Tempe Town Lake Safety
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By Allie N
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Mill Ave / Third St
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A news release from the City of Tempe:
Nikki Ripley
City of Tempe
Communication and Media Relations Director
480-350-8846 nikki_ripley@tempe.gov
Stay safe – stay out of Tempe Town Lake’s bed
Dam replacement begins; city continues working to ensure public safety
Tempe, Arizona – To ensure public safety, Tempe is warning people to stay out of Tempe Town Lake’s riverbottom. People are being warned by security staff to stay out of the lakebed.
Mud in the 220-acre lake bed is deep and, in some places, you could sink up to your knees or deeper. Broken glass and twisted metal litter the river bottom and the banks are steep inclines. In addition to risking cuts and broken bones, visitors to the lake bed would risk exposure to serious bacterial infections, such as giardia and tetanus, as well as insect bites and stings.
Work is beginning to clean up the lake and replace the four western dam segments. Heavy machinery is being moved into place in the lake bed. Construction will continue through October and the lake is closed during this time, although surrounding pathways are still open. Tempe Town Lake is expected to reopen Nov. 1, in time for Ford Ironman Arizona on Nov. 21.
Until then, Tempe asks lake visitors to obey posted warning signs and security personnel, and stay behind caution tape.
Public safety has been Tempe’s top priority since the dam breach Tuesday night. Police and Fire personnel worked immediately to check for anyone near or in Tempe Town Lake, and collaborated with the City of Phoenix and other agencies to ensure that areas west of Tempe were also clear of people. No one was injured.
For more information about safety at the lake, contact Kris Baxter at 480-250-5198.
