Space Park
424 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 262-7490
Patriots Square Park at Cityscape
1 East Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85004
“ASU has been at the forefront in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Chevy Humphrey, president/CEO of Arizona Science Center. “Through this partnership, we hope to expand our meaningful learning opportunities by sharing ASU’s cutting-edge research and scientific developments.”
Eighty-six designs, five panelists and it all comes down to your vote.
Did you name it? What color was it? What made your bicycle special?
In honor of World Food Day on October 16, the Arizona Clay Association is presenting the 
This year’s edition will be called the 
Starting in January 2013, the Downtown Phoenix Partnership will replace over 100 short light pole banners with new designs – and they could be created by you.
Valley Youth Theatre to Host Global Water Mural Series
Wednesday, April 24th, 2013Each of the locations selected for #WaterWrites murals—California, Honolulu, Palestine, Philippines, El Salvador, Colombia, South Africa, British Columbia and Phoenix— are facing critical water issues. The Downtown Phoenix mural, “Water Is Life,” will incorporate imagery designed to inspire and educate—on the way in which water is delivered into Phoenix, the impacts of wasteful water policies, and sustainable energy alternatives.
Local community organizations, Black Mesa water Coalition, Tonatierra, PUENTE, and the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation have worked together with a team of community artists, including Jeff Slim, Angel Diaz, and Averian Chee to create the mural image. Painting will begin on Sunday, April 28 and the finished wall will be unveiled during a First Friday ceremony on May 3.
“To get a mural of this caliber, with such a great story, is a big win for Downtown,” said DPP Vice President Terry Madeksza. “To have our community artists using Valley Youth Theatre as their canvas makes the effort all the more special.”
Everyone is invited to attend the mural’s kickoff “paint party” on site at Valley Youth Theatre on Sunday, April 28. The paint party will feature complimentary food and refreshments by Squash Blossom, live music, and an opportunity for attendees to paint a portion of the wall.
To help support, or get more information on the #WaterWrites Mural series visit www.estria.org or click here to watch videos of the completed mural projects.
Tags: Black Mesa water Coalition, Community, Estria Foundation, mural, paint party, Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, Public Art, PUENTE, Squash Blossom, Tonatierra, Valley Youth Theatre, water
Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Commentary, Family, Featured, Music & Events, Spotlight | 1 Comment »