Phoenix Transforms Retired Well Sites into Public Art Spaces

​As part of an ongoing effort to repurpose retired well sites the City of Phoenix Water Services and Office of Arts + Culture have collaborated to transform a previously inaccessible lot into an engaging sculpture garden at the intersection of 63rd Ave. and Osborn Rd.

The "Neighborhood Vista" project replaces the former Well Site 156, a decommissioned well that provided water to the surrounding neighborhood as far back as the 1940s. With the well site no longer being active, the lot housing the well offered little continued benefit to the surrounding community. In 2019, this site was selected as the 4th location to be developed as part of the Community Well Enhancement Program.

Local artist Jeff Zischke saw the space as an opportunity to create a sculptural garden that tells the story of the past, present, future, and diversity of the community that has grown around, and in part because of, the historical well. This space integrates large steel sculptures with indigenous flora, connecting it all is a walking path that provides in the round views of the sculptural elements.​

To further enhance the experience, an interactive story mapis available, providing historic context for the site, details about the design process, and insights from the artist.

On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 4 p.m. we invite the community to share in the dedication of Neighborhood Vista and to experience the space firsthand.

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