This unique roadway serves as an identifying element for the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) as the “river people.” The river feature simulates the natural beauty of the Gila River. With the approval of the tribal council, the design team hiked through sacred areas of the Gila River Corridor with the GRIC cultural staff representatives to review the existing rock formations, rock outcroppings, and plant communities throughout the river course. Rock molds were taken from the river's rock formations for the reconstruction of the river bank. The GRIC cultural staff and design team identified gathering areas along the river to display the different plant communities that are used for basket weaving, ceremonial, and medicinal purposes.