If you’ve ever wanted to partner with the City and open a recreation amenity business on Tempe Town Lake, the City of Tempe is looking for great concepts and companies to add to the suite of activities available on the lakeshore as part of exciting next steps for the implementation of the Rio Salado Master Plan.
The Rio Salado Master Plan provides a roadmap for additional improvements over the next 20-30 years, in step with the lake’s original vision, and outlines 10 interconnected activity zones that identify various programming and amenity opportunities. The focus of next steps is on adding active and support outdoor athletic, recreation and adventure activities with an emphasis on the northern shore.
Tempe Town Lake and the surrounding Rio Salado Parks include more than 135 acres of open space, parks, paths and recreation opportunities, attracting more than 2 million visitors per year.
Qualified and interested parties are invited to submit proposals that provide positive and iconic community experiences in a public park setting, as well as any development and operational responsibilities necessary to support such activities.
Submissions should include a revenue sharing component, including the potential of a land lease, and be privately funded with a goal of providing regionally distinct, impactful and attractive experiences for park and lake users.
Examples of projects could include anything from ziplines to rock walls to off-lake surfing and more. Water-based amenities can be located within or tethered to the adjacent park land, but shouldn’t use any water from the lake.
In 2021, the community was invited to share their ideas and thoughts on what opportunities could enhance the lake and surrounding parks. Some of the top responses included a zipline, observation tower, rock wall, bungee jumping, and off-lake FlowRider/surf pool. This fall, the public will again be invited to share feedback on proposed plans.
In addition to seeking proposals on recreational opportunities, the City is also soliciting for a design partner to help plan out the recreational development of more than 20 acres on north side of the lake from the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge to the Town Lake Marina. That opportunity is open now through May 13, while the recreation amenities opportunity is open through Aug. 1.
Since its grand opening more than 25 years ago, Tempe Town Lake has brought in an estimated $5 billion in economic development value that benefits Tempe, the Greater Phoenix Area, the state of Arizona and beyond with tremendous tourism opportunities, hotels, housing options, thousands of jobs, and recreational amenities. While these accomplishments are immense, the future is bright for the lake with this and other opportunities for future recreation and development.
