The city of Mesa is adding a new flair to its downtown area with the unveiling of the Neon Garden, a park dedicated to the city's luminous history through a collection of restored neon signs from local businesses that shone from as early as the 1940s. Mesa residents are invited to witness the enlightenment of these nostalgic pieces on May 15 at 7:00 p.m., behind The Post at 26 N. Macdonald. In a statement obtained by Mesa Now, Mayor Mark Freeman noted, "The Neon Garden is a great step to elevate downtown Mesa. I have a personal connection with each of these signs; they reflect the spirit of our city."
This neon oasis features six vintage signs, including iconic emblems such as the Bill Johnsons Big Apple and Dairy Queen signs, testaments to the business history of Mesa. These artifacts, like the 30-foot Watson's Flowers sign, a work of the legendary Paul Millet, and the Diving Lady replica from the Starlite Motel, bring forward the stories of Mesa's commercial past into the present. Mayor Freeman explained how this space will bridge generations, saying, "This space will help us remember where we came from and will create new memories for future generations."
Councilmember Jenn Duff praised the cultural and communal importance of the Neon Garden in a Mesa Now interview, stating, "It's a fantastic new gathering spot that brings Mesas past to life in a way that's vibrant and fun for residents and visitors alike. I'm proud to see this vision become a reality as part of our continued efforts to make downtown Mesa a true destination." The celebration of Mesa's history doesn't end there; the city aims to introduce more historic neon artwork throughout downtown, signifying a commitment to heritage tourism.
The Neon Garden stems from a 2018 bond, approved by voters, aimed at bolstering Mesa's cultural infrastructure, and the renovation efforts include the transformation of a historic post office into the community event venue The Post. City Manager Chris Brady emphasized the city's balancing act of past and future to Mesa Now: "Mesa cherishes its past as much as we look forward to our future. The Neon Garden is the only venue of its kind in the Valley, highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship of neon signs." The project exemplifies public-private cooperation between the City of Mesa and the Mesa Preservation Foundation, aiming to enhance Mesa's downtown charm and create a unique point of interest for both locals and tourists.
