Arizona Falls showcases art, history and technology
The transformation of a historic waterfall by SRP, the Phoenix Arts Commission and the
Arcadia neighborhood allows Phoenix-area residents to experience something old and
something new.
Arizona Falls, formed by a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal between what is now
56th and 58th streets, reopened in June 2003 as a restored hydroelectric plant and neighborhood
gathering place where visitors can learn, interact and reflect.
The new Arizona Falls combines art, history and technology to generate clean electricity from the
canal's waterfall.
The site showcases the Phoenix Art Commission's "WaterWorks at Arizona Falls" project,
designed by renowned Boston artists Lajos Heder and Mags Harries. The main entrance is
on the south side; a footbridge connects the north bank to the viewing platform.
Visitors, surrounded by water on three walls in the water room, may sit on large boulders
as they enjoy the cool and soothing sounds of flowing water.
Through sheets of flowing water, the antique gears used in the original hydroelectric plant
can be seen. Two aqueducts frame the room to create the feeling of being inside the historic
waterfall. A shade structure covers stone block seats near a pool of water, allowing visitors to
enjoy the experience year-round.
Arizona Falls generates up to 750 kilowatts of clean, renewable electricity, which can
power up to 150 homes. The roof of the new turbine building and the adjacent shade
structure will house solar panels to power ceiling fans on the public deck.
The electricity generated by the plant and solar panels is fed into SRP's grid.
This project represents one of a growing number of
canal multiple use projects in the Phoenix area to
provide trails and pathways along the canals. Projects include the recently constructed
Sunnyslope Demonstration Project in Phoenix, as well as projects in Mesa, Chandler and
Gilbert that will include trails and pathways along 12-15 miles of canals throughout those
cities over the next three years.
Arizona Falls is also the newest addition to SRP's renewable energy program,
EarthWise Energy™,
a mix of locally produced electricity generated from clean energy sources, such as the
flowing water in the canals, the sun and even garbage.
Find out more about SRP's renewable energy initiatives.
In the late 1800s, Phoenicians enjoyed the wonders of Arizona Falls, gathering there to
picnic, socialize and dance near the cool water.
Utilizing the flowing water of the canal to produce power, Arizona Falls was also the site
of the first hydroelectric plant in Phoenix. Originally built in 1902, the plant was rebuilt by
SRP in 1911, began delivering power again in 1913 and was eventually shut down in 1950.
As the years passed and more people moved to the Valley, Arizona Falls was almost forgotten
as the place to gather - until today.
The photo above shows the generating station in approximately 1935. Click on the photo to
view a larger image.