PHX Renews is turning vacant lots into green community spaces in Phoenix, Arizona. This project addresses the empty areas by installing temporary gardens, education exhibits and art displays.
Senior Sustainability Policy Advisor for the city of Phoenix, Colin Tetreault says, “The whole point is that it’s temporary, it’s exportable, it’s replicable, it’s scalable. In the event to developer or the private landowner now wants to do a thing, we’ve activated something well ahead of time.”
On its first lot, PHX Renews is working in partnership with several community groups including Keep Phoenix Beautiful (a regional chapter of Keep America Beautiful), the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the International Rescue Committee. Preparations for the community space are still underway. It is working towards a September 21st ‘Activation Day,’ when all partners will work together on their projects.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Temporary Community Spaces
- Creating temporary community spaces in vacant lots provides an opportunity for innovative and dynamic uses of underutilized land.
- Portable Gardens
- Installing portable gardens in parking lots enhances access to fresh produce and promotes sustainable urban farming practices.
- Artistic Exhibits
- Transforming parking lots into temporary art spaces allows for creative expression and cultural engagement within the community.
Where This Applies
- Sustainability
- The creation of temporary community spaces in parking lots presents opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives to thrive.
- Urban Agriculture
- The installation of portable gardens in vacant lots promotes the growth of urban agriculture and provides opportunities for local food production.
- Arts and Culture
- Transforming parking lots into temporary art spaces opens up new avenues for artists and cultural organizations to showcase their work and engage with the community.
