Water was just the beginning...
Mission Statement and Purpose
The Mission of the Rio Salado Foundation is to both preserve the history and natural beauty of Papago Park and the Rio Salado and to ensure the area’s success as a major cultural and recreational, urban destination through the creation of public-private partnerships.
Bordering the Cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale and set adjacent to Tempe’s Mill Avenue District and Arizona State University, the Rio Salado Project embodies a unique vision for the future of this Valley. The master plan includes educational and recreational programs in addition to major additions to the park system, a first-class boathouse and marina, natural habitat preserves, walking and bike paths, picnic areas, aquatic activities, numerous restaurants, retail shops, office space, a variety of residential living spaces, and as of September 8, 2007, the completed Tempe Center for the Arts.
Through the Rio Salado Foundation, community-minded corporations and individuals have numerous opportunities to participate in the area’s enhancement, ensuring educational, recreational and cultural programs thrive to support our Valley’s youth, families and many visitors. The Foundation maintains a separate board of directors made up of corporate leaders and volunteers from across the Valley and is the only organization authorized to engage in this comprehensive fundraising effort within Tempe’s portion of Papago Park and the Rio Salado Project area.
