Phoenix installed nine temporary shades across parks to fight extreme heat; surfaces became 46°F cooler, while adding a solar-run mister lowered air temperature by another 10°F

Phoenix tested nine temporary, artist-designed shade structures across its parks in 2025 as part of an experiment to tackle extreme heat. The structures lowered surface temperatures by up to 46°F, while a solar-powered misting system at Cielito Park reduced ambient air temperature by another 10°F, offering new ideas for urban cooling.