EPG was selected by the City of Tempe to prepare schematic design and construction documents for the Western Canal Multi-Use Path, a 5.5-mile multi-use path located in the City along the banks of the Western Canal from Arizona Mills Mall (west of Priest Drive) to Price Road (SR 101L Freeway). The project includes a 10-foot wide multi-use concrete pathway with landscaping and irrigation, site furnishings, pedestrian level lighting, and public artwork elements. The City identified the multi-use path as an important link in the regional off-street path system and as part of Tempe’s expanding network of non-motorized corridors. The path links several City parks, Kiwanis Regional Park, Ken MacDonald Golf Course, single family residential homes, high density residential areas, and office/commercial centers.

Funding for the project is by the City of Tempe, and a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant with the cooperation of Salt River Project (SRP). Sonoran Desert native or other desert vegetation is being used with a goal of minimizing water consumption, and recycled or “green” materials are being used wherever appropriate. The project is being coordinated with City Staff, the project artist, the CM@Risk contractor, and SRP. A comprehensive public participation program is being incorporated into the process involving meetings with City of Tempe Boards and Commissions and project stakeholders, project mailings and newsletters, and public open house meetings. Completion of design is scheduled for October of 2006 followed by construction during the next year.