Downtown Phoenix’s Margaret T. Hance Park is receiving a major addition this summer thanks to a sponsorship from Republic Services, Inc.
In celebration of Earth Week and Earth Day, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce a $2 million sponsorship from Republic Services, Inc. that will help fund a one-acre sustainable oasis featuring native desert plants and shaded walking and seating areas.
“At its core, Republic’s vision is to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world, so we are proud to be working through our Charitable Foundation with the City of Phoenix on our largest neighborhood revitalization project yet,” said Jon Vander Ark, president and CEO, Republic Services. “This $2 million commitment to improve our community and create stronger, cleaner and healthier spaces in the neighborhoods in which we live and work is an example of how our 35,000 team members put sustainability in action.”
The garden oasis will feature 33 native desert plants chosen for their ability to thrive in the Phoenix heat and requires low water usage.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Republic Services, one of Phoenix’s largest public companies, to bring about change and revitalization to Phoenix’s most iconic park. Green, open gathering spaces make our downtown environment more livable, and a revitalized Hance Park is a necessity for the growing downtown community,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We look forward to our continued work with the Republic Services team to make a difference in the lives of our Phoenix neighbors in providing a revitalized urban space that all can enjoy.”
Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the country, and consistently ranks as one of the fastest growing large cities. The 32-acre Hance Park is in the middle of important cultural, arts, educational and community institutions, and serves as a unique intersection between several neighborhoods in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The $2 million sponsorship is one of the largest contributions ever made to the first phase of the $45 million Hance Park revitalization efforts. More information about the Hance Park Revitalization Project can be found online.
“As downtown Phoenix continues to grow exponentially, it is more important than ever that we preserve and nourish the outdoor gathering spaces like Hance Park,” District 7 Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari said. “I am thrilled to see Republic Services’ commitment to sustainability in the park with the oasis of native desert plants and a recycled canopy for shade. Building sustainable communities that serve future generations is a top priority for me, and I am excited for the many people that will get to enjoy this enhanced natural attraction in District 7!”
Construction has already begun on the one-acre Republic Services Garden that will live just east of the playground and splash pad areas. The project is expected to be completed in time for Phoenix’s hosting of Super Bowl LVII in February 2023.
