Canal features provide historical facts
Several canal features -- the first of many along SRP's canal system -- are part of an overall process to add amenities to the century-old canal system that links all of the Phoenix metropolitan area cities.
In a cooperative effort with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, SRP is developing and installing historic interpretive signs throughout the canal system. These signs are patterned after a typical irrigation gate that has been used to deliver water throughout the valley for years.
The first of 24 signs have been installed in Mesa and Gilbert, with the remaining signs to be placed over the next two years. Each sign has text and images unique to the location to illustrate pertinent historic facts regarding the canal system and the surrounding area. There is also a location map of the canal system to help users understand how each site fits into the overall system of canals.
Round, concrete-style interpretive sites along the Arizona and Crosscut canals feature concrete seating areas inscribed with sandblasted text and graphics unique to specific locations.
The concrete interpretive sites are the result of design details taken from the "Portals and Loops" winning entry from a National Endowment of the Arts competition to develop a comprehensive plan of improvements for the Papago Trail network. The Papago Trail is an 11-mile loop that is generally located on the banks of the Arizona, Grand, Crosscut and Old Crosscut canals.
Each site also includes specially designed signage that highlights significant historical facts relating to the canals and educates residents and recreational users of the canals about the role the canals played in the development of the region.
SRP operates more than 100 miles of canals cross the Valley, and their banks have increasingly become important to area residents as a source of recreation. These interpretive sites are meant to enhance the experience and promote greater appreciation of the canals.
