Mayor Kate Gallego said Phoenix has added another “must-see” destination for the thousands of visitors expected over the next week for the Super Bowl – one that will be a focal point for the city long after they leave.

Phoenix officials, Republic Services and community leaders celebrated the opening of the Republic Services Garden at Margaret T. Hance Park on Feb. 1 in downtown Phoenix.   

“As Phoenix welcomes thousands of visitors to Hance Park for Super Bowl LVII in just a few days, this Republic Services Garden will be a must-see experience,” Gallego said.

“Public parks and open spaces are essential to healthy communities, and this sustainable garden is an investment that will pay dividends for those visiting and living in our downtown Phoenix community.” 

During a ribbon-cutting event, Gallego, Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari, Republic Services President and CEO Jon Vander Ark and community partners, including Phoenix Community Alliance and the Hance Park Conservancy revealed the sustainable garden at the park.

When complete, the garden will feature 33 native desert plants chosen for their ability to thrive in the Phoenix heat and their low-water requirements.

“The diverse selection of plants will provide a habitat for pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds,” city officials said in a release.

The area includes a recycled steel canopy to shade walking paths, seating areas and swings and energy-efficient LED lighting.  

"I'm thrilled to finally showcase what a sustainable desert garden oasis can look like at Margaret T. Hance Park. Green spaces not only become a symbol of connected, active communities but demonstrate the city's dedication to making Hance a world-class city destination," Ansari said.

In the spring of 2022, the city partnered with Phoenix-based Republic Services and Phoenix Community Alliance to announce the construction of the sustainable garden. The Republic Services Charitable Foundation’s $2 million sponsorship helped build the 1-acre garden.

“Republic’s vision is to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world, so we are proud to be working through our charitable foundation on our largest neighborhood revitalization project yet, right here in our hometown of Phoenix,” Vander Ark said.