Location
Margaret T. Hance Park is located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, spanning from North Central Avenue to North 3rd Street, and from West Culver Street to Interstate 10.
Website
For more information and the latest updates, visit the official website: Margaret T. Hance Park
Overview
Margaret T. Hance Park is a 32-acre park in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Named after the city’s first female mayor, Margaret T. Hance, the park serves as a hub for community activities and outdoor recreation. The park is also home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Irish Cultural Center, and the McClelland Irish Library.
Things to Do
1. Enjoy the Outdoors: The park features grassy areas, walking paths, and ramadas, making it a great location for picnics, walks, or just relaxing outdoors.
2. Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden: This beautiful 3.5-acre garden, also known as Ro Ho En, features a traditional tea house, a koi pond, and Japanese landscaping. It’s a serene spot for reflecting and learning about Japanese culture.
3. Explore the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: Here, you can learn about Irish heritage and history, explore Irish literature, or attend cultural events and workshops.
4. Participate in Events: Margaret T. Hance Park often hosts community events, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and charity runs.
5. Play at the Playground: The park features a playground where children can play.
6. Dog Park: The park also features an enclosed dog park where your furry friends can play off-leash.
Opening Hours
The park is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, these hours may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website for the most current information.
Admission
Admission to the park is free, but there may be fees for certain attractions within the park, such as the Japanese Friendship Garden, or for special events.
Deck Park Tunnel
One unique feature of Margaret T. Hance Park is that it is actually built on top of the Deck Park Tunnel, which carries the Interstate 10 freeway beneath the park. This tunnel is one of the longest vehicular tunnels in North America, and the park above it serves to reconnect neighborhoods that were originally divided by the freeway.
Phoenix Center for the Arts
Located at the park’s northeast corner is the Phoenix Center for the Arts, which offers classes in visual and performing arts for children and adults. The center also hosts art exhibitions and performances, adding to the cultural richness of the park.
Burton Barr Central Library
Adjacent to the park is the Burton Barr Central Library, the main branch of the Phoenix Public Library. The library is a valuable resource for the community, offering a vast collection of books, DVDs, and digital resources, as well as public programs and events.
Events and Festivals
Margaret T. Hance Park is a popular venue for many of Phoenix’s biggest festivals and events. Some of the most well-known include the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, the Phoenix Pride Festival, and the Matsuri Festival of Japan. These events attract thousands of visitors to the park each year and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Phoenix.
Future Enhancements
The City of Phoenix has announced plans for a major renovation of Margaret T. Hance Park, which will add new features and amenities to the park. The plans include a skate park, splash pads, an adventure playground, and additional performance spaces. These enhancements aim to further increase the park’s appeal as a community gathering place and a destination for visitors.
The Park’s Namesake
Margaret T. Hance was the first female mayor of Phoenix and served four terms from 1976 to 1983. She was instrumental in securing funding for the construction of the Deck Park Tunnel, which led to the creation of the park that now bears her name.
Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, outdoor recreation, or attending community events, Margaret T. Hance Park offers something for everyone right in the heart of downtown Phoenix. With its upcoming enhancements, the park is set to become an even more vital part of the city’s urban landscape.
