Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture has released outcomes from ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade, a citywide initiative featuring temporary shade installations created by local artists.
The initiative included nine shade structures installed in nine city parks from April through October 2025 and was developed in partnership with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, Parks and Recreation, the Office of Innovation and Mayor Kate Gallego, according to a press release.
“Phoenix is making our neighborhoods cooler and more comfortable in a way that is collaborative, creative, and empowering of local artists, designers, and residents,” Mayor Gallego said in a prepared statement. “The shade structures created through ¡Sombra! test new materials, significantly reduce temperatures, and showcase the beautiful cultures and stories of our neighborhoods.”
The project was funded by a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge grant and engaged more than 65 local organizations and businesses, the release states.
Cooling impacts were measured by Arizona State University’s MaRTY portable weather stations in coordination with the city’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. Some installations reduced surface temperatures by as much as 46 degrees Fahrenheit, while mean radiant temperatures were reduced by 30 to 40 degrees, city officials say.
At Cielito Park, ambient air temperature was reduced by an additional 10 degrees when solar‑powered misting systems were activated. The installation was designed by artists Jose Benavides and Joe Ray.
Artists also tested alternative anchoring systems, including ground screws and diamond piers, allowing the shade structures to be installed safely without permanent foundations. City officials said these methods may inform future projects.
Material testing produced varied results. At Sunnyslope Park, a polyester‑spandex fabric demonstrated strong cooling performance but showed durability concerns. An acrylic fiber fabric used at Cielito Park proved more resilient under extended exposure.
Local business EnKoat partnered on the installation at Roesley Park, applying heat‑mitigating coatings designed to reduce heat absorption. Based on feedback from participating artists, the company has expanded its product offerings to include additional color options.
“Being part of the project was truly rewarding,” said Aashay Arora, co‑founder of EnKoat.
