Arizona Canal facts for kids
The Arizona Canal is a very important waterway in central Maricopa County, Arizona. It helped start many towns that are now part of the big city of Phoenix, Arizona. This canal was built a long time ago, in the late 1880s.
Even today, some homes near the canal use its water to irrigate their yards. This happens through smaller waterways connected to the canal. Like other canals in the Valley of the Sun, its banks are popular. People enjoy jogging and bicycling along them.
The Arizona Canal is about 50 miles (80 km) long. It is the northernmost canal in the Salt River Project's water system. This system delivers water over 131 miles (211 km). The canal starts at Granite Reef Diversion Dam, near Mesa, Arizona. It then flows west through the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community. It also passes through downtown Scottsdale, Arizona, and parts of Phoenix. The canal continues through Glendale, Arizona and Peoria, Arizona. Finally, it ends near New River, close to Arrowhead Towne Center.
History of the Arizona Canal
The Arizona Canal was a huge project. William John Murphy was hired in 1883 to lead its construction. The canal was finished in May 1885. After its completion, Murphy helped found the city of Glendale, Arizona. The main park in Glendale, Murphy Park, is named after him. The nearby city of Peoria was also started around the same time.
How the Canal Helped Towns Grow
A few miles east of Glendale, a man named Major Winfield Scott bought land in 1888. He was a former Civil War chaplain. This land became what we now know as Scottsdale. William John Murphy also built a hotel called the Ingleside Club near Scottsdale. This helped start the area's important tourism business.
Many famous resorts were built close to the canal. These include The Phoenician, Biltmore, and Royal Palms. They were built between 1929 and 1988. Several shopping malls also sit along the canal's path. These include Scottsdale Fashion Square and Biltmore Fashion Park. In 1894, about five more miles were added to the canal. This made its total length about 47 miles (76 km).
Arizona Falls and Modern Projects
In June 2003, a special place called Arizona Falls opened. It is in Arcadia, where the canal has a natural 20-foot (6.1 m) drop. This site has a restored hydroelectric plant that makes electricity. It also features an art display.
The City of Scottsdale has a project called the Waterfront Project. It aims to improve the area along the Arizona Canal near Scottsdale Road. The famous architect Paolo Soleri designed a unique bridge here. This suspension bridge has two tall steel towers. They create a light beam on the walking path. This beam marks special solar events. The bridge helps people, bicyclists, and horse riders cross the canal.
