Established in 1978 and named in honor of Arizona’s 15th governor, Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is a 14-acre urban park and historic plaza directly facing the Arizona State Capitol. Designated as one of the Phoenix Points of Pride, the plaza features over 30 monuments and memorials honoring pivotal historical figures, fallen public servants, and military veterans. Key landmarks include the USS Arizona Signal Mast and Anchor, the World War II Memorial, the Arizona 9/11 Memorial, and the Navajo Code Talkers Memorial. The plaza serves as Arizona’s central open-air venue for civic observances, state ceremonies, rallies, and educational tours.
Operating Hours: Public park grounds are open daily to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (or sunrise to sunset).
Permit Requirements: Large organized gatherings, public rallies, commercial photography, or setup of temporary structures require official permits issued through the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA).
Free visitor surface parking is available in designated state lots around the Capitol Complex (such as the Wesley Bolin Plaza visitor lot along 17th Avenue and Adams Street) alongside metered street parking.
Light Rail: Located two blocks east of the Valley Metro Light Rail stations at 19th Ave / Washington (eastbound) and 19th Ave / Jefferson (westbound).
Bus: Served directly by Valley Metro bus routes (Routes 1, 3, and 15) stopping along Washington Street and Jefferson Street.
Fully ADA compliant featuring paved, step-free concrete walking paths throughout the plaza, accessible parking stalls, level lawns, and accessible restrooms in nearby Capitol complex buildings.
Casual walking, self-guided historical tours, and picnicking.
Personal handheld photography and mobile video.
Service animals on leash.
Climbing, defacing, or vandalizing state monuments and memorials.
Outside alcohol, open flames, or unauthorized overnight camping.
Drones / uncrewed aircraft operation without prior state clearance over government grounds.