HONORING A LEGACY OF GLOBAL FRIENDSHIP

When was the last time you visited the Tempe Public Library? If it has been a while, you will most definitely want to visit the library and its resources, but also to view the newly located and rededicated Dick and Jane Neuheisel Tempe Sister City Garden. For decades, the Dick and Jane Neuheisel Garden had been in Kiwanis Park. Over the years, it had become weather worn and vandalized. This garden is now located in the atrium on the south side of the
library.

A VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE

Though the Sister City Garden committee had been working with the city of Tempe to come up with a solution to fix the area at Kiwanis Park, the journey to relocate and redesign the garden began in August 2023, with the goal of unveiling it during TSC International Week, the week leading up to Four Peaks Oktoberfest (produced by TSC). Led by Craig Hayton of the City of Tempe Community Services Department, the project was a collaborative effort between City Officials, the TSC Garden Committee Chaired by John Mulhern, and dedicated community members.

A major highlight of the redesign was the involvement of ASU’s Masters of Urban Planning class, under the guidance of Architect Tim Boyle. The students spent an entire semester developing creative design proposals, which were later presented to the Tempe Sister Cities Board of Directors. Elements from their visionary plans were incorporated into the final garden design, making this a true community driven project.

A GRAND UNVEILING AMIDST THE HEAT

An unveiling ceremony for the large west wall sign of the Dick and Jane Neuheisel Sister City Garden took place in the late afternoon of October 9, 2024. However, due to the extreme heat (106°F), the event was relocated to the Willow Room at the Tempe Public Library. Despite the last-minute change, the room was packed with attendees eager to witness this momentous occasion.

Along with hearing from Tempe Sister Cities President, David Carrera, the audience heard inspiring speeches from key figures who played a vital role in making the garden a reality, including:

John Mulhern – TSC Garden Committee Chair
Craig Hayton – Tempe Community Services Director
Rosa Inchausti – Tempe City Manager
Mayor Corey Woods – City of Tempe
Jane Neuheisel – Honoree and longtime advocate for Tempe Sister Cities

“Dick and I are so grateful for the Dick and Jane Neuheisel Sister City Garden at Tempe Library! It is spectacular! It is inspiring! We are in awe! We send our profound thanks to all who made it possible! This Garden is also a tribute to all
the volunteers over all the years who shared our journey…Bringing the World Together. It was a labor of love for all of us! We also thank the City of Tempe who have supported Tempe Sister Cities since day one! Together we have reached out to the world in friendship. We believe world peace is worth our efforts…and sister cities programs around the globe are working toward that goal! Thank You! Long Live Tempe Sister Cities!”
-Jane Neuheisel

A SPACE RICH IN MEANING AND DESIGN

The newly redesigned Sister City Garden is more than just a beautiful space—it serves as a living testament to Tempe’s
global friendships from the past 51 years. Working with elements from the ASU student designs, Kathy Schreiner, with input from TSC Country Directors, Hackett House Directors, Alexandra Humphreys, and Tempe Public Library Director Jessica Jupitus, created the graphic elements and signage that enhance the space.

Key features include:

• A 14’ x 5’ 3D sign marking the entrance to the space
• A Ring of Honor copper sign with individual plaques recognizing honorees since 1991
• Signage for each of Tempe’s 11 sister cities, celebrating global connections
• 34 plaques listing over 2,100 names of high school student delegates and their international counterparts preserving the legacy of our youth exchange program that has impacted countless lives!

“I am so grateful to have worked with an incredible City of Tempe team which included Craig Hayton, Alex Jovanovic, Cara Kamienski, Ruben Wilkinson, Dave McClure, and Jessica Jupitus and an incredible Tempe Sister Cities team which included David Carrera, and Kathy Schreiner. The entire team stayed passionate and committed to the completion of the relocation of the Dick and Jane Neuheisel Sister City Garden to the Tempe Public Library.”
~John Mulhern

LOOKING AHEAD: PHASE II

The work on the Sister City Garden is not finished yet! Phase II is already in the planning stages and aims to add even more meaningful elements to the space, including:

• An informational wall featuring photos of Dick and Jane Neuheisel, the history of Tempe Sister Cities, and its mission statement
• Plaques honoring the names of our Educator Exchange delegates and their international counterparts
• Flagpoles displaying flags from each of our 11 Sister Cities, symbolizing our deep-rooted global friendships

A LASTING LEGACY

The Dick and Jane Neuheisel Sister City Garden continues to stand as a symbol of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange, ensuring that the core values of Tempe Sister Cities continue to inspire future generations. Whether visitors come to reflect, learn, or celebrate the city’s international partnerships, the garden is a powerful reminder of the connections that unite us across borders. We encourage everyone to visit the newly located garden at the Tempe Public Library.