The City of Phoenix is showcasing the latest steps it has taken to improve urban walkability with the completion of Grand Canalscape Phase 3. This phase stretches from 47th Ave to 75th Ave and is part of an ongoing project aimed at transforming the Grand Canal into a more accessible and enjoyable space for the locals. On March 29, Mayor Kate Gallego and other city officials gathered to unveil this new segment, revealing a whole slew of enhancements meant to enrich community life.
Major Kate Gallego lauded the project for its blend of practicality and homage to the canal's indigenous heritage. "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," she said, in a statement obtained by the City of Phoenix's newsroom. The once unpaved path is now fully ADA-compliant, featuring improved concrete pathways, complete with lighting, landscaping, outdoor exercise equipment, water fountains, and seating for a better overall experience.
Councilwoman Betty Guardado highlighted the path’s role as more than just a conduit to destinations but as an alternative to the hustle of roadways and a beacon of community unity. "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," Guardado told the City of Phoenix's newsroom. Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department has also prioritized safety, activating High Intensity Activated Crosswalks, or HAWKs, across major intersections along the route to ensure safe passage for pedestrians.
Brandy Kelso, Phoenix Street Transportation Department Interim Director, pointed out the importance of these installations. "We’ve put in six HAWK signals along this path so people can safely get across those busy streets," she said, according to a City of Phoenix interview. Phase 3 also includes perks like additional seating areas, trash and pet waste receptacles, and public art installations intended for the community's enjoyment.
The Grand Canalscape project, upon its completion, will feature a 12-mile continuous path replete with amenities designed for convenience and safety. The first two phases stretch from 56th St to Interstate 17 with 10 to 12-foot-wide pathways, dusk-to-dawn lighting, and signalized crossings. With the Grand Canal's surprising distinction of having more miles than both Venice and Amsterdam combined, its infrastructure plays a crucial role in not just water delivery but now as a social and recreational lifeline for the city's residents.
For those interested in exploring the Grand Canalscape or learning more about the project, additional details can be found at the official City of Phoenix webpage, here.
