PROJECTS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Trails

Tempe Western Canal Multi-Use Path

EPG prepared conceptual designs, construction documents, and construction administration services for the Western Canal Multi-Use Path. This 5.5-mile long, $10.5 million urban trail segment provides critical connection to community destination areas within Tempe and provides a key regional connection within the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The path parallels Salt River Project’s (SRP) Western Canal and connects to existing residential areas, several neighborhood parks, the Ken McDonald Golf Course, Kiwanis Regional Park, and several commercial areas. The path crosses nearly the full width of the City. The path design provides for multi-use opportunities with both hard surface and soft surface trails. Up to 10 separate, significant trail nodes were designed to provide connection to the adjacent neighborhoods, resting areas, points of interest, and interpretive opportunities along the route. Each node was designed with unifying design elements incorporated into the lighting, planting, and pavement textures. They also reflect and respond to the unique character of the adjacent neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The variety of node treatments provides a sense of interest and exploration for the users. Custom light fixtures and the linear planting of a brilliant flowering groundcover for the entire length give this path an immediately identifiable signature.

The path was also designed to allow for SRP maintenance access along the canal and to overhead transmission lines. Gentle sweeping curves in the trail alignment accommodate these maintenance demands and also provide a safe, convenient, and interesting route for the public bicycle commuters and the casual path users. EPG served as the prime consultant directing the design and implementation of this significant project. Throughout the design process, EPG and its team members (including the Construction Manager at Risk Contractor), and the City of Tempe staff, collaborated closely to refine the project’s program and amenities to maintain budget constraints.