It is named after Margaret Hance, who was the first female mayor of the city and advocate for the park.

The park is located next to the Burton Barr Library, Phoenix Center For The Arts, Japanese Friendship Garden (or Rohō-en), Irish Cultural Center and McClellan Library, Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, and Kenilworth Elementary School.

In 2014, the City of Phoenix first announced its plans to 'revitalize' Hance Park.

[1] Proposed changes included the addition of a skate park, amphitheatre, restaurant, zip-line, splash pad, coffee bar, beer garden, dog park and more.

In 2016, the City of Phoenix revealed their first Hance Park Master plan.