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21 August 2023
In the heart of the scorching Arizona desert, Phoenix is leading a transformative charge to create safe and environmentally conscious networks known as cool corridors. These innovative pathways are reshaping the urban landscape and bringing respite from the unforgiving desert heat. As part of its pioneering Climate Action Plan Framework, the city’s Cool Corridors Program is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, urban planning, and community well-being.
Phoenix’s vision for cool corridors is part of a multifaceted climate strategy to facilitate safe movement within its communities. These corridors, spanning from residential neighborhoods to bustling city centers, are a crucial component of the city’s mission to combat rising temperatures and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The Cool Corridors Program, spearheaded by the Street Transportation Department, was launched in 2022 with a resounding commitment. A budget of $1.4 million was allocated to support planting an impressive 1,800 new trees (totaling up to 200 per mile) across various project areas citywide.
This ambitious endeavor is not simply about planting trees. Phoenix has partnered with Arizona State University and other key stakeholders to infuse the Cool Corridors Program with cutting-edge research, meticulous prioritization, and ongoing assessment. This strategic approach ensures that every tree planted contributes not only to shade but also to the community’s overall well-being.
Cool Corridors aren’t just pathways shaded by trees but a comprehensive strategy encompassing education and community outreach. These corridors, ranging from a quarter-mile to a half-mile, are thoughtfully designed to offer pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users a safe passage and relief from the blistering heat of the desert landscape.
By intertwining natural and engineered shade with other temperature-lowering design features, Phoenix’s Cool Corridors blend innovative thinking and collaborative efforts. Public and private partnerships are the bedrock of this strategy, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering a holistic and sustainable urban ecosystem.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Cool Corridors Program is the emphasis on placing the right tree in the right place. The Street Transportation Department meticulously analyzes city-owned right-of-ways that allow for irrigation, ensuring the trees have the optimal conditions to thrive. This approach isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about strategically selecting locations that maximize the benefits for people in the area.
Considerations include areas where more shade would encourage foot traffic, spots where scarcity of parking could be mitigated by inviting walks and bike rides, locations that could benefit from additional shade to attract customers, and even areas around schools to shield kids from the searing heat during their daily commutes.
In April of 2022, volunteers gathered to plant a remarkable 259 trees along Baseline Road at Cesar Chavez Park in a poignant display of community involvement. This landmark event marked the inception of the city’s first official Cool Corridor, a testament to the city’s commitment to transforming urban spaces into havens of shade and respite. Elm, Ash, Sissoo, and Chinese Pistache trees were planted—varieties chosen for their drought resilience and alignment with the local ecosystem.
The Cool Corridors Program is more than just trees; it’s a testament to Phoenix’s dedication to a sustainable future. Through innovation, research, and community engagement, these corridors stand as symbols of progress, offering a cooler path and a brighter and greener tomorrow for Phoenix and its residents.
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