Hance Park encompasses an existing 32.5 acre land bridge that spans Interstate 10. In it’s current condition, it is an underutilized and unappealing swath of open land with a lack of programming and scant accessibility. The Master Plan provides a remedy to these challenges by turning the entire space into a viable, maintainable, and highly valued public amenity. Investment in the park will equate to investment in the surrounding community. This positive resonating effect will have long-term impacts on economic development and overall growth of the downtown community and local culture.
The design references the context by drawing inspiration from local geographic and geologic features within the Valley of the Sun. Landforms, such as buttes and canyons, have been abstracted to create distinct spatial and programmatic moments. The overall design uses a vocabulary that evolves as one journeys through the park creating spaces that are both exciting and memorable. The park identity is further reinforced by the iconic shade structures placed around the park.
Native and adapted plant species have been carefully selected to frame corridors, produce fragrance, provide extra shade, and create intimacy. To reinforce the sustainability initiative, all of the plant material is irrigated by recharge basins integrated into the park design. By capturing irrigation run-off, and using cutting-edge irrigation technologies, water consumption will be minimized and Hance Park will serve as a sustainability model for large urban parks in arid climates.