Mission Statement and Purpose

The Mission of the Rio Salado Foundation is to ensure the success of the Rio Salado as a major cultural and recreational, urban destination through the creation of public-private partnerships.

A destination for families looking to play in the waters of the Splash Playground, a school for blind children learning to fish, a classroom for hundreds of water sports teams, and a venue for concerts and sporting events of all kinds - the Rio Salado has become one of the most recognizable outdoor destinations in the Valley of the Sun.

Set adjacent to Tempe's Mill Avenue District, Arizona State University and the 2000 acre Papago Park, the Rio Salado embodies a unique vision for the future of this Valley. The master plan includes major additions to the park system, a first-class boat house 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 a performing and visual arts center. Located along the shores of Tempe Town Lake, the project area is home to some of the most widely attended annual events in the Valley.

Over the past few years, the Town Lake has transformed into a major regional destination, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Recognized as one of the top three attractions in Arizona, visitors and local families spend their time sailing, biking, walking, shopping, dining, enjoying plays and concerts, or just gathering to talk and share ideas. Numerous major sporting events make their home at the Lake now, including the Association of Volleyball Professionals tournament, the Ironman Arizona Triathlon and the PF Chang's Rock & Roll Marathon. New mid rise office buildings and condominiums are under construction and will create an active, urban environment in which people live near their work and play near their homes.

The Tempe City Council was the first to recognize the need for public-private partnerships to develop fully the recreational and cultural aspects of this landmark destination. As a result, the Rio Salado Foundation was founded in the summer of 2001. Through the Rio Salado Foundation, community-minded corporations and individuals have numerous opportunities to participate in Rio Salado's enhancement to ensure that youth, families and visitors will have a place to go to enjoy the outdoors as well as the arts in an urban environment. The naming of significant public features around Town Lake will allow individuals, foundations and companies to be recognized for their contributions to this destination while providing the recreational and cultural facilities that serve our Valley. 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.

The Rio Salado Foundation has identified eight high-profile opportunities that will provide the most visibility for our individual and corporate partners. These developments are profiled in our opportunity brochure and include: the Tempe Center for the Arts; the western Pedestrian Bridge, which will connect the Arts District on the south bank to the north bank linear parks; Arizona's largest Arts Garden; a world-class Boathouse; the Marina Center, Waterfront Plaza, North Bank Park system, and the Children's Splash Playground in the center of Tempe Beach Park. Additional naming opportunities are also available.