Civic Space Park
Civic Space Park Map
About Civic Space Park in Phoenix
Civic Space Park is a 2.5-acre urban oasis located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Opened to the public in April 2009, the park serves as a vital green space connecting Arizona State University's downtown campus with the surrounding community.
The park's design focuses on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Over 70% of the park's surface area will be shaded once its trees and vegetation reach maturity, providing relief from Phoenix's intense summer heat. The park utilizes permeable concrete and pavers for its hard surfaces, which reduce heat reflection and allow rainfall to seep through, minimizing damaging storm runoff.
A striking feature of Civic Space Park is the landmark public sculpture by artist Janet Echelman titled "Her Secret is Patience." This large-scale artwork floats above the park and is illuminated at night, serving as a visual focal point and encouraging contemplation of the connection between nature and urban life.
The park includes the historic A.E. England Building, originally opened in the 1920s as a car dealership. Now renovated, it houses retail space, a community meeting room, and serves as a venue for special events. The building, along with the park itself, provides space for civic, educational, and social gatherings.
Civic Space Park hosts an average of 43 free public events each year, including movie screenings, concerts, art exhibitions, and wellness activities like community yoga. These events promote community engagement and help keep the park a lively and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Environmental sustainability is a key aspect of the park's design. Solar panels installed on shade structures generate 75 kilowatts of power, enough to offset the park's lighting and electrical needs. All stormwater runoff is collected on-site and infiltrated in subsurface chambers, contributing to groundwater replenishment.
The park's location near light rail and bus transit stations encourages the use of public transportation, aligning with its sustainable ethos. No parking spaces were built specifically for the park, promoting pedestrian access and use of mass transit.
