Heritage Square: Flagstaff's Community Living Room

Heritage Square Trust is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, and serves as the city's central gathering place. This artfully-designed red brick square, situated on Aspen Street, was envisioned by Dick and Jean Wilson, Jim Babbitt, Steve Vanlandingham, and Francis McAllister, collectively known as the Heritage Square Trust. Completed in 1999, the square transformed a former dirt parking lot into a vibrant community space.Heritage Square features an open-air amphitheater and plaza designed to accommodate up to 1,200 people, making it an ideal venue for local arts and entertainment. The square also incorporates elements that reflect Flagstaff's history and culture. A winding brick path details the history, biology, geology, and anthropology of the area, while a red brick railroad track design signifies the importance of the railroad. The base of the flagpole contains rocks from the Grand Canyon, carefully arranged to represent the canyon's geologic strata. Even the benches are custom-made, each representing a significant aspect of Flagstaff's heritage, such as the railroad, Lowell Observatory, ranching, the lumber industry, and Native American culture.Throughout the year, Heritage Square hosts a variety of free events, including concerts, movie nights, art festivals, and children's activities. These events aim to foster a sense of community and make quality entertainment accessible to everyone. The City of Flagstaff operates and coordinates events on the Square, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for all.