This project's improvements along the north and south banks of the Arizona Canal provided a model for canal enhancements in other areas of Phoenix. The project improved existing trails, added new landscaping and irrigation; and created a continuous berm on the north bank of the Arizona Canal, to separate bicyclists from walkers and people on horseback. Several artist-designed "rooms," or seating plazas for trail users to rest and enjoy the canal environment can be found along north bank between Central Avenue and 7th Street. One was designed to be an outdoor water room, to create a cool microclimate. Another offers a "water table" featuring a carved stone map of the ancient Hohokam canal system. Visitors will also find a sundial plaza where viewers can approximate time from their shadows cast upon an intricate stone mosaic.
This project was made built with a combination of federal, city and Salt River Project funds. These included Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) funds administered through the Arizona Department of Transportation, Salt River Project Municipal Aesthetics funds, and Phoenix Water Services Department Percent for Art funds.
