| “Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park” Opens | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/1663 | Parks and Recreation | | 12/15/2020 10:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1663/fiesta_bowl_play_ribbon_cutting.jpg | | “Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park” Opens | <div class="ExternalClassACA3DEAA781442E49F819F58CF74D8C2"><html>
<p>Completion of the $8.6 million phase 1A of the <a href="/parks/hancerevitalization" target="_blank">Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project</a> was celebrated by the Hance Park Partner Coalition on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Fiesta Bowl PLAY at Hance Park."<br></p><p><a href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/1667" target="_blank">Watch PHXTV's coverage of the event</a>.<br></p>
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The 20,000-square-foot PLAY is the centerpiece of this 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.
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In August 2019, the <a href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/732" target="_blank">Phoenix Community Alliance announced the Fiesta Bowl's legacy gift</a> 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.
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As part of the PLAY commitment, the Fiesta Bowl has teamed up with three supporting partners: Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, BHHS Legacy Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Those organizations have contributed as part of their missions to support healthy lifestyles and strengthen the community where we live, work and play.
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I remember breaking ground 16 months ago here at Hance Park and it's incredible to see the playground come to life here for our community," Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Patrick Barkley said. “As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, the Fiesta Bowl honors the commitment from our Founders in 1971 to be a community catalyst and that will continue to grow here at Hance Park for generations in the future. Our partners in Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, BHHS Legacy Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona were instrumental in this significant project."
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PLAY features a climbing wall, a separate net climbing structure, a water mist play feature and a sand play area positioned under a shade canopy. Its other unique amenities include three animal-themed play structures – a Kit Fox, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit and Great-Horned Owl. The animal play structures are made of 95 percent recycled plastic lumber and are GreenCircle Certified.
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“The city is grateful to the Fiesta Bowl and its partners for this significant commitment to the Hance Park Revitalization Project," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Their legacy gift jump-started this important renovation of the park, which is crucial to the ongoing revitalization and growth of downtown. It's also exciting to celebrate this beautiful new playground for what it offers to families: a place for their kids to get outside, jump around and play during this otherwise difficult year. By masking and physically distancing, they can do it safely and have some fun!"
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“Celebrating the opening of this new amenity is a thrill, and I'm grateful for the commitment of the Fiesta Bowl and its partners to make it a reality," Phoenix District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski said. “Having unique features like this one, make the park a destination for residents citywide and creates a neighborhood park for those who live nearby. A vibrant and active park will also help attract families and visitors to our growing downtown for years to come."
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The Hance Park Revitalization Project is a public-private partnership led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, consisting of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy. A fundraising campaign is ongoing to generate $45 million of private funds to continue phase one. Follow the latest project and park news at
<a href="/parks/hancerevitalization" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Parks/HanceRevitalization</a>.
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The balance of the cost of phase 1A was funded 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.
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The City of Phoenix has partnered with HargreavesJones, an award-winning international landscape architecture firm, to lead the redevelopment of Hance Park. Construction is being managed by contractor Haydon Building Corp.
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“We sincerely thank the Fiesta Bowl Organization for being the lead supporter of the Hance Park Revitalization Project," Phoenix Community Alliance Executive Director John Hamby said. “As we continue to make Downtown Phoenix a live/work/play/learn neighborhood and destination, the addition of unique amenities like the Fiesta Bowl PLAY will make Hance Park an every-day recreation opportunity for the local community and must-see destination for visitors. Every great city has a great urban park, and this sponsorship is the catalyst for a vibrant and active park that will contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown. “
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The 32-acre Hance Park is located over the Interstate-10 tunnel in downtown, between 3rd Avenue to the west and 3rd Street to the east and is maintained by the city through an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City of Phoenix's Burton Barr Central Library is located adjacent to the park off Central Avenue. The park is also home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Irish Cultural Center and Phoenix Center for the Arts.
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<strong>About the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department:</strong>
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The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department provides residents and visitors more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserve land with 200-plus miles of trails; 185 parks; 32 community and recreation centers; classes and sports programs where kids and adults learn, stay active and have fun; eight golf courses; and 29 pools where thousands cool off and learn to swim each summer. Visit
<a href="/parks/" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Parks</a>
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<strong>About the Phoenix Community Alliance:
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Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) is an affiliate of Downtown Phoenix, Inc. and the premier membership organization for Downtown leaders. Through the alliance of a strong and diverse membership, PCA fulfills its mission to activate, advocate, and build the Phoenix we want. Visit
<a href="https://www.phoenixcommunityalliance.com/" target="_blank">PhoenixCommunityAlliance.com</a>
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<strong>About the Hance Park Conservancy:</strong>
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The Hance Park Conservancy was established in 2010 and is the catalyst for a new chapter of public space renewal in Phoenix, advocating for the park and protecting its future. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has been instrumental in developing the Hance Park Master Plan and actively raising funds to help make this plan a reality. Visit
<a href="http://hanceparkconservancy.org/" target="_blank">HancePark.org</a>
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<strong>About the Fiesta Bowl Organization:
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Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and our year-round events, such as the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Visit
<a href="https://www.fiestabowl.org/" target="_blank">FiestaBowl.org</a>
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<strong>About Downtown Phoenix Inc.:</strong>
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Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) is a community development group created in 2013 to advance the continued revitalization of Downtown Phoenix. A collaboration of business leaders, the City of Phoenix and community leaders, DPI coordinates activities between the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. Visit
<a href="https://dtphx.org/" target="_blank">dtphx.org</a> <br></p><br>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News | | parks-and-recreation | Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new playground | Parks & Rec | | | | | | Gregg Bach | 602-350-1506 | 602-262-4994 | | | gregg.bach@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/22/Gregg_Bach.jpg | | | | | | | | PhoenixParks | |
