Project EverGreen and ScottsMiracle-Gro Expand Green Spaces at Heat-stressed Phoenix Park
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) and Project EverGreen have initiated the second phase of renovation at Barrios Unidos Park in Phoenix, following completion of phase one in fall 2024. The project, valued at $150,000, aims to combat urban heat island effects in one of Phoenix's most heat-stressed neighborhoods.
The first phase included planting 50 mature shade trees and expanding irrigation systems. The second phase, launched May 14, 2025, focuses on revitalizing the park's softball field with Bermudagrass sod installation and adding 80 native plants. According to Project EverGreen's Clean Air Calculator, the enhanced green space will sequester over 250,000 pounds of carbon and produce more than 381,000 thousand yards of clean air, equivalent to removing emissions from 32 cars annually.
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) e Project EverGreen hanno avviato la seconda fase di rinnovamento del Barrios Unidos Park a Phoenix, dopo il completamento della prima fase nell'autunno 2024. Il progetto, del valore di 150.000 dollari, mira a contrastare gli effetti dell'isola di calore urbana in uno dei quartieri più colpiti dal caldo di Phoenix.
La prima fase ha previsto la piantumazione di 50 alberi maturi per l'ombra e l'espansione dei sistemi di irrigazione. La seconda fase, iniziata il 14 maggio 2025, si concentra sulla riqualificazione del campo da softball del parco con l'installazione di prato in zoysia e l'aggiunta di 80 piante autoctone. Secondo il Clean Air Calculator di Project EverGreen, lo spazio verde migliorato sequestrerà oltre 250.000 libbre di carbonio e produrrà più di 381.000 mila yard di aria pulita, equivalenti a rimuovere le emissioni di 32 auto all'anno.
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) y Project EverGreen han iniciado la segunda fase de renovación del Barrios Unidos Park en Phoenix, tras completar la primera fase en otoño de 2024. El proyecto, valorado en 150,000 dólares, busca combatir los efectos de la isla de calor urbana en uno de los barrios más afectados por el calor en Phoenix.
La primera fase incluyó la plantación de 50 árboles maduros para sombra y la expansión de los sistemas de riego. La segunda fase, lanzada el 14 de mayo de 2025, se centra en revitalizar el campo de softball del parque con la instalación de césped Bermuda y la incorporación de 80 plantas nativas. Según el Calculador de Aire Limpio de Project EverGreen, el espacio verde mejorado secuestrará más de 250,000 libras de carbono y producirá más de 381,000 mil yardas de aire limpio, lo que equivale a eliminar las emisiones de 32 autos anualmente.
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG)와 Project EverGreen은 2024년 가을 1단계 완료 후 Barrios Unidos Park의 2단계 복원 작업을 시작했습니다. 이 프로젝트는 15만 달러 규모로, 피닉스에서 가장 열 스트레스가 심한 지역 중 하나인 이곳의 도시 열섬 현상을 완화하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
1단계에서는 50그루의 성숙한 그늘나무를 심고 관개 시스템을 확장했습니다. 2025년 5월 14일 시작된 2단계는 공원의 소프트볼 필드를 버뮤다그래스 잔디로 새로 깔고 80종의 토종 식물을 추가하는 데 중점을 둡니다. Project EverGreen의 클린 에어 계산기에 따르면, 개선된 녹지 공간은 25만 파운드 이상의 탄소를 흡수하고 38만 1천 야드 이상의 깨끗한 공기를 생산해 연간 32대 자동차 배출가스를 제거하는 효과와 같습니다.
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) et Project EverGreen ont lancé la deuxième phase de rénovation du Barrios Unidos Park à Phoenix, après l'achèvement de la première phase à l'automne 2024. Le projet, d'une valeur de 150 000 dollars, vise à lutter contre les effets d'îlot de chaleur urbain dans l'un des quartiers les plus exposés à la chaleur de Phoenix.
La première phase comprenait la plantation de 50 arbres matures pour l'ombre et l'extension des systèmes d'irrigation. La deuxième phase, lancée le 14 mai 2025, se concentre sur la revitalisation du terrain de softball du parc avec la pose de gazon Bermudagrass et l'ajout de 80 plantes indigènes. Selon le Calculateur d'Air Propre de Project EverGreen, cet espace vert amélioré séquestrera plus de 250 000 livres de carbone et produira plus de 381 000 mille yards d'air pur, ce qui équivaut à éliminer les émissions de 32 voitures par an.
ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) und Project EverGreen haben die zweite Phase der Renovierung des Barrios Unidos Parks in Phoenix eingeleitet, nachdem die erste Phase im Herbst 2024 abgeschlossen wurde. Das Projekt im Wert von 150.000 US-Dollar soll den städtischen Wärmeinseleffekt in einem der hitzebelastetsten Viertel von Phoenix bekämpfen.
Die erste Phase umfasste das Pflanzen von 50 ausgewachsenen Schattenbäumen und die Erweiterung der Bewässerungssysteme. Die zweite Phase, die am 14. Mai 2025 begann, konzentriert sich auf die Erneuerung des Softballfeldes im Park durch die Verlegung von Bermudagras-Rasen und das Hinzufügen von 80 einheimischen Pflanzen. Laut dem Clean Air Calculator von Project EverGreen wird der verbesserte Grünraum über 250.000 Pfund Kohlenstoff binden und mehr als 381.000 tausend Yards saubere Luft produzieren, was dem jährlichen Entfernen der Emissionen von 32 Autos entspricht.
- Environmental impact: Park improvements will sequester 250,000+ pounds of carbon and produce 381,000+ thousand yards of clean air annually
- Community investment: $150,000 total project value including donated materials and labor
- Strategic expansion: Second phase implementation demonstrates successful project execution and continued commitment
- None.
Second phase of GreenCare for Communities initiative underway at Barrios Unidos Park
PHOENIX, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Project EverGreen and ScottsMiracle-Gro have launched the second phase of a major renovation at Barrios Unidos Park that includes planting of trees, grass and native plants.
This transformative effort, part of Project Evergreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative and funded by ScottsMiracle-Gro, aims to bring cooling green spaces and improved recreational opportunities to one of Phoenix’s most heat-stressed neighborhoods. Located near Sky Harbor Airport, the park is in a dense urban heat island with some of the highest summer temperatures in Phoenix. The city of Phoenix and Arizona Sports Field Management Association have partnered on the initiative.
The first phase, completed in fall 2024, involved planting 50 mature shade trees, including Southern Live Oak and Evergreen Elms, and expansion of the irrigation system to maintain the new trees, to help reduce temperatures and provide environmental benefits.
The second phase began May 14, 2025, and involves revitalizing the park’s softball field to make it safe, playable and inviting for community use. Work includes grading and grooming the infield, installing Bermudagrass sod around the lip of the infield, applying topsoil and conditioner, and replacing bases and pitching components. The outfield will be reseeded with drought-tolerant bermudagrass seed. Eighty native plants will add color to the park.
The total project value of both phases is
These upgrades enhance the park as a whole. Green spaces are the lungs of a city. The grass and trees at Barrios Unidos Park can sequester more than 250,000 pounds of carbon and produce more than 381,000 thousand yards of clean air for the community, according to Project EverGreen’s Clean Air Calculator. That’s the equivalent of removing the emissions of about 32 cars from this neighborhood every year.
“Green spaces are far more than an amenity. They are essential infrastructure that promote public health, environmental equity and stronger communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This project demonstrates what can happen when passionate professionals and partners come together to create something lasting and meaningful for future generations.”
John Sass, senior vice president of Lawns for ScottsMiracle-Gro and chief creative officer for its Scotts and other brands, added, “Lawns and green spaces are where real life happens. They provide opportunities for people to gather, make connections and enjoy the outdoors in ways that enhance health and well-being. Just as importantly, they bring environmental and climate benefits in both the short and longer term.”
About Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit committed to bringing people together to make a difference in how our yards, parks, and communities create a greener, healthier, cooler Earth. Through GreenCare for Communities and GreenCare for Troops, the organization engages volunteers, businesses, and government entities to restore and maintain vital green spaces across the country. The GreenCare for Communities initiative strives to revitalize neighborhood parks and public green spaces nationwide, especially in underserved communities where access to healthy, well-maintained outdoor spaces is limited. Since 2008, Project EverGreen has restored more than 200 million square feet of green space, improving the lives of more than 5.4 million people. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.ProjectEverGreen.org.
About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately
Media Contacts:
Jeff Fenner
B Communications – Communications Strategist for Project EverGreen
jfenner@b-communications.com
Cell: 440.525.1840
Tom Matthews
Chief Communications Officer
ScottsMiracle-Gro
tom.matthews@scotts.com
937.844.3864
FAQ
What is the total value of SMG's Barrios Unidos Park renovation project in Phoenix?
What environmental benefits will the SMG-funded Barrios Unidos Park project provide?
What improvements are included in phase two of SMG's Phoenix park renovation?
How many trees were planted in phase one of the SMG Barrios Unidos Park project?
