Arizona Falls is not only one of the Valley’s hidden gems , it’s also an important part of the Valley and SRP’s history. Located on the Arizona Canal, this hydroelectric generating facility can produce renewable power for the SRP grid.
Aside from producing power, Arizona Falls has served as a community gathering place for over a century.
History and Hydropower at Arizona Falls
During construction of the Arizona Canal in the 1880s, a natural 20-foot drop was discovered along the canal’s route. Located near 56th Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix, the falling water created a scenic place to gather.
The falls were used for picnics, dances and other social events held along the canal bank before the turn of the 20th century. The flow of water through the area also created the perfect conditions for producing hydropower.
The first hydroelectric plant was built at the falls in 1902 by the Phoenix Light and Fuel Company. Shortly after its completion, a period of drought followed by heavy flooding in 1905 left the plant sitting unused for years.
The plant was later rebuilt by SRP and the United States Reclamation Service (now called the El Departamento de Silvicultura y Gestión de Incendios de Arizona ) and was fully operational again by 1913. It was among the earliest sources of power produced by SRP, along with hydropower generated at:
- presa Theodore Roosevelt
- Crosscut Hydroelectric Plant
- South Consolidated Hydroelectric Plant
Learn more about about historical hydropower resources on SRP’s Heritage Map.
Arizona Falls produced power for SRP until the 1950s when the plant was shut down. It wasn’t until 2003 that the site was functional again, this time reviving its role as a community gathering place.
Redesigning Arizona Falls
Reimagining the falls and surround area was a collaborative effort between SRP, the United States Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Phoenix. Designed by artists Mag Harries and Lajos Héder, the space is called “WaterWorks” at Arizona Falls.
There you will also find the the words of Arizona’s first state poet laureate, Alberto Ríos , sandblasted into what is known as the Stoa Deck.
On the back side of the falls, visitors can experience pieces of history by viewing boulders selected from each dam site:
- presa Theodore Roosevelt
- Horse Mesa Dam
- Mormon Flat Dam
- Stewart Mountain Dam
- Granite Reef Diversion Dam
The design of “WaterWorks” at Arizona Falls celebrates the coming together of water, power and community. Just as Phoenicians gathered at the falls as long ago as the 1880s, today visitors can enjoy the calm of falling waters while learning about the importance of water in the Arizona desert.
Hydropower: A sustainable source
Part function and part fun, the power from the falls is generated by water turning the blades of a turbine as it flows downhill. Hydropower is a clean, renewable energy source, and Arizona Falls helps contribute to SRP’s renewable energy goals.
In addition to hydropower, the turbine building also features rooftop solar panels. This solar energy powers the ceiling fans located in the deck area.
Once on-site, signage will guide your visit.
Next time show more pictures! Grew up in the neighborhood. You should also probably provide more historic pictures like local swimming in the falls 100 years ago?
Brad, I too live in the neighborhood, and I agree! We need more pictures. Let me see what I can pull together. Thank you for reading!
Who knew, not me. I love to read stories on the history of Arizona.
Laura, thank you for the comment. We love history too at SRP! We hope to bring you more historical content in the near future.
I’ve driven past this area many times. Is it signed for an entrance, or how may I visit?
Mark, there is a parking lot just west of AZ Falls on the north side of Indian School Rd. Otherwise, you can access it via the canal paths on 56th Street and Indian School. Enjoy!
Is this where the bats live also? Would love to see thst
Hi Kathy, it’s very close and we tend to get winged-friends in the area, but the bat-viewing location is located behind Phoenix Country Day School. Here’s an Arcadia News article that explains in more detail.
http://www.arcadianews.com/local_news_and_features/arcadia-s-gone-batty/article_7d2e1614-8c23-11e7-9743-cb70ba5cfab9.html
I need to go check it out. Thnx for posting
Thank you Brad, we hope you enjoy the beauty of water in the desert!