Indian Bend Wash Flood Control

Photos scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/greenbelt/indianbendwash

Indian Bend Wash cuts the city of Scottsdale in half, running North to South from the McDowells to the Salt River.  Recurring floods caused the Army Corps of Engineers to plan a deep concrete channel through the city for flood control.  Newly opened Saguaro High School flooded regularly in the late 60's.    A citizen's group lobbied for a greenbelt of parks, but not until Scottsdale was hit with one of the worst floods on record in 1973 did voters approve a bond to turn the plan from concrete to a greenbelt of parks.   Now Scottsdale residents enjoy an oasis of parks, lakes, bike paths, tennis courts, golf courses, dog parks, baseball fields, and playgrounds forming 11 miles of continuous green space.  Can you imagine a 170-foot wide, 23-foot wide concrete channel cutting through the city?  I love our concerned citizen groups and great mayors like Bill Jenkins and Herb Drinkwater for their "green" vision for our city.