(Tempe, Arizona) — Nestled within the urban landscape of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Tempe Town Lake stands as a unique reservoir, providing a stark contrast to the arid surroundings of the desert.
The lake is an artificial body of water situated within the city limits of Tempe, Arizona, owes its existence to meticulous human engineering rather than natural processes.
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The primary water source for this man-made lake is the Colorado River, facilitated through the Central Arizona Project—a crucial water diversion system serving central and southern Arizona.
The origins of Tempe Town Lake trace back to 1989 when Tempe embraced the Rio Salado Master Plan, marking the culmination of two decades of planning and deliberation. This ambitious environmental project eventually materialized, giving rise to the artificial lake.
However, on July 20, 2010, a section of the dam on the west side, which contained the lake’s water, experienced a catastrophic collapse, leading to a rapid drainage into the Salt River. Construction had commenced in August 1997.
By June 1999, water began to fill Tempe Town Lake, reaching its full capacity by July 14 of the same year. Subsequently, the lake opened to the public in November, marking a significant addition to Tempe’s recreational amenities.
Adjacent to Tempe Town Lake is Tempe Beach Park, offering visitors five miles of pathways tailored for bicycling, jogging, or in-line skating, providing a scenic route around the lake.
Tempe Town Lake hosts a diverse array of aquatic species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow bass, tilapia, carp, channel catfish, and bluegill. Fishing enthusiasts can partake in their hobby with the necessary Arizona fishing license.
For two decades, this site has emerged as a popular destination, attracting both locals and tourists, solidifying its status as Arizona’s second-most visited public attraction.
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