The transformation of a historic waterfall by the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Phoenix Arts Commission allows Phoenix area residents to experience something old and something new. Arizona Falls, formed by a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal just east of 56th street and Indian School, was reopened in June 2003 as a restored hydroelectric plant and neighborhood gathering place where visitors can learn, interact and reflect. The new Arizona Falls combines art, history and technology to generate clean electricity from the canal's waterfall.
This award-winning public art project transformed Arizona Falls from a once defunct hydroelectric plant on the Arizona Canal into a public space where people can sit and enjoy the cooling effects of the canal and waterfall while learning about hydro-generation. Arizona Falls was the site of the first hydroelectric plant in Phoenix. Originally built in 1902, the plant was rebuilt by SRP in 1911, began delivering power again in 1913 and was eventually shut down in 1950.