Grand Canalscape Phase 3 Provides More Active Paths to Community

Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilwoman Betty Guardado, City of Phoenix officials, and representatives from Salt River Project, Hunter Contracting Co. And J2 Design, officially unveiled and celebrated the completion of Grand Canalscape Phase 3, on Saturday, March 29, along the Grand Canal between 47th Ave. and 75th Ave.

“We’re very proud of this unique canal system running through the heart of our Central core,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “These lasting improvements both honor the canal’s indigenous roots and serve as a community connection to recreational, cultural and educational spaces that make Phoenix such a wonderful place to live.”

What was once a dirt path along the Grand Canal is now a fully ADA-accessible improved concrete pathway, with lighting, landscaping, outdoor exercise equipment, water fountains and seating.

“This is not just a path that connects you to your destination but provides an alternative to walking along a busy roadway, it connects our community through the use of this beautiful pathway along the water,” District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado said.   

Additionally, Street Transportation staff focused on providing safe access to the walkway, which included the activation of several High Intensity Activated Crosswalks (HAWKs) on all major roadways that intersect the new section of Grand Canal path. 

“We’ve put in six HAWK signals along this path so people can safely get across those busy streets," Phoenix Street Transportation Department Interim Director Brandy Kelso said.

Phase 3 of the project also includes additional seating areas, trash and pet waste receptacles, along with unique public art for the community to enjoy. An integrated system of nine canals help bring fresh water to the Phoenix metropolitan region. It may come as a surprise, but Phoenix has more miles of canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined.  

“When the first American’s settled here, they dug into the existing canal system and continued to sustain it because water is life,” Leslie Meyers, Salt River Project Associate General Manager and Chief Water Resources Executive said. “SRP proudly continues that mission providing water to residents all over the Valley, but to also directly support the creation of this walkway space for everyone to enjoy.” 

Phoenix is adding to its walkability portfolio by leveraging these spaces as accessible, safe ways for people to connect to parks, schools, churches, entertainment and other venues.

Grand Canalscape Phases I and II are located near 56th St to the Interstate 17 in a 12-mile continuous path, which will eventually connect to the Phase 3 section. The Grand Canalscape features a 10 to 12-foot-wide concrete pathway, dusk-to-dawn pedestrian lighting, seating, and signalized crossings at major intersections.  

Learn more about the Grand Canalscape at Phoenix.gov/GrandCanalscape.