Our HISTORY

History of Sunnyslope Village Alliance + SVA Building

Sunnyslope Village Alliance was envisioned by Dave Longley in 1989.

The organization was officially formed in July 1989.  Craig Hansen was SVA’s first President

August 1989:

SVA published its first Newsletter ‘Village Voice’ 

November 1989:

The first annual Sunnyslope Village Fair was held on the newly improved Dunlap Avenue. The attendance was 5,000 people.

July 1990:

SVA Membership Committee published the first Annual Sunnyslope Business Directory.

November 1990: 

The Second Annual Sunnyslope Village Fair was held on Dunlap Avenue. It was attended by 20,000 people.

January 1991:

Sunnyslope Canal Design Task Force Public Workshop was co-sponsored by the SVA.

May 1991: 

The First Annual SVA and Kiwanis Breakfast in the Park was held at Mountain View Park.

The First Annual Southeast Asia Fair was held at the Mountain View Elementary School.

November 1991: 

The Third Annual Sunnyslope Village Fair was held on Dunlap Avenue. It was attended by 40,000 people. 

The Economic Development Committee conducted a public workshop on the Sunnyslope Economic Study. The attendance was 100 people, with 50 participating in the work sessions.

April 1992:

The Community Planning and Design Committee conducted Public Workshop #1 for the Sunnyslope Planning & Design Study Projects. The attendance was 100 people.

September 1992: 

The Economic Development Committee printed and mailed its new marketing brochure and window sticker, "Sunnyslope Pride, We've Got It!"

November 1992:

The Fourth Annual Sunnyslope Village Fair, "WorldFest 92",was held on Central Avenue. It was attended by 100,000 people.

April 1993: 

The SVA sponsored and renovated a house for the 1993 Christmas in April Program. The Chrismas in April Program renovated 44 houses in Sunnyslope.

May 1993:

Board of Directors approves SVA Headquarters project budget and lease of building from Mike Nielsen. Randy Norstrom of the Community Planning and Design Committee completes design and construction drawings, and secures design and permit approvals.

June 1993:

SVA contracts with the Arizona Youth Associates to do the renovation work on the new SVA Headquarters Building as an AYA training project. 

SVA Headquarters ground breaking ceremony is held to begin construction.

Some recent Tid-Bits on SVA

·  The Sunnyslope Youth Center is the result of the Sunnyslope Village Alliance working together with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department to create a fun recreation center for youth ages 17 and under. The Sunnyslope Youth Center offers seasonal dance, art, sports, and educational programs.

·  In 2013, The Phoenix Parks Foundation partnered with the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, the Sunnyslope Village Alliance, neighboring businesses, households, and local gardening groups to develop and grow the garden at the Mountain View Park as a collaborative community service and wellness project.

·  In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, SVA organized the Sunnsylope Art Walk bringing thousands of people into Sunnyslope.

·  In 2015, The Sunnyslope Village Alliance organized Sunnyslope Village Choice Awards, a social media contest to find the best hangouts in Sunnyslope, including Best Happy Hour Spot and Best Bar.

·  In 2015, SVA received a grant of $25,000 from Phoenix IDA. Funding assisted in rehabilitating and staffing a small business incubator in the heart of Sunnyslope, providing entrepreneurs access to high speed internet, office and meeting space, and an opportunity to network and collaborate with other emerging business leaders.

Our community is full of people who want to help. We work to help the people providing services with the people who need them. Come connect with people in new ways.