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Plans for the Indian Bend Wash are in motion thanks to a recently-approved municipal use master site plan for a 2-mile segment in south Scottsdale.
The City Council approved on consent at its March 3 meeting a MUMSP for the segment of the Indian Bend Wash between McKellips and Thomas roads, outlining design concepts for future upgrades for the area that includes Vista del Camino and Eldorado parks. Upgrades will come in phases as funding permits, city staff say in a report to council.
In crafting the site plan, city staff say they relied on community feedback as well as what they saw as needed improvements and upgrades to make the area “a safe and enjoyable public space as well as a functional regional drainage corridor.”
The plan features four sections, referred to as districts. Those districts include:
Linkage District, which focuses on pedestrian connectivity from Thomas Road to Murray Lane along the Coronado Golf Course;
Active District, which focuses on areas used of highest intensity from community activities;
Passive District, which includes areas such as the disc golf course as well as park space with large turf areas, small ponds and paths; and
Water Play Districts, which includes the largest lake within the designated strip.
City staff have plans to eventually return for Development Review Board or administrative design review for specific components as funding becomes available.
Two key points of the project center around transportation and drainage.
City staff say pedestrian circulation is “paramount” to the project plans since the wash sees heavy traffic. City staff are analyzing the existing path system to “ensure a safe and enjoyable pedestrian environment.”
Staff did have plans for the Roosevelt Street alignment, which curves between Miller Road and 78th Street. Original plans called for the straightening and elevation of Roosevelt Street and realignment of 77th Street, but there was opposition from the neighborhood.
Instead, the city plans from Pierce Street south of Roosevelt to extend with 77th Street. The city’s transportation planning recommends an enhanced crossing at Roosevelt Street to be moved to the western-most path, allowing for a direct path of travel for pedestrians and bicyclists.
City staff also plan to upgrade and repair lakes and ponds that store regional runoff and help convey water to the Salt River. These bodies of water have been around since the 1970s and city staff say many have cracks. The city hasn’t conducted an official drainage analysis yet.
Indian Bend Wash is an 11-mile greenbelt that runs from HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, 9003 E. Shea Blvd., to Tempe Town Lake. The majority of the greenbelt runs closely to Hayden Road.
The City of Scottsdale provides a variety of parks, golf courses, lakes and paths within the stretch starting as far south as McKellips Road. Rio Salado Park in Tempe also falls within the greenbelt just before the wash empties into Tempe Town Lake.
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