SCHOOL OF SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Sustainable Infrastructure and South Mountain Village:
Water
Amanda Bayham
Veronica Head
Veronica Horvath
Rui Li
Kellie Rorex
ASU-METIS-2018-004-CPR
May 2018

metis.asu.edu

Rio Salado 2.0 at South Mountain Village
Water Group

Urban Infrastructure and Anatomy
CEE 507/PUP 553/SOS 547
April 30, 2018
Amanda Bayham, Veronica Head,
Veronica Horvath, Rui Li, Kellie Rorex

Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………...…....2
Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………...……2
Study
Area……....…………………………………………………..……………………………….….…….3
Initial Site Visit: Rio Salado Audubon Center and Restoration Area………...……..….…..……..3
Analysis
Restoration of Current Riparian Areas…………………………………………..…………………3
Social Connectivity…………………………………………….………………...…………….……...6
Physical Connectivity………………………………………….……………...……………….……...8
Maintenance, Management, and Institutions………………………………………..………….…..11
Development and Future Planning……………………………………...…………………......…….14
Conclusion…………………………………...………………………………………………………...19
Appendix
Appendix A………………………………………....………………………………………………….20
Appendix B………………………………………………………………………....………………….21
Appendix C……………………………………………………………………....…………………….22
Appendix D…………………………………………………………………………………………….26
References……………………………………………………………………....……….……………..29
Abstract
This study addresses the social and physical constraints and opportunities for South Mountain
Village, particularly along the Rio Salado as it intersects with the proposed light rail extension on Central
Avenue. The primary goals guiding this document are ecological restoration, social and physical
connectivity, maintenance, management, development and future planning. This study discusses the history
of the Rio Salado riparian area, analyses current riparian conditions, and provides context from similar
cases both locally and nationally.
It has been demonstrated that access to recreational opportunities can improve the livelihood and
reduce negative health effects for residents nearby (Wolch 2014). With this in mind, the physical
connectivity of South Mountain residents is assessed to determine the degree of accessibility to recreational
areas of the Rio Salado. This analysis will also be used to address areas in which residents do not have
equitable access and will be used to guide recommendations to increase that access. Additionally, as growth
occurs, existing social vulnerability concerns are addressed in regard to marginalized populations relying
on the area’s ecological and grey infrastructure for refuge.
As the Rio Salado 2.0 Project and the Valley Metro South Central light rail extension begins
construction and the opportunity to develop increases, residents and business owners are concerned that
redevelopment will affect the integrity and connectivity of the area. This study outlines how these changes
may affect stakeholders while keeping the area accessible and equitable for all. Evaluation of the sites and
parcels surrounding the Rio Salado for future development while taking into account its rich history and
needs of the community is important for the community and the City of Phoenix as a whole. This study
incorporates concepts from the Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area Plan and other existing plans and
regulations for the area. This study aims to provide a roadmap for future development along the Rio Salado
at South Mountain Village in a sustainable and equitable way.

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Introduction
The Rio Salado has been an important part of Central Arizona’s history for centuries. The
Hohokam, an ancient agricultural Indian tribe, originally built an extensive canal system from the rivers
tributaries to irrigate their fields (DeSemple; Hirt et al. 2008). As new settlers began to inhabit the Valley,
the canals were rediscovered and reconstructed for use once again. It was the reuse and evolving
civilizations in the Valley that gave Phoenix its name, a city reborn from an older civilization (DeSemple
2008). Unfortunately, the river’s recent past is not as grand. The Rio Salado, once a perennial body of water,
has been modified so extensively through mining and damming that it is usually a dry river bed surrounded
by old gravel pits and industrial land. However, the City of Phoenix and many other invested groups are
currently working to bring back the ecological and cultural significance of the Rio Salado.
The City’s restoration of the Rio Salado carries a long, multi-decade history. Almost fifty years
ago, Arizona State University’s Design School planned and designed the entirety of the Rio Salado from
Mesa to West Phoenix (Bohem 2017). With strong support from ASU and multiple levels of government
leadership, Tempe Town Lake became the beaming example for this vision. In recent years, Senator John
McCain has began to revive this sense of unity along the entirety of the river. As such, our study will focus
on the Rio Salado at the City of Phoenix South Mountain Village from 16th Street to 19th Avenue.
In addition to the Rio Salado project, the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro are completing final
designs for the South Mountain light rail extension, which will address transportation issues and
connectivity running north and south on Central Avenue. The addition of this project will bring an influx
of people and new development to the area. This study will involve ways to mitigate, manage, and develop
with sustainability and resiliency in mind.
Purpose
Access to water is crucial to all major civilizations in human history (Solomon 2010). The valuable
resource has significantly influenced human advancement. Additionally, with the use of dams and canals,
humans have sustained life in unlikely places, such as Phoenix, Arizona. Water is also valued as more than
something that sustains and as something that adds significant social and psychological benefits for
residents. Proximity to water allows for many social, mental, and economic benefits by allowing people to
have access to nature and recreation. Environmental amenities also foster social interactions that increase
happiness and community among individuals. With the re-imagination of Rio Salado, the area can be
transformed with the help of residents and other stakeholders. Therefore, this study addresses current
accessibility to water amenities and the institutional management of the riparian resources and recreation
sites in South Mountain Village.
Study Area
The study area addresses the north and south boundaries of the Rio Salado at the South Mountain
Village from 19th Avenue to 16th Street (Figure 1). Broadway Road acts as the southern boundary of the
study area due to the accessibility and walking distance from these neighborhoods to the Rio Salado (about
one mile). Because there is vacant land and endless amount of opportunity on both sides of the river bank,
it is important to venture north of South Mountain Village to analyze the side owned by the City of Phoenix
and other private landowners, such as Union Rock and Materials Corporation.

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Figure 1: Map of the Study Area
Initial Site Visit: Rio Salado Audubon Center and Restoration Area
In March 2018, our team visited the Audubon at Rio Salado on Central Avenue. We explored the
Rio Salado trail system and took preliminary inventory for infrastructure, wildlife, and development in the
study area. During the site visit, we observed stormwater drains, debris and plants in the river area, and the
vacant or land previously used by sand and gravel companies (Appendix A). As a key environmental
amenity, we also chose to explore the Audubon restoration site.
The Rio Salado Audubon Center is a facility located on Central Avenue that specializes in
conservation and restoration. Its mission is to “envision an Arizona with a rich and diverse natural heritage,
where there is ample habitat for birds and other wildlife, where a majority of its people appreciate and
participate in their natural environment, and whose children are educated and motivated to become the
conservation leaders of tomorrow” (Audubon). Future developments and conservation efforts within the
study area should be done with consideration to the current physical, social, and political environment.

Analysis
Restoration of Current Riparian Areas
The goal of this section is to study the current riparian restoration status and water infrastructure
along the area. Case studies were carried out to see potential fail-to-safe strategies that could be used along
riparian areas, providing greater urban connectivity and business opportunities.
Dams, water diversion, groundwater pumping, sand and gravel mining has led to a degraded Rio
Salado riparian system. In 1990, the Rio Salado Environmental Restoration Project was developed to
rehabilitate five miles of the Rio Salado through the City of Phoenix. The restoration objectives of the
riparian areas were to restore habitat in and around the Rio Salado through Phoenix and Tempe and to
create a complete and diverse riparian system with a mix of native wetland and plants, mesquite,
cottonwood, willow, wetlands, and open water. The restoration also intended to increase environmental
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education and recreation opportunities to the local community. To introduce water into the dried up river,
groundwater is delivered from five wells with a capacity of one million gallons a day each, with one well
serving as a backup.
Current Riparian Areas
To study the current riparian status, groundwater, vegetation and water source distribution were
mapped out from satellite images (Figure 2). Canals, groundwater wells, and stormwater discharge deliver
water to the wetlands and riverbed. The vegetation mainly concentrated between 7th Avenue and 7th Street,
where most of the canals and groundwater wells are located, and between 19th Avenue and 7th Avenue
where an industrial water pit is discharged into the riverbed.

Figure 2: Plant, Groundwater, and Water Source along the Riparian Restoration
To introduce water into the dried up river, groundwater is delivered from five wells, each with a
capacity of one million gallons per day. The well and pump stations pump water to reservoirs located along
the Rio Salado. Gravity flows from the reservoirs and canals which enter wetlands and other places where
flood irrigation is used. Drip irrigation is used as a supplement to natural rainfall. To prevent water loss
during transportation, canals were lined and the reservoirs were lined with geotextiles. Between 19th
Avenue and 15th Avenue, untreated stormwater and industrial wastewater is discharged directly into the
Rio Salado.
Restoration Case Studies
Riparian restoration holds the potential to increase biodiversity along an urban waterfront, support
community education, improve water quality, provide flood storage, and offer public recreation
opportunities. For example, in Houtan Park (Shanghai, China), a series of treatment wetlands were restored
to bioremediate the polluted river water and provide the flood storage. The Harlem River Waterfront Edge
(Manhattan, New York) uses porous materials to allow the soil to filter stormwater and absorb wake energy.

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Riparian restoration could provide
greater urban connectivity and business
opportunities to the Phoenix Metropolitan
Area. For example, the restoration of San
Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio, Texas),
turned the once floodplain into a city park
network which is now an important part of
the urban fabric and renowned tourist
attraction. The restoration of San Antonio
Riverwalk has several phases (Figure 3)
with each phase having their own focus. In
the first
Figure 3: Different Phases of San Antonio Riverwalk
phase, the river bed was built into a two-side riverwalk surrounded by commercial development. The second
phase, which was the first major extension of the Riverwalk, was beyond the natural banks to the new
convention center in 1968. Additional hotels and retail centers were built as the river walk became a local
landmark and tourist attraction. During this period, the river became a crucial part of urbanscape and
tourism. The third phase began in 2009 as the City decided to extend the riverwalk north (Museum Reach).
This extension is more distinctive from commercial development in the original phase. In 2011, the
Riverwalk was extended several miles to the Mission Espada to the south side of the City. This extension
was notable for its emphasis on ecological control and recreation for the local community as it provides
both hiking and biking trails along the riverside as well as connection to greenways.
The current reach of the proposed Rio Salado 2.0 redevelopment is forty-five miles. Similar to the
different phases of the restoration of San Antonio Riverwalk, the restoration of Rio Salado does not need
to be homogeneous. The restoration Tempe Town Lake brought business and recreational opportunities for
the local community and has allowed the City of Tempe to thrive economically.
Social Connectivity
The goal of this section is to address the soft infrastructure component of social connectivity.
Therefore, key stakeholders are outlined in order to see the connectivity between them and the Rio Salado
now, and in the future. Focusing on the Rio Salado section between 19th Avenue and 16th Street, south of
Watkins Road and north of Broadway Road, dozens of stakeholders can be identified. Geographical
stakeholders include business owners, land owners, churches, residents, and schools. Use-value
stakeholders include trail users (foot, bike, and horse), Nina Pulliam Audubon visitors and volunteers, Rio
Salado Habitat Restoration visitors, and soon to be light-rail users. Philosophically impacted stakeholders
include the EPA, Liberty Wildlife, Arizona Game and Fish, and South Mountain Visitors. Lastly, economic
stakeholders, which are very similar to geographic stakeholders, include the City of Phoenix, Valley Metro,
landowners, and business owners. Each stakeholder is important to understand the social connections that
will shape Rio Salado now and into the future.
Stakeholders were identified by multiple site visits to the Audubon Center and Rio Salado Habitat
Restoration Area, as well as a literary search on the Rio Salado 2.0 project, area mapping, and surveying
(see Appendix C2, C3 and C4). After identifying stakeholders, research on the connections between
different groups was conducted through interviews and online resources. Interview questions can be seen

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in Appendix C. Social themes were then identified through analysis of interview questions and online
resources. Themes include, changing social connections and the lack of local residential interactions. By
understanding what social connections stakeholders have with Rio Salado, we can better understand what
the strengths and weaknesses of the area are and offer suggestions for implementing a sustainable social
site in southern Phoenix.
The first major theme identified was the change in social connections that have been and will
continue to occur in the study area. The area has been getting more attention as different stakeholder groups
have been improving the area from old sand and gravel pits into a recreational area that reawakens the area.
In an interview with a volunteer from the Audubon Center, it became clear that visitorship grows each year.
The volunteer believes the attraction comes from connecting people to the natural environment and desert
water, something the City has pushed far away to the outskirts of town. Currently, the area serves as a
recreational site where many social interactions occur between multiple stakeholders. When asked what the
future holds for the area, with the addition of the light rail down Central Avenue, the volunteer responded,
“I am not sure. It will be different but I am not sure if that will be good or bad.”
In the South Central Environmental Assessment by Valley Metro, the light rail extension is
promoted as something that will connect the Rio Salado Restoration Area and Audubon Center with other
recreational areas (Forrest and Paukowits). The South Central light rail extension is expected to terminate
at Baseline Road, less than three miles from South Mountain Park (see Appendix C6). Connecting green
spaces in a city has been a technique used to increase urban biodiversity as well as enhance social and
economically viable areas ("Green Spaces"). The benefits the light rail will bring are apparent. More green
spaces will be connected and more people will have access to enjoy Rio Salado and accompanying areas.
“With more visitors comes more management,” the volunteer admitted, but “with more visitors there will
be more awareness of what we have in our backyard and we need to protect that.”As more people experience
the Rio Salado area, the more they feel connected to it and determined to keep the area clean and accessible
for enjoyment. This will likely facilitate social connections between stakeholders who share a similar goal
for the area.
The second theme uncovered is the lack of local residential stakeholders involved in the study area.
Much change has been occurring in their backyard but no studies have been done on their interaction with
Rio Salado, bringing up the concern of gentrification. South Mountain village residents are typically
minority people who make less than the median household income of Phoenix ("Household Income") (See
Appendix C1). With the addition of the light rail on South Central Avenue, and an increase in visitors to
the restoration site and Audubon area, physical connectivity is increasing. Better physical interaction can
foster social connections in the area, but are all stakeholders being reached equally? Looking at the study
area google map (see Appendix C2) we can see there are several churches and a few schools nearby.
However, in an interview with a volunteer from the Audubon, interactions between the center and residents
was unknown. The volunteer mentioned they do school programs and visits but did not know if the local
schools were involved. When doing a survey of the visitors in the restoration area and Audubon site, many
visitors admitted they were not from South Mountain Village.
Much of the area is a mix of industrial, commercial and residential areas. With the addition of the
light rail and the enhancement of Rio Salado, property values in the area are expected to increase, which

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could force out nearby residents. Outreach methods and social connections need to be analyzed to see what
can be done differently to protect equitable access to Rio Salado while continually enhancing the area for
the enjoyment of all. The Audubon Center as well as the Restoration Area have been the leaders in outreach
and education on the Rio Salado. The Audubon has school programs, volunteer programs, workshops, and
conservation education. The Habitat Restoration Area also supplies a rich history of the area and the
importance of conservation in southern Phoenix. However, historically minority people are not the target
of these outreach and educational programs. This is an important discovery for Rio Salado to determine
new ways to reach all stakeholders, so that all people have access to a socially stimulating and physically
benefiting area nearby.
Many stakeholders are affected by the revitalization of Rio Salado. For most, revitalization allows
them to have better access to green spaces and conservation areas where they can learn about native desert
habitats and species. For others, it is a beneficial project that will lead to economic development. However,
for some, the change that has been growing in South Mountain village is problematic due to fears of
gentrification. In order for the revitalization of Rio Salado to enhance all stakeholders’ social connectivity
with water and the natural desert habitat, more interaction involving local residents must be done.
Environmental gentrification has been on the rise as many cities begin to green neighborhoods and public
areas. To stop environmental gentrification, communities such as Greenpoint, in Brooklyn, have attempted
the “green-enough” approach to clean up their town without fully allowing for new development (TuhusDubrow). Although Greenpoint has encountered extreme gentrification, the community activism and green
enough approach has allowed the community to slow it down and be a part of the impending change.
Other similar approaches concern strengthening community planning in the area through
organizations like PUSH Buffalo and 596 Acres. PUSH Buffalo in Buffalo, NY and 596 Acres in the New
York City Metropolitan area are local nonprofits that fight for fair and affordable housing as well as
community activism and green spaces (“What We Do” & “Mission and Story”). Little research on residents
in South Mountain has been done and therefore there is a strong need for public participation in the area to
uncover how the local residents want the area to develop and how they interact with Rio Salado. By
strengthening ties between locals and similar organizations such as PUSH Buffalo and 596 Acres, South
Mountain can develop sustainable and affordable housing, as well as equitable access to the green spaces
in the area. Strengthening community activism and planning in the area will ensure that locals are apart of
the planning process and the change in their neighborhoods.
Physical Connectivity
The goal of this section is to assess and improve upon the physical connectivity of South Mountain
Village residents to recreation and water resources. Parks, recreation opportunities, access to nature, and
access to water can provide numerous benefits to people, especially those living in urbanized areas where
nature is seemingly non-existent and typically sparse in urban cores. There are a wide range of health
benefits associated with green spaces that include increased sites for physical activity, enhanced overall
health, and reduced risk for all-cause mortality and chronic disease (Wolch 2014). The connectivity of
people with green spaces and access to opportunities for recreation and nature is important to improve the
overall livelihood and quality of life for residents in South Mountain Village. Green spaces are found to
provide many ecosystem services to residents surrounding them, as they can filter air, remove pollution,
reduce noise, reduce temperatures and urban heat island effect, and can help infiltrate stormwater more

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rapidly and replenish groundwater as a result (Wolch 2014). In an arid climate such as Phoenix’s, access to
water is naturally limited by the climate, but is also critical to improving the quality of life for residents in
South Mountain Village. This section of this report aims to investigate where the existing recreational
resources are in South Mountain Village and then evaluate the connectivity of residents in terms of access
to recreation opportunities through transit and/or pedestrian oriented transportation. In doing so, the
connectivity of each resident will be known and then recommendations to improve the connectivity of
disadvantaged residents can be made.
To assess the connectivity of South Mountain Village Residents to water and recreation
opportunities, ArcGIS is used to map the current access of residents to these opportunities. For the purposes
of this study, adequate access shall be considered to be within a walkable range, or within a walkable range
with the use of public transportation. Here, a walkable distance is considered to be within a half mile and
public transportation is considered to be any public bus, light rail, or bus rapid transit operated by city
government or the local transit authority, Valley Metro. Major transit stops and recreation opportunities
will be mapped. For this study, recreation opportunities will be considered any public parks, public
recreations centers, wildlife or mountain preserves, and walking or biking trails along natural or canal
pathways. Additionally, water opportunities will be defined as public canals, bodies or natural or man made
water bodies, and riparian areas such as the Rio Salado. Once areas of recreation are mapped, spatial
analysis will be conducted using ArcGIS to determine resident’s proximity to recreation and/or water. First,
an analysis will be conducted to determine access based on walkable distance along streets and pedestrian
trails alone. Then, public transportation will be factored in, assuming that if a person can get to one bus or
light rail stop (by walking a half mile), then they can get to any other bus or light rail stop within the City.
This assumption might not always be feasible, but is made to simplify this analysis so that ArcGIS may be
used. Finally, a combination of public transit and bikeways will be factored in, assuming the average person
is willing to bike a distance of two miles one way to reach a destination. Again, this assumption does not
hold true for all populations, but is made to simplify the analysis. Data and shapefiles used for this model
can be found in Appendix B.

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Figure 4: Map of South Mountain village showing current bikeways, bus and/or light rail stops, pedestrian
trails, streets. Parks and park boundaries are shown in green.
With this data, an analysis was conducted to determine how connected South Mountain village is
in terms of walkability alone, and then in terms of accessibility with transit and bikeways included. These
values will then be used to identify critical areas of disconnectivity to recreation and water. Once these
critical areas are identified, suggested areas of improvement for added connectivity as well as added
recreation opportunities can be made. To conduct this analysis, spatial analyst tools within ArcGIS were
used to determine the kernel density of different transportation features. The kernel density tool calculates
the density of features within a specified area and can be used for line and point features such as streets and
bus stops (“How Kernel Density works”). This was used to find the density of transportation features for
walkability as well as total transit for this analysis. The results for total walkability and total transit access
are pictured in Figures 5a and 5b respectively. Areas with high accessibility are shown in green, and areas
of low accessibility are shown in red. These colors correspond to the density of features in that area. It is
interesting to note that when only walkability is considered, the area surrounding Baseline Road, and the
road itself is the most walkable area because of the Western Canal located in that area. South Mountain
preserve also has high walkability because of its hiking trails. When transit is considered, the Western Canal
still has high access, but the point of highest access is located in the north eastern corner of the planning
area, likely because of increased transit stops in that area.

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Figures 5 a-b: On the left, overall walkability is shown and on the right overall transit access is shown.
Red areas are areas with low density, and green areas are ones with the highest density.
Once the density of different transportation features was
found, a half mile walkable buffer was applied to each park
and recreation center within the planning village so that the
relationship between recreation opportunities and
transportation access could be determined. This resulting
map is shown in Figure 6. This map helps to paint a useful
picture of the current connectivity within South Mountain
Village, as it shows where recreation opportunities area in
regards to available transportation. In looking at this map, it
is clear that the Northeastern corner of the village has low
connectivity and little recreation within it. This holds true
of a smaller section of land just south of that portion of
Figure 6: Map of half mile parks and
the map, as well as a portion in the Southwestern corner
recreation buffer on top of transportation
of the map. These are areas that need increased
density.
connectivity as well as parks and recreation. The, there
are other areas of the map that have existing parks and
recreation opportunities, but little connectivity. These are areas that need increase transit and walkable
access to connect to the rest of the village. These are mostly concentrated in the Northwestern corner of
the map and in the northern half of the central part of the map. These targeted areas are shown in Figure
7, where a blue outline dictates an area that needs increased parks and connectivity, and a black area
needs increased connectivity.

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Figure 7: Recommended areas for improving connectivity are boxed in black, and recommended areas for
improving connectivity and recreation opportunities are boxed in blue.
Maintenance, Management, and Institutions of Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area along proposed
Central Avenue light rail extension
Existing Relationships and the Social Ecological System
The section of the Rio Salado that coincides with the light rail extension area includes the Nina
Mason Pulliam Audubon Center and the City of Phoenix’s Rio Salado Restoration Area. The restoration
area is managed primarily by the City of Phoenix’s Park Rangers in partnership with the Audubon Center.
The existing restoration area was completed via Federal government Army Corps of Engineers funding
(65%) and a $16 million City of Phoenix bond for restoration and cleanup. Continued maintenance of the
plants, animals, and infrastructure is conducted by the City. The Audubon Center is formally situated on
land leased from the City of Phoenix. Leveraging Ostrom’s (2009) social-ecological systems framework,
Figure 8 highlights the primary relationships between the resource system (RS), the resource units (RU),
the Governance System (GS), the Users (U), and the interactions between the social-ecological system.

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Figure 8: Map of Social Ecological Systems in the study area.
Blue Infrastructure
Within this area, flow in the Rio Salado is required due to the restoration requirements from the
federal classification of the river as a “water of the United States” (Forrest, 2016) At this time, flow
continues to the Tres Rios and Gila River in the west valley. Within the area, there are 22 City of Phoenix
stormwater outfalls that discharge in multiple locations (C2HM report). The restoration was built to
accommodate 100 year storms and flood events and was done in collaboration with the Army Corps of
Engineers. Although there are multiple trash grates and efforts to prevent point and nonpoint pollution,
there is visible trash and likely contamination in the stormwater runoff. The area could likely benefit from
improved grate technologies and runoff systems as connected to the streets and inflow areas.
Grey Infrastructure
The Central Avenue bridge is a key
point of Phoenix’s North-South connectivity
and future co-location of the light rail
extension. The bridge is also situated
directly over the habitat restoration and has
critical supports standing in the river
(Figures 9 and 10). As such, environmental
and engineering assessments by the City of
Phoenix, Valley Metro, and the Federal
Government
are
required
before
construction and modification can be
completed (Valley Metro EA, Valley Metro
and Parks Interviews).
Figure 9: Elementary school field trip with Audubon
Center Volunteer pointing to owls nesting in bridge

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An important infrastructure resilience and maintenance
issue concerns the current and proposed bridge design
and construction. Before the extension can be built,
Valley Metro must comply to a series of regulations that
are highlighted via an Environmental Assessment
related to the habitat and river body. Further
information of the permitting required, particularly
from the Federal Government’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife,
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and the
Army Corps of Engineers are highlighted in Appendix
D.
One of the current challenges for this project is
an interesting social-ecological feedback loop related to
the strong environmental regulation of this particular
habitat. Because of the area’s significance for bird
nesting, a safe harbor agreement has been completed
and permits are awaiting U.S. Fish and Wildlife
approval. This means that impacts of
Figure 10: Central Avenue Bridge from trail
construction cannot occur during nesting and hatching
times, (e.g. Figure 9) and therefore significantly limits
the time when construction to the bridge can occur. In addition to this complication, the river flow cannot
be diverted during construction because of ecological concerns. Therefore, the right of way for vehicular
and equipment movement at the riverbed is limited even further and complicates construction timelines and
capacity.
Resource Users and Vulnerability
It is known that marginalized populations and particularly the homeless use this area for refuge and
illegal homesteading (Palta et al. 2016). There is shade, often a degree of privacy due to the tree cover, and
water for bathing, drinking, and waste. Management of the area respects human life and the use of the area
as a publically available resource. Illegal use of the area is managed through proper channels via public and
non-profit resources. However, as development grows increased visitorship occurs from the light rail
extension, careful attention should be placed on this often unspoken use of the physical and natural
infrastructure. Social justice concerns should be addressed so that the City maintains a balance for
ecological, social, and infrastructural concerns. Especially because the area is a key environmental refuge
from the heat and aridity, it should be enjoyed and appreciated by those from all socio-demographic
backgrounds. If the area serves as a life giving resource currently, social vulnerability exists via the use of
the natural and physical infrastructure and should be addressed as growth continues.

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Development and Future Planning
Opportunities and constraints were measured for the developable study area including land
ownership, land use, zoning, and future planning through methods of GIS, Maricopa County Assessor's
Office, and the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department. This section outlines the
development goals in which the City and surrounding residents would like to see in the future with
sustainable and resilient infrastructure at the forefront.
Zoning in the area around the Rio Salado is majority industrial (Figure 11). These uses may have
been beneficial for the neighborhood in the past, but with future light rail and housing opportunities along
South Central, it may be in the City’s best interest to utilize this land for sustainable redevelopment. This
could include housing, small commercial and employment, and recreational opportunities, all while
preserving the environmental integrity of the Rio Salado riparian area.

Figure 11: City of Phoenix Zoning

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The City of Phoenix has applied an overlay to the area of the river to the study area from 19th
Avenue to 32nd Street (Figure 12). The Rio Salado Interim Overlay District discourages unwanted land
uses like tattoo and pawn shops, as well as industrial uses such as car repair or soil and gravel industries.
Any existing uses like these under this overlay will be considered “legally non-conforming” and will be
allowed to stay and operate in the condition they are now, but will not be able to add or change to a similar
use. This overlay also calls for the area to develop around the “Commerce Park” use, which is similar to
development around Tempe Town Lake. Commerce Park use includes research or business parks with
offices, restaurants, and certain housing types. When reviewing these provisions, it is clear that the City of
Phoenix is intending the Rio Salado area in South Mountain to be developed and integrated as part of
economic and social development.

Figure 12: Rio Salado Overlay District

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The Rio Salado “Beyond the Banks” Area Plan (Figure 13), completed in 2003, outlines the goals
the City of Phoenix and the community would like to establish for the area, including access, ambience,
education, employment and economic development, history, housing, public participation, recreation,
safety, and transportation. The study area boundaries for the plan are Interstate 17 (I-17/Maricopa Freeway)
and Interstate 10 (I-10) to the north, Broadway Road to the south, 32nd Street to the east and 19th Avenue
to the west.

Figure 13: Beyond the Banks Area Plan
The Beyond the Banks Area Plan called for appealing "showcase" projects near the river
emphasizing attractive development to kick-start revitalization and demonstrate the employment and
economic development opportunities available for both small and large businesses. As mentioned in the
Social Connectivity section, revitalization should reflect the values of existing residents and increased
opportunities for home improvement as an option for long-term residents of owner-occupied dwellings.
The plan suggests incentives to create better housing and encourage infill development, including better
access to shopping, schools, and employment. With schools in the surrounding area, the Beyond the Banks
Area Plan encourages development of science and environmental curricula that involve a first-hand
observation of the ecological systems of the restored river. The plan calls for public/private partnership
efforts to develop an environmental educational center adjacent to the Rio Salado Project to facilitate handson learning opportunities for students and residents throughout the Phoenix area. This goal was brought to
fruition through the Rio Salado Audubon and other educational centers that may develop in the coming
years.

16

The Beyond the Banks Area Plan is intended to encourage and enhance access for the public to the
Rio Salado. The plan stated revitalization adjacent to the Rio Salado Project should create attractive, natural
spaces for public enjoyment that extend and enhance the natural setting provided by the Rio Salado. The
plan also specified recreational opportunities adjacent to the Rio Salado should provide activities both for
residents and for visitors, ranging from active and athletic pursuits to more passive and contemplative ones.
In line with the Physical Connectivity section, the plan emphasizes opportunities to connect existing trails
and open space corridors to the Rio Salado. Public health, safety, and security was a priority concern in
planning for revitalization. The plan stated the location and proximity of residential areas in relation to
industrial areas should carefully consider the health and safety of residents. In addition, transportation such
as pedestrian and bicycle-friendly opportunities for accessing and enjoying the Rio Salado Project should
be given a high priority in transportation planning. These opportunities have begun with the planning of the
Valley Metro light rail down Central Avenue with a stop at the Audubon Center, but multimodal
connectivity will continue to be at the forefront of the planning process.
Another policy document more recently created by the City of Phoenix is the Del Rio Area
Brownfields Plan (2013). This plan focuses on guiding development in the brownfield areas around the Rio
Salado, directing the assessment of needs on these sites, and identifying resources to assist with
redevelopment. Figure 14 depicts the final outcome of the community lead Del Rio Parks Master Plan,
which consists of recreational and sport uses, green space, amusement park, solar plant, and leaves space
for the Del Rio RFP that is currently in the decision making process (Del Rio Landfill RFP). In addition to
this plan, there are multiple other sketches designed by the public showing different scenarios for this area.
These scenarios include parks, multifamily housing units, educational facilities, and restaurants.
Community engagement and public participation was a very important aspect of the planning process.
Nearby residents, businesses, communities, and youth were and will continue to be actively involved in
planning and decision-making that affects the Rio Salado. Public participation not only provides input to
the revitalization process, but encourages active support and long-term commitment.

17

Figure 14: Del Rio Parks Master Plan
The City of Phoenix has provided development incentive, regulation, and policy documents to
allow for sustainable, yet economically viable development of the Rio Salado. Using the Interim Rio Salado
and Transit Oriented Development Overlays, future construction can be high density housing and office
along Central Avenue and the future light rail extension. Additionally, commercial, office, and mixed-use
development can be built in the existing industrial areas that are either vacant or legally non-conforming.
Even with this kind of high density development in an urban area, the case studies outlined in the
Restoration section have illustrated the potential of protecting and developing the riparian area along the
Rio Salado as a high quality recreational area with an attractive tourism aspect.

18

Conclusion
The Rio Salado provides South Phoenix, and all use-value stakeholders, a unique and socially
important natural riparian site in the Sonoran Desert. Current conditions were analyzed in this report to
better understand the waterways, connectivity, opportunities, and constraints. As the South Central light
rail extension brings more attention and access to the area, it is important to understand the consequences
on the Rio Salado, the surrounding community, and other stakeholders. Although development is needed
in the area, it is important to maintain the viability and equity of the site through restoration and
management practices with social and physical connectivity in mind. Equitable access and development at
a sustainable speed can allow for a resilient community and riparian ecosystem now and in the future.
Maximizing on the benefits of the Rio Salado will be a social and economic gain for Southern Phoenix, if
done with the community and the natural habitat in mind. This analysis has lead to the following findings
and recommendations:
1. Although the current area is maintained well by City of Phoenix Parks Department,
additional resources should be allocated for maintenance of the area to address increased
use, assistance for marginalized and homeless populations and engaging residents.
Additional resources can help build capacity prior to the completion of the light rail and
help predict future emergent or exacerbated micro and macro issues.
2. There is a lack of local use of the Rio Salado restoration site and Audubon. Community
planning and capital can be strengthened in the area by partnering with agencies that help
residents both organize and idealize the benefits of their neighborhoods. By doing so,
development in the area will better serve those who live in South Mountain and allow them
to be a part of the change that is occuring around the Rio Salado. Local stakeholders are an
important part of the areas unique and interesting history, without more public participation
from this group, their values and needs may not be reflected in future development.
3. With future development in mind, it is important to stay true to community lead visioning
processes such as the Beyond the Banks Area Plan and the Del Rio Area Brownfields Plan.
This way, there can be development that holds true to the sustainability and resilience of
the Rio Salado recreation area, while allowing for commercial and housing developments
and economic opportunities for South Mountain. Community outreach organizations and
career opportunities in line with the character of the area will create a more economically
viable and connected neighborhood.

19

Appendix A: Photos of Site Visit

20

Appendix B: Data Sources Used to Create ArcGIS Maps
File

Type

Source

Description

Village

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/vil
lage

Outlines of 15 urban planning
villages in Phoenix

Parks

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/pa
rks

Points at which city parks are
located in Phoenix

Park
Boundary

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/pa
rk-boundary

Outlines of city parks

Recreation
Centers

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/re
creation-centers

Points at which recreation
centers are located

Park Trails

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/pa
rk-trails

Paths of park/pedestrian trails
within the City

Street
Centerline

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/str
eet-centerline

Centerline of city streets

Bus Stops

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/bu
s-stops

Points of Valley Metro bus stops.

Light rail
Stops

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/lig
ht-rail-stops

Points of Valley Metro Light
Rail stops.

Bikeways

Shapefile

https://mappingphoenix.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/bi
keways

Paths for biking within the City,
paved and unpaved.

Zoning

Shapefile

ASU Repository

Zoning Categories for all of City
of Phoneix

Canals

Shapefile

2017 TIGER/Line Shapefiles/ prepared
by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2017

Outlines of all waterways

Counties

Shapefile

2017 TIGER/Line Shapefiles/ prepared
by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2017

Outline of counties in Arizona

Roads

Shapefile

2017 TIGER/Line Shapefiles/ prepared
by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2017

Outline of all roads in Maricopa
County

21

Appendix C
C1: Demographics
("Household Income")

("Household Income")

22

C2: Area Map of Study Area
Pink Line = Study Area
Black Line = Proposed Light Rail Extension
Green Flag = Green Space or Trail
Yellow Flag = Church
Blue Flag = School

C3: Interview Questions
Q 1: How is the area changing? Why?
Q 2: What do you expect the area will be like in 20 years? 50 years?
Q 3: How will the addition of the light rail affect the area?
Q 4: Who are the main stakeholders in the area? How do they participate in Rio Salado Restoration?
Q 5: What are the social benefits of enhancing the Rio Salado?
Number of Interviewees:
1 Audubon Volunteer 4/3/2018
City of Phx (Parks) 4/20/2018
City Planner – Hasn’t Replied 3/27, 4/11
Valley Metro – Hasn’t Replied 3/27, 4/11
C4: Survey
Date:
Time:
Location:
Age Range:
Do they live in South Mountain Village?

23

C5: Survey Results
DATE: 4/10/18

Time: 9AM-10AM

Location:
Audubon Center

# of Participants

South Mountain
Resident?

Age Range*

Y

N

0

/

/

18- 2

0

2

4

/

4

>1
8

50
50 +

*Age range are estimates for participants
DATE: 4/12/18

Time: 8AM-8:30AM Location:
Audubon Center
# of Participants

Age Range*
7

South Mountain
Resident?
Y

N

0

7

0

13

2

1

>1
8
18- 13
50
50 +

3

*Age range are estimates for participants

24

DATE: 4/10/18

Time: 8:45AM9:15AM

Location:
Habitat Restoration
Area

# of Participants

South Mountain
Resident?

Age Range*

Y

N

5

0

5

18- 8

0

8

0

/

/

>1
8

50
50 +

*Age range are estimates for participants

C6: Distance from South Central Light Rail Terminus to South Mountain Park

25

Appendix D : Highlights from the Valley Metro 2016 Environmental Assessment on the light rail
expansion
https://www.valleymetro.org/sites/default/files/legacyimages/uploads/misc_reports/SouthCentralEnvironmentalAssessment.pdf

26

27

28

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30