Tempe begins first steps to update north shore of the lake
The complex is to include a park with a lake.
Arianna Grainey
The city of Tempe has begun the first steps to changing the north shore of Tempe Town Lake in a project called the Rio Salado North Shore Plan after hearing over 1,000 comments from the public about what priorities residents have for the future of the area.
On a Zoom meeting, preliminary plans for the area include a skatepark, benches, public art, shade areas and ecological spaces to help create a lasting green space for the area.
“There’s a lack of ecology in the area but a lot of room for potential and opportunities for views and recreation,” said Brandon Sobiech, principal landscape architect and founder of Dig Studios.
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The city of Tempe has begun the first steps to changing the north shore of Tempe Town Lake in a project called the Rio Salado North Shore Plan after hearing over 1,000 comments from the public about what priorities residents have for the future of the area.
On a Zoom meeting, preliminary plans for the area include a skatepark, benches, public art, shade areas and ecological spaces to help create a lasting green space for the area.
“There’s a lack of ecology in the area but a lot of room for potential and opportunities for views and recreation,” said Brandon Sobiech, principal landscape architect and founder of Dig Studios.
Dig Studio and Holly Street Studio have partnered with the city to create a plan for the space that makes room for pedestrians, cyclists and boaters. The discussion with the public included a play water feature, nontraditional playground equipment, an amphitheater and a small space for retail.
The plans also included restrooms and seating on both entrances to the space. Sobiech said that planning team is also thinking about where to integrate public art wherever possible.
“The entry plazas on either side will be a great opportunity for art and seating and we recognize that that is very important to the community,” he said. There is not yet a budget for this project as plans are still being discussed, said Community Services Director Craig Hayton. This project is also not expected to use city sales tax; however, funding discussions will not be determined until a plan is brought to the council.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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