The City of Tempe is about to become more colorful with the addition of a new public art installation, "Sun Garden," which will bring fifteen steel floral sculptures with dichroic "petals" to life at the Mill Avenue railroad underpass. Scheduled from June 2-6, this project is part of Tempe's Refresh initiative aimed at beautifying public spaces and reflects a collaborative, creative spirit fueled by the community. "Sun Garden" promises to catch and play with sunlight, casting a dynamic spectrum of colors across its urban canvas by day and emanating vibrant light after the sun sets, thanks to input that led to the inclusion of nighttime lighting.
While the underpass art promises to enhance the aesthetic of the city, residents will need to navigate some temporary traffic adjustments. Mill Avenue between 13th Street and Broadway Road will be down to one lane in each direction and adhere to a lowered speed limit of 25 mph. According to the city's announcement, these measures are designed to minimize disruptions, especially with school breaks in mind.
The installation will not affect transit services and bus stops, maintaining regular commute patterns for users of public transportation. However, certain vehicular movements will be curtailed; no left turns will be permitted at Mill Avenue at both Bonita Way and 14th Street. Access to the HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center will be redirected to Thomas Lane only, as the driveway on Mill Avenue shuts down during the installation. Likewise, Tempe High School can only be accessed via Broadway Road, with Mill Avenue serving as an exit.
Pedestrian pathways, specifically on the west side of the roadway, will remain open, albeit temporarily rerouted within a demarcated area for safety. Cyclists have the option to ride with the flow of traffic or join pedestrians in the designated detour. The encouraged vigilance applies to all navigating this zone, whether on foot, bike, or behind the wheel.
This enriching project aligns with the broader Tempe Arts + Culture Plan, which advocates for signature public art pieces to foster an engaging cultural environment. The "Sun Garden" sculptures, through their interplay with natural and artificial light, aspire to transcend mere decoration, becoming instead a landmark where urban vitality and artistic innovation converge.
