Whenever I visit the ASU Downtown Campus, I always find myself walking through the Civic Space Park. This is a park with a lot of potential as there is a nice grassy area, some tables and chairs next to the US Post Office and ASU Student Center, a beautiful sculpture, and other places to hold an event and escape from the heat. At the same time, the Civic Space Park in recent years has been overrun with the homeless who find their own spaces on the east side of the park and sometimes elsewhere in the park. This has led to some safety concerns from ASU students and their families as many students have to walk across the park to get from the Sun Devil Fitness Complex or the Fusion on First upper-division residence hall across to the rest of the ASU Downtown Campus. There have also been a number of altercations over the last few years between multiple homeless and occasionally between a homeless person and a student. I have seen groups of students and even community members holding events in the park either in front of the Student Center entrance at the tables and chairs (gatherings by students or staff), on the grassy lawn area (community members playing soccer, frisbee, or having a picnic), or even on the south side of the walkway (though the lighting wasn't very good in the evening in that area). Again, it may be a challenge if some of the homeless community members try to engage at these events with the students, staff, and/or community members. Another challenge we learned is that it isn't the role of ASU Police or Phoenix Police to monitor the park. Rather there are park rangers who are responsible for doing so, which adds some complications as the rest of the ASU campus is supported by ASU Police and on occasion, by Phoenix Police. If you look at other reviews of Civic Space Park, it is difficult to find one that doesn't highlight the famous sculpture known as "Her Secret is Patience." In fact, I recall doing a photo shoot about 12 years ago under the sculpture at Civic Space Park. This sculpture is a public art sculpture commission that was designed for the city of Phoenix. The sculpture consists of painted, galvanized steel, polyester twine netting, and colored lights. Again, the space has a lot of potential though due to safety reasons, there is some work to be done to really prepare this park to meet its full potential. read more

See all

Nice park to just hang out at. Lots of grassy area for kids or animals to run through. We just sat there for a while soaking up the sun and people watching. At night the tornado looking thing lights up. read more

Civic Space Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

This is a nice park located in the heart of downtown Phoenix that was opened in 2009. It spans about 2 and a half acres and there is not much parking available. Ironically, the park use to be a big parking lot and some old buildings. You may be able to find some nearby parking lots and some limited metered street parking. There is also a train stop right in front of it. The park is pretty much a hangout spot, with benches, green space, a community meeting room, a splash pad, a pavilion and a shelter. with tables under it. I did not see any public restrooms, playground equipment or other amenities though. It is a popular spot for the city's homeless at night at is dimly lit at night. It appeared well maintained and had visitors and ASU students waling through it. It hosts over 40 public events per year, including movie screenings, concerts, art galleries, and community yoga. The park's main feature by far is the huge sculpture that reaches high in the air. The piece, Her Secret Is Patience, is the work of Janet Echelman, and costed $2.4 million. It looks like a huge tornado or weird jelly fish. It is cool to look at during the day, but is amazing at night. It is very Instagramable. The piece is transformed to a colorful masterpiece at night by ground-mounted colored lighting. You must see it. The park is intended to give people a shaded green space to hang out at and relax. It is a borderline destination spot if you are nearby. As I mentioned, the sculpture (at night) draws you in. It is one of the most provocative, and pricey public art sculptures that I have seen. read more

This place is coool. My fiancé & I spontaneously drove around downtown & spotted this huge art piece! We immediately parked and walked. Looks great at night with the different colored lights. I want to come back & see how everything looks during the day. read more

See all

I'd heard that Civic Space Park was a must-stop park in Phoenix, so when we found ourselves in the neighbored we made a point of visitiing; it was a disappointment. Tip: While coming here is AOK if all you're interested in is being where there's some grass, but if you want to have a truly relaxing time I'd suggest going to the gardens in Arizona Center instead. To be fair, the art work you'll find here is fairly nice, and it's not a complete waste of time to visit if you happen to be in the neighborhood, but you shouldn't make a special trip to come here. read more

See all

We went at night to see the sculpture "Her secret is patience", an installation made of nets that move in the wind and glows in the dark. I think it's very cool and unique, make sure you check it out when in Phoenix! read more

See all

For me, the attraction to making sure I visited this park was to see the aerial sculpture called "Her Secret is Patience". The title for this art piece was from American Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote, 'Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.' The artist, Janet Echelman, has many aerial art installations around the world. Downtown Phoenix has one here in this park. This art is unique, beckons you to admire it, and makes you wonder what it is REALLY about. It was listed as a place to visit in Phoenix, so I decided to come see it for myself (when it got dark out). It is suspended 100 feet up in the air and is 145 feet tall! To me, it is very abstract. I stood and watched it and photographed it for about 10 minutes. There was virtually no wind, so it was still. I would have enjoyed watching it blow around in the wind. It is made out of fish netting-like material. According to a website, it also said that the lighting changes throughout the night. Well, I didn't stay anywhere near long enough for it to change even once. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child"? Well, it takes a team of super talented minds to create and set the stage for the aerial art! The parking around here is tricky. I don't have any advice. I just parked in an ASU parking lot and walked across the street. It says 24-hr parking is enforced and you can pay the box. I didn't because it was just after dark. I kept my eye on the car. If you park further away, you could possibly take the Light Rail or bus here. I didn't really check out the park. I just walked up to the sculpture and left. I noticed there were chairs set out, There's lots of grass to play, sit, and walk on. From the park, you can see ASU on the buildings. This urban park has been here since 2009. I don't know why they would omit Public Restrooms and water fountains, but it is so! There is a coffee place called Fair Trade Cafe, which might have a customer restroom. This art is neat to view, even though I don't know exactly what it is! If you are in the general vicinity, come check it out! There might even be an event happening while you're here! read more

See all

I appreciate urban parks as much as the next guy, but like 90% of the reviews, I came to see "Her Secret is Patience", an art installation by Janet Eschelman. Part UFO, part uterus, it's best viewed at night in blues and purples. It's pretty cool, and gradually changes shape a bit as it moves in the breeze. Otherwise, it's a pretty basic downtown park- there's a stage area for performance art and it's easily accessible by the bus and Metro stops. Unfortunately, there aren't any water fountains or public bathrooms, and parking in the area is pretty steep. read more

See all

Surprisingly few reviews for such a costly project. $2.5 million cost of construction in 2009 and an undisclosed cost of replacement of the nets in 2014. The net was rather blah in person. There was not much color to it but when captured on the phone the colors looked really vibrant; an augmented reality, just like I saw it on social media. Pretty soon we will be hooked up in embryonic chambers and experiencing life through VR. Morpheus, Neo, Trinity where are you? I guess that is all that counts these days. Take some pictures so that you can brag about it on fb or some other evil social platform and all of your friends can share the experience through the tiny screens of the phone. Hopefully there will be some stroking affirmations of what a wonderful job you did taking that picture. Improvements in the quality of life is getting assymtotic, can't get any better than this I am afraid. Lol. read more

See all

Lovely place to admire at night, especially the "Her Secret Is Patience" installment. It changes with the wind and does have a pretty glow about it at night. The park itself is well-maintained, well lit and seems to have security around at all times. Lots of places to sit on the grass and there's a good bustle of college students nearby as well. Parking can be a bit of a struggle as there is street parking, but it's free. Definitely a great place to spend time or even just to stare at this artwork during the warm Phoenix nights. read more

Civic Space Park - Her Secret Is Patience - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Literally one of my favorite parts to visit in downtown Phoenix. I referred to it as the psychedelic space tornado, but I've also heard it referred to as a jellyfish. Lol Truly unique piece of artwork that is not impressive until you see it in full of darkness. read more

Civic Space Park - That's right - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

As often as I am downtown I'm surprised I had not been here sooner. I stopped by here today for a neighborhood book exchange. The park was beautiful and had quite a bit of shade. I was surprised to see so many different people just hanging out enjoying the park in the middle of downtown. Parking was a pain. I lost count of how many circles I drove looking for parking. I suggest not looking for something close just park where you can and walk. read more

Civic Space Park - Book exchange - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I'm from Chicago, so its safe to assume I'm a bit of a city snob. Or so I used to be! I am so impressed with how downtown Phoenix is coming to life! This Civic Space Park is amazing! I love the weird thing in the sky (my theory is it's the leftover DNA from Aeon Flux), I have listened to some great music here, and the AE English Building is home to free yoga in the summer on Thursdays! The Fair Trade cafe downstairs is just awesome if you like local businesses! (If you don't, why are you reading?) There is parking all around, plenty of free and inexpensive options. The lightrail is practically on top of the park, making it very accessible. It's actually a park, with trees and grass and everything! Great place for a date, for families, or just yourself! There's even a splash pad with colored lights at night that kids can enjoy. read more

The Civic Space Park in the middle of downtown Phoenix is a refreshing sight to see during the day as well as at night. It's a great place to enjoy with family, friends or even alone. Plenty of parking nearby as well as a light rail drop off point. The light installation is mesmerizing at night. The glittering lights from the buildings surrounding the park gives it a big city, urban jungle feel. If you come on the right night you might even get to experience a music show. What a great way to enjoy our Phoenix weather. read more

Civic Space Park - Jared and the Mill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Green spaces are a precious thing in the Phoenix area. Not only because we live in the middle of a desert, but because the astronomical growth of the valley is driving a development culture that threatens many of our green spaces. Cash strapped local governments could easily sell these spaces to a developer to make a quick buck, particularly in the rapidly growing urban core of Downtown. Not too many years ago, Phoenix's old Patriots Square Park suffered this fate as the city sold the park to a developer and built what is now Cityscape. Not everyone was sad to see Patriots Park go (many thought it was hideous) and many (myself included) are happy with how the Cityscape project has turned out. But with Patriots Square gone, Downtown was in need of a new more vibrant green space for the community. In the early 2000s, the City of Phoenix got to work on purchasing a number of old dilapidated structures on a plot of land between Polk Street, 1st Avenue, Central Avenue, and Fillmore Street. The intent was to create a new green space for the masses. Completed in 2009, this plot of land is now Civic Space Park. Of the structures the City of Phoenix bought, two were preserved and rehabilitated. The old Downtown US Post Office was saved and still functions as a post office for the public, for ASU Downtown students, and also acts as a gathering space with offices for a number of ASU organizations. The AE England Building, built in 1926 and originally home to a Downtown auto dealership, has also been restored and serves as an art gallery, an events venue with a beautiful ballroom to boot, and there's even a Fair Trade Cafe coffee shop at the basement level of the building. The remaining spaces of the park are green spaces with various solar powered shade structures, a mini amphitheater with a main stage just behind the England building, as well as expansive grass lawns with trees providing natural shade in spots. When the weather is perfect, its not unusual to see ASU Downtown students studying or playing pickup games of frisbee or football down here. You'll also see a number of Downtown residents walking their dogs through here. And there are a number of public events held at the park from concerts, to nighttime public movie viewings, as well as arts and culinary festivals. And yes, there's that goofy structure in the middle that almost immediately gets everyone's attention (particularly at night). For the record, that funnel shaped objected that sits above the park and lights up in blue, purple and red hues at night is a $2.5 million art sculpture called "Her Secret is Patience". According to the artist, the structure is meant to encompass the movements and colors of the valley winds, the clouds, and cacti. It's been a source of debate, mystery, and even controversy ever since it was erected. Some think its beautiful, some think its ugly, some people have even told me its sexually suggestive. Whatever your opinion, you can't miss it and it leaves no doubt that your in Civic Space Park. If you're looking for an excuse to come down here, I would recommend coming down on movie nights. Movie nights are typically held during the cool weather months, are free to the public and the Downtown nighttime skyline provides a beautiful backdrop. There are also events held here often for First Fridays as the AE England building often opens up their doors for art displays and you might even catch a food truck or two parked outside. I recently had the pleasure of coming here for a race and democracy discussion put on by ASU at the beautiful AE England ballroom. Check the Civic Space Park Facebook page for the latest upcoming events as they do update it frequently. Downtown Phoenix needs more spaces like this. Admittedly the price of land Downtown has gone up significantly since the City bought up the land to create Civic Space Park, so securing more green spaces like this going forward won't be easy. But this park has been a huge boost for Downtown as a gathering space, as a hedge against the heat island effects of the concrete jungle, and as a source of pride for the neighborhood. The march of progress will continue, but the pride of a great neighborhood park is frankly something money just can't buy. read more

See all

Fun small park in Downtown Phoenix. Not sure if the game/music setup on the lawn is there everyday but we were able to play a few rounds of corn hole and checkerboard. Make sure you bring some change for the metered parking! read more

See all

I ride my bike downtown quite frequently and I always have to stop and stare at "Her Secret is Patience" by Janet Echelman. This huge and amazing art instillation is located right outside the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism downtown @ASU. Just be sure to get a good look at night, it's breathtaking. Take someone who doesn't know about it and they will be shocked! read more

See all

i love this place. i hate the 'artwork'. haven't had a picnic here yet. was too hot by the time it was down to really throw down a proper style picnic. (although i'd probably feel guilty, as they're a lot of bums around...) read more

Civic Space Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

The Space Park is NOT a park with an "outer space" theme. That was MY first thought when I read the name, but it's a space park, as in "open-space", and although there is a giant black hole, uterus, blob thingy hanging overhead (that is pretty cool), that's the closet thing that resembles anything out of this world. I've been to the Civic Space Park several times for different events, and it's in a great location in downtown Phoenix. That's the major plus, as it's adjacent to the Metro Link Train and Bus Transfer Station. The area is small enough that it can be fenced off when alcohol is being served and the beer drinkers need to stay inside the event, but open enough for free gatherings such as art exhibits, community awareness events, etc. There are no public restrooms, and I couldn't find any drinking fountains. There are grassy areas to lounge on, but the drainage seems to be a problem, for there always seems to be muddy spots around the low lying areas. A nice place for a stage venue, which is raised a few feet, and the backdrop is a brick building. The canopy over the stage and the gathering area up front, angles upward, and toward the West, where a grass knoll is situated. There are places to sit within the park that are built into the hardscape, but I think there should have been more constructed. I must say, though, that I have never been to the park when nothing was going on, so perhaps by bias view of not eneough seating is due to the fact that I was always there when a poplular event was taking place. It's a pretty chill spot, and I'm always eager to check out any venue that takes place here. Good luck on parking, for it's rare that you'll be able to find a spot to stow your chariot without costing you atleast $10. I recommend taking the train, or bus when heading downtown. read more

Okay, what's so great about a park right in the middle of downtown Phoenix? I mean after all this city is not as rich in culture or sophistication in comparison to Los Angeles,San Francisco, and countless other cities. It offers me a place to sit down and unwind my brain, which is I end up needing after running errands or just dealing with everyday life. Perfect for me ! read more

even with the GVJOR this park is really nice...right now. but i think considering how active the area is, this will not become a bum-park. very nice place to just chill and have a picnic. ohh yea, the artist for the GVJOR is Janet Echelman an artist from Boston, and this artwork cost aprox 2.5 million. but i think we got a nice park out of it either way. read more

I will never like the jellyfish for many reasons, but I can't help but fall in love with the beautiful park space that lies just beneath it. This area is a great mixture of grass, rock landscaping, a little bit of rolling hills and plenty of trees that will one day mature into something impressive. On the south end of the park there is a totally awesome light pillar thing that is very cool to check out. I only saw a couple transients, thankfully, and for the most part the people in the park seemed to be ASU students reading in the grass. I wish this had opened a couple months earlier so I could have enjoyed it longer, but at least I can still hang out here at 9:00 at night. The only drawback is that there is a large amount of smokers that like to chill here. Eww. read more

People seem to have fallen in love with this controversial park. It's another addition to downtown, as Phoenix works to improve the central city and revitalize the area. The most prominent feature is the massive sculpture that hangs over the park. Supposedly a "cactus flower" I've heard it likened to everything from jellyfish to tornado to vagina. It's interesting to see in the day, albeit a bit of an eyesore, but the park's real potential comes out at night when the LED pillars and sculpture are lit. Darkness hides the support system and the sculpture appears to float over the city. You will notice the various colors on it by day, but the night lights make them glow and contrast each other. It is definitely a unique addition to downtown Phoenix. read more

First off, I LOVE LOVE LOVE "Her Secret is Patience." (i.e. "the jellyfish" or whatever you want to call it.) It's bold, it's beautiful, and it did exactly what public art is supposed to do: It brought people together to talk. Before it was even built people were talking about it. The best time to see it is at night when it glows. I can't keep my eyes off it when the wind blows through it and the netting gently and quietly dances in the air. I love it in the day time too. The artwork is one of the best elements of this park. I just wish this park had a better name. I mean, c'mon, "Civic Space Park"? Could that be more lame?! Why not Sky Bloom Park? I know that's not what the floating sculpture is called, but it's what the media called it, and I think it sounds cool. The restoration of the AE England building is marvelous. Fair Trade is great to have there. And what about the big, grassy knoll in downtown Phoenix!? I never thought I'd see the day when there was an actual space in downtown that wasn't a parking lot. Everything about this park was done right (except the name, but I guess I can deal with it.) read more

I have only visited the park once, but my experience was very delightful. We jammed out a bit with the DJ who by the way made the experience awesome. Had a great time with my mom, husband and my kids. How often does the DJ play play at the park? read more