Reclaiming Forgotten Corridors; An Urban Greenway System Utilizing Secondary Watercourses in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

Like many cities in the western United States, Tucson, Arizona, was developed on a geometrically determined grid system, with streets aligned with a preset north-south/east-west alignment that paid little heed to the area's natural features and topography. Through necessity, certain watercourses were maintained to help deal with the occasional and sometimes severe flood waters that converge upon the area - however, these features were hidden within, or in some cases under, the urban matrix. This study seeks to examine how secondary watercourses can be partnered with other open space features to create a regional greenway system that connects desirable destinations throughout the city. Special focus is placed upon identification of public open spaces and amenities as destinations. Through the integration of destination-based design, greenway experiences become more rewarding and thus more valuable to the user, motivating preservation of these corridors which would ultimately benefit both the community and the natural environment.