Project Objectives

Project EverGreen, the City of the Phoenix and Scotts Miracle-Gro are partnering to increase shade and reduce temperatures in the Phoenix area through ongoing park renovations. The project at Barrios Unidos Park, a 14-acre park  located near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, in one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, will include the planting of 50 trees – 25 gallon Oaks and Elms ranging from 8 to 12-feet tall –  to create more shaded areas.

This will be the second GreenCare for Communities project in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. The first was Lindo Park in 2019.

The goals for this project include:

• To improve the natural environment of a previously blighted area, which will include adding shade trees, native plants and shrubs, and landscaping.
• To create a space that the community at large can use for health and wellness, education, and recreation.

Why are Green Spaces Important to Phoenix?

Green spaces are particularly important to Phoenix, Arizona, for several reasons due to the city’s desert climate and rapid urbanization. Here are some key reasons why:

Heat Mitigation (Urban Heat Island Effect)

Phoenix experiences extremely high temperatures, especially during the summer months. The presence of green spaces—such as parks, gardens, and street trees—helps to reduce the urban heat island effect, where built-up areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. Plants cool the air through shade and the process of evapotranspiration, making the city more livable.

Air Quality Improvement

Green spaces contribute to better air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants while releasing oxygen. In a city like Phoenix, where dust and pollution levels can be high, this helps to improve public health and reduce respiratory issues.

Water Retention and Flood Control

Although Phoenix is in a desert, it can experience intense rain during the monsoon season. Green spaces help absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flash floods. Additionally, they help recharge groundwater supplies by allowing water to seep into the ground rather than run off on impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support

Green spaces serve as critical habitats for local flora and fauna. In an urbanized and arid region, parks and green corridors allow for the preservation of native species, promoting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystems that might otherwise be lost to urban sprawl.

Mental and Physical Health Benefits

Access to green spaces is linked to improved mental and physical health. In Phoenix, where high temperatures can limit outdoor activity, well-planned parks and shaded areas encourage residents to engage in physical activities, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Social and Recreational Opportunities

Green spaces provide important venues for social interaction, community events, and recreational activities. Given Phoenix’s vast urban landscape, these areas offer residents a chance to connect with nature and with each other, fostering a sense of community.

Economic Benefits

Green spaces can also enhance property values and attract tourism, contributing to the local economy. A well-maintained park or garden can become a destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a reprieve from the desert environment and supporting local businesses.

In a city like Phoenix, where urban expansion can sometimes outpace natural preservation, green spaces play a crucial role in making the city more sustainable and habitable.

Project EverGreen’s Impact

Parks, lawns, landscapes and maintained green spaces help to mitigate temperature increases in communities and significantly reduce energy use and cooling costs. Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative has made a significant impact. Since 2008, Project EverGreen and its partners have renovated community parks and public green spaces totaling more than 200 million square feet of living green space.

Through its nationwide base of professional volunteers, Project EverGreen has connected people, plants, and their communities to maximize the health of grass, plants, and trees, which in turn sequesters carbon and cleans the air. The initiative supports healthy green spaces in neighborhoods and cities, enabling maintained green spaces to function as the lungs of the city and offsetting the negative effects of a warming environment.