Fiesta Bowl Celebrates 50th Anniversary with $2 Million Legacy Project Grant
Phoenix, Ariz. (August 19, 2019) – As part of the Hance Park Partner Coalition, Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) announced today the seven-figure financial donation made by the Fiesta Bowl toward the Hance Park Revitalization Project in Downtown Phoenix. Long celebrated as a leading local community organization, the Fiesta Bowl is the first major financial supporter of the project with its $2 million gift.
“This is an exciting day for the city of Phoenix as the Hance Park Revitalization Project takes an important and impactful step forward,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Construction of this play area will kick off the first phase of the project, and it is fitting that such a valuable community partner is helping to get it started. The city is grateful to the Fiesta Bowl for this significant commitment. Downtown Phoenix is a region where people want to live, work and spend their free time and a renovated Hance Park helps to further our growth.”
“We are thankful that the Fiesta Bowl organization has joined in this momentous project to make the first major commitment to revitalize Hance Park,” added PCA Executive Director Jon Brodsky. “The Fiesta Bowl is a fantastic partner, playing a major role in the community for nearly half a century. Now hundreds of thousands of people will enjoy fun and healthy activity year-round, thanks to the Fiesta Bowl’s generosity.”
The Hance Park Revitalization Project is a public-private partnership led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, consisting of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy. The 32-acre Hance Park is located over the I-10 tunnel in downtown, between 3rd Avenue to the west and 3rd Street to the east, and is maintained by the city through a partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City of Phoenix’s Burton Barr Central Library is located adjacent to the park off Central Avenue. The park also is home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Irish Cultural Center and Phoenix Center for the Arts.
The $2 million Fiesta Bowl legacy gift will be used specifically for the newly developed “Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park,” which will be constructed on the west side of the park and opened in conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl’s 50th Anniversary season. As part of the Fiesta Bowl’s 50th Anniversary celebration, its community efforts will live on through this multi-generational playground for millions of Arizona residents and guests to enjoy.
“When the Fiesta Bowl was created in 1971, our Founders made a commitment that the Fiesta Bowl would be Arizona’s largest and most important community effort in history. We believe this Hance Park revitalization project is an important community effort for our future,” said Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Patrick Barkley. “This mega playground will promote fun and healthy lifestyles and a child who plays on this playground may one day play in a future Fiesta Bowl.”
“I’m thrilled about the commitment the Fiesta Bowl has made to the Hance Park Revitalization Project,” said Phoenix District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski. “Hance Park hosts numerous festivals, concerts and special events year-round, but the addition of unique amenities like this play area will make it a destination for everyday use and recreation. A vibrant and active park is pivotal to the economic development of downtown, and this sponsorship will have a profound impact.”
As part of the Play at Hance Park commitment, the Fiesta Bowl is teaming up with four supporting partners. The first to join is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in making this playground dream come true for all Arizonans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is committed to healthy lifestyles and inspiring Arizonans to get healthier faster and stay healthier longer.
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION:
The Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year-round, during and outside of bowl season. Visit FiestaBowl.org
ABOUT PHOENIX COMMUNITY ALLIANCE:
Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) is an affiliate of Downtown Phoenix, Inc. and the premier membership organization for Downtown leaders. Through the alliance of a strong and diverse membership, PCA fulfills its mission to activate, advocate, and build the Phoenix we want. Visit phoenixcommunityalliance.com
ABOUT DOWNTOWN PHOENIX INC:
Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) is a community development group created in 2013 to advance the continued revitalization of Downtown Phoenix. A collaboration of business leaders, the City of Phoenix and community leaders, DPI coordinates activities between the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. Visit dtphx.org
ABOUT HANCE PARK CONSERVANCY:
The Hance Park Conservancy was established in 2010 and is the catalyst for a new chapter of public space renewal in Phoenix, advocating for the park and protecting its future. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has been instrumental in developing the Hance Park Master Plan and actively raising funds to help make this plan a reality. Visit HancePark.org
ABOUT CITY OF PHOENIX PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department provides residents and visitors more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserve land with 200-plus miles of trails; 185 parks; 32 community and recreation centers; classes and sports programs where kids and adults learn, stay active and have fun; eight golf courses; and 29 pools where thousands cool off and learn to swim each summer. Visit Phoenix.gov/Parks