Goal setting and impacts delivery
No, although benefits were delivered in all the 3 key areas, but in the planning phase, the project did not aim to address issues in all the 3 key priority areas.
Please specify the achievements of the project goals
Climate action:
Lowered local temperature: "Reduces air temperatures in the park by an average of 1.8°F compared to a typical urban landscape. Trees and shade structures lower mid-day surface temperatures by 12.4°F in turf areas and 23.4°F in hardscape areas" (1).
Increased green space area: "Civic space park is nestled into a 2.77 acre site in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona" (6).
Restoration of derelict areas: "The 2.77-acre site sits in the heart of a downtown district that was underdeveloped and pocketed with blight" (4).
Improved stormwater management: "All stormwater runoff is collected on-site and infiltrated in 128 subsurface infiltration chambers with a total capacity of 9,587 cu ft" (1).
Increased conversion of degraded land or soil: "The 31 trees installed in hardscape areas were planted in structural soil to expand the effective root zone. The structural soil extends approximately 4 ft from the root ball in each direction" (1).
Increased number of species present: "The park includes 111 new trees selected for drought tolerance" and "Native desert plants, which require minimal watering, are used extensively in landscaping, promoting water efficiency and ecological preservation" (1, 5).
Social justice and community:
1. Improved social cohesion: "The park weaves together and serves a diverse and growing population of students, low-income seniors, residents of downtown, workers in the major employment center of downtown Phoenix, and visitors to downtown Phoenix" (6).
2. Improved access to urban green space: "Civic Space Park is easily accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. It is located near light rail and bus stops, encouraging sustainable transportation options. The park’s central location in downtown Phoenix makes it a convenient meeting place and a catalyst for urban revitalization" (5).
3. Increased opportunities for social interaction: "The park serves as a hub for community engagement and social gatherings. It hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, yoga classes, and movie screenings. The open-air amphitheater provides a versatile space for performances and cultural activities, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among residents" (5).
4. Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "The park promotes recreation and leisure, providing a turf landscape in the southwest corner of the park with pedestrian-scale retaining walls, game tables, benches, and densely spaced shade trees" (3).
5. Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: "A 2.2 million world-class "floating sculpture" designed by Janet Echelman titled 'Her Secret is Patience" asks visitors to stop and reflect during the day and night" (6).
6. Protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure: "The $34 million park features extensive lawns, shaded areas, performance venues, and a restored historic building with spaces for civic, educational, and social meetings." (4)
