A groundbreaking Tuesday will signal the beginning of the third phase of Grand Canal improvements, which is turning dirt paths into routes safe for commuting and recreation.

The event at 9 a.m. Aug. 29 will take place at 63rd and Clarendon avenues where Sunset Basin Park borders the canal. It will be the site of a future fitness area and new pedestrian bridge that will cross over the canal and connect the two sides of the neighborhood, Phoenix officials said. 

SRP operates the canal system and is collaborating with the city’s street transportation department on the project.

The Grand Canal area between 75th and 47th avenues accommodates pedestrians and bicycles “so an improved Canalscape project will be a welcome recreation or commuting alternative to navigating nearby roadways,” city officials stated.

Improvements will be made along the north bank of the canal.​ SRP uses the south bank for operations and maintenance.

​The project will incorporate public art, landscaping and neighborhood access points to the path, according to the city.

Grand Canalscape Phase 3 will link neighborhoods with schools, transit routes, churches, employers and entertainment venues such as American Family Fields of Phoenix.