Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza — Attraction in Phoenix

I've been here dozens of times and it's a great park. One night I went to meet a group of about 20 people late at night. We were going to walk around the park a little and play Ingress and then move to an area downtown. I was about the fifth person there and I was told that a DPS officer had told the others that we couldn't stay because the park was closed. They said he was watching us. So, we stayed by our cars waiting for the rest of our group to arrive. Then this giant, shaved-head, angry looking DPS officer walks over and nastily says "Was I being too polite to you people...?" We explained that we were waiting for the rest of our group but if he would like, we could leave and he could spend the next half hour chasing off 15 other people (no, we weren't as rude as that). Then he says, real nasty again, "OH, so you aren't just disrespecting me?" I've met a few other officers at this park and they were all very polite and equally respectful as I was to them; a real credit to their department. However, I think this guys necktie was there to hold the foreskin back... I wonder if that attitude was the serve or the protect part. Other officers have told me that they just don't want people vandalizing the park. You would think that its common sense that good people in the park would scare away bad people. But, I know the officers don't make the rules. Definitely check this park out. Just don't stick around...

Located on the west side of Downtown Phoenix, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza serves as the Legislative Governmental Mall in front of the Arizona State Capitol building. Established in 1978, it is home to many memorials representing wars, veterans, events, and people with a connection to Arizona.

I really enjoyed learning the history of each one. Famed events that everyone is familiar with, but also Arizona figures that may not be as well known.

Each memorial was built and dedicated by a different organization, and each one is unique and beautiful. One of my favorites was the 9/11 memorial that was in the shape of a sundial, and as the sun pours through the cut-out words, it projects them below as a timeline of events. I was intrigued to learn and read everything about AZ judge/senator/governor/supreme court Justice Ernest "Mac" Mcfarland. The firefighter memorial was sobering to see the names of those killed on duty (including the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots) listed by year, sadly, with plenty of space to add on. The largest memorial is dedicated to the USS Arizona ship. The memorial itself is a cool shape representing the size of the ship and a replica of the anchor. These are just a few!

I was captivated walking through the park. You could spend hours here if you read every plaque. I highly recommend visiting and then exploring the Capitol...

Tucked across from Phoenix’s State Capitol, Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is like a history book you can stroll through—minus the dusty pages. This sprawling park, named after Arizona’s late governor, packs over 40 memorials into a tidy green space, each one a heartfelt nod to heroes, wars, and pivotal moments. From the USS Arizona’s massive anchor to the Navajo Code Talkers’ tribute, it’s a humbling parade of sacrifice that’ll make you pause, reflect, and maybe even salute awkwardly while no one’s looking.

The grounds are pristine—well, mostly, if you ignore the occasional rogue trash bin overflow (c’mon, Phoenix, empty those bins!). The pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and there’s free parking, which is basically a love letter to your wallet. Highlights include the striking 9/11 Memorial and the poignant Arizona Peace Officers tribute—each one hits you right in the feels. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting a quiet moment to honor the fallen. Just watch out for the sneaky pigeons; they’re the real...