A futuristic (and expensive) proposal to overhaul downtown Phoenix's Hance Park is drawing a range of reactions from residents and city officials.
As KJZZ reported last week, the six-year, $120 million plan calls for dividing the park, which straddles Central Avenue between Fifth Avenue and Third Street, into three zones. The first development area would feature a restaurant, a skate park and an overhead feature (pictured) called "The Cloud," which would create a "gateway" into the park and provide shade.
Some members of the Phoenix City Council say the plan addresses Phoenix's need for a signature urban park, and the Hance Park Conservancy, a nonprofit group, is looking for donors to make it happen. Others say the price tag is too high, given the city's recent budget woes.
The 32-acre park was dedicated in 1992 and sits above the underground tunnel portion of Interstate 10. In fact, that section of I-10 was the last portion of the coast-to-coast highway to be completed, in 1981. The park hosts events year-round and includes the Phoenix Center for the Arts, the Irish Cultural Center and the Japanese Friendship Garden, along with a public library.
What do you think of this idea? Let us know in the comments!