PHOENIX (AP) - A park that is playing a major role in hosting Final Four events this weekend is slated to get a big makeover under a plan to add amenities like a skate park, amphitheater and restaurants.
The effort to revamp Margaret T. Hance Park is contingent on finding more than $100 million through private partnerships and donations, The Arizona Republic reported (https://bit.ly/2onbp1w). The park is hosting a number of fan events for the NCAA Final Four starting Friday.
The nonprofit group Hance Park Conservancy is spearheading fundraising efforts for the revitalization. It recently received its largest single donation ever of $100,000 to go toward an amphitheater.
Hance Park Conservancy President Tim Sprague said he hopes the Final Four festival will highlight the park, which he said few Phoenix-area residents visit.
In all, supporters hope to add amenities like a skate park, playscapes and more the update the park which is currently mostly grass surrounded by cultural institutions. The group hopes to transform the park into Phoenix’s equivalent of Central Park in New York or Millennium Park in Chicago.
The Phoenix City Council will soon consider contracting for an economic analysis of the park, which will be present the value of the park to possible partners and sponsors.
Parks and Recreation Director Inger Erickson said she would like to see changes at the park start in the next year or year and a half.
Phoenix will use a parks and recreation sales tax fund to dedicate $15 million toward the project over three years, but outside funding will play a major role, Erickson said.
“The city can’t do it by itself,” Erickson said.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, https://www.azcentral.com
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