Staff Reports | Community Updates
A new phase of the Margaret T. Hance Park revitalization effort is moving forward as Arizona Public Service has committed $250,000 to support construction of the Hance Park Gateway Staircases, a project intended to improve access to the park along Central Avenue.
The investment supports the ongoing transformation of Margaret T. Hance Park into an urban destination and reflects a broader public‑private effort to enhance connections, accessibility and public use in the Downtown core, according to a press release.
The Margaret T. Hance Park Revitalization Project is led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, which includes the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy.
Earlier this year leaders from the coalition met with builders, developers and business leaders to formally recognize APS as a lead donor and share next steps in the renovation effort.
Those steps include a $3 million commitment from the City of Phoenix through its 2023 General Obligation Bond Program.
The Hance Park Gateway project focuses on redesigning four primary stairway entrances to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity. Plans include new staircases and sloped pathways, enhanced lighting and updated landscaping with shade trees and drought‑tolerant plantings intended to improve circulation and visibility.
Hance Park spans 32 acres above the I‑10 tunnel and is located near Burton Barr Central Library, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Downtown arts district. The revitalization effort, led by the City of Phoenix with Phoenix Community Alliance coordinating private fundraising, is part of a long‑term $100 million improvement plan now entering its ninth year.
Phoenix Community Alliance has raised $4 million in private funding for park improvements to date. Those investments include $2 million for the Fiesta Bowl Play project, which opened in 2020, and $2 million for the Republic Services Garden, which opened in 2023.
“Creating safe, welcoming connections into Hance Park is essential to realizing the park’s full potential as Downtown Phoenix’s signature public space,” Tim Sprague, principal at Habitat Metro and co‑chair of the Phoenix Community Alliance Hance Park fundraising committee, said. “Our vision is to continue the effort, turning Hance Park into Downtown’s gathering place that creates community, lifts residential value and strengthens the entire urban core.”
The revitalized park is expected to support surrounding residential, retail, hospitality, education and office development while serving as a central gathering space.
“Hance Park is an important part of District 7 and a space that brings our community together,” Anna Hernandez, Phoenix City Council member, said. “The staircase improvements will strengthen access to the park and help ensure that this space continues to grow as a safe and welcoming destination for our neighborhoods and the broader Downtown community.”
Rallying private support
The multi‑phase revitalization relies on both public funding and private contributions. APS’s initial commitment establishes a funding base as organizers continue to raise the remaining private match required to complete the Gateway project.
“Generous partners have been instrumental in bringing projects like the Fiesta Bowl Play and Republic Services Garden to fruition within the park, but there’s still more to accomplish,” Devney Majerle, president and chief executive officer of Downtown Phoenix Inc., said. “Downtown Phoenix Inc. remains committed to working alongside our partners to support a vibrant and healthy Downtown. Investments like the Hance Park Gateway improvements help create welcoming spaces that enhance the overall experience of being Downtown.”
APS officials said the investment aligns with broader efforts to support public spaces and economic activity in the Downtown area.
“APS is proud to be a supporter of the Hance Park Gateway project and the continued revitalization of Margaret T. Hance Park,” Stacy Derstine, vice president of external affairs for APS, said. “Investments like this strengthen Downtown Phoenix and help create vibrant public spaces that benefit the entire community. We’re excited to help move this important project forward.”
Organizers will continue seeking additional private commitments in the coming months. Once the remaining funding is secured, the project will move forward through a formal request for proposals process.
