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Tempe Town Lake
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Tempe Town Lake
24 reviews in English
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Review from Will B.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/9/2011 5 photos
The lake is a great addition to the downtown Tempe area. It adds a lot of character and is a huge improvement to the huge dry riverbed that once resided here. It's about 2 miles long and approximately 2 or 3 blocks wide and is open to both paddling and motorized boating. Be sure to check with the City of Tempe for regulations and fees related to boating on the lake. You can find the lake's administration office under the Mill Ave Bridge near Mill Ave and Washington. I use to utilize this lake a lot several years ago when I would go kayaking. I absolutely loved that I had the opportunity to do that over my leisure time and not have to travel out of my way to take part in that activity.
The lake is also home to many other leisurely outdoor activities within the metropolitan area. That's another thing that makes this lake so great. It is a central area for biking, running, rollerblading, etc. along the perimenter of the lake. For the most part, you can travel full circle; well, almot full circle as the east end of the lake doesn't have a way across. Furthermore, you'll find sand volleyball courts located on the north side of the lake and the marina to station your boat permanently and to launch into the water. There are also warm up stations located at the marina, which basically are rowing machines like what you find in a gym; however, I'm not sure if those are open to the public or are meant for classes. The south side of lake includes a play area for the kids and is where non-boating public events are held.
Tempe Town Lake is also a central hub for many city-related activites such as concerts, athletic competitions, regattas, Octoberfest, and the city's 4th of July celebration. Be sure to check with Tempe's website for events occuring on the lake as it can effect plans you may have. I've subscribed to an email distribution list from the city that sends out updates of events that can interfere with my plans to go kayaking. Here's a caveat: even though the city says that the lake is clear for public use, parking can still be restricted for event use only.
Moreover, the lake provides a central point for activity as well as provides the local community an opportunity to actually do something outside. It is also a great long term economic investment for the community as businesses and real estate open up surrounding the lake. -
Review from Maria M.
Mesa, AZ
1/30/2012
I love this man made lake! Been to the July 4th firework show, Christmas Boat Parade, and on a few dates with my husband. Tempe can sure put on a firework show. They say that there are thousands of people that come out here for the events, but when you are down there in the middle of it, it sure doesn't feel like it. It never feels crowded. This place is always clean and they have semi good security.
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Review from Michele M.
Phoenix, AZ
9/17/2011 2 photos
Some say it's not really a lake, well I don't think of the sandy areas of Michigan Lake as beaches in Chicago either, but at least it's a place where there's water in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. I love rollerblading in the mornings around the lake and taking strolls in the evening especially in the fall. One can even kayak or sail on the lake too. The light rail is close by therefore, if you are coming for Downtown Phoenix, you can hop on the train and travel to the lake and surrounding areas. It's very clean and there's lots of festivals and events that happen here year round. Definitely a place to visit if it's your first time in Phoenix.
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Review from Catina T.
Atlanta, GA
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
It wasn't the toxic waste dump that some of the others claimed...however...was the water the cleanest? No. Did see some debris. Would I get in the water? No, but I am a beach girl any way and won't get into any lake. The area is nice for walking, jogging, picnicking, etc. Very serene area. Saw folks feeding ducks and birds. I liked it.
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Review from Tatum T.
Denver, CO
8/9/2011
Tempe Town Lake is one of the few places in Arizona that I can go to clear my mind. Granted it is not a true lake, but having grown up in Colorado, I will gladly frequent TTL.
The designers made it very modern and convenient. The bridge lights up at night (great when walking back from Mill at 2am!)and the glow on the water is beautiful!
There are doggy stations and water fountains every 1/4 mile, so your little one can always be 100%. If you park at the PAC and run to the end of the lake and back it is 3.5 miles - perfect way to start your morning.
There are constantly events going on; art shows, concerts, carnivals, borgata etc.
Writing this makes me wish I was still in AZ to experience it! -
Review from Andre E.
12/25/2010
I made my first visit to Tempe Town Lake on yesterday (Christmas Eve)...and I was a little disappointed....a little surprised....and not really that impressed by the area overall. Now this is not say the atmosphere is not good...because I am sure doing the summer the place is a little more vibrant....but this time of year it was pretty bland to say the least. I did like the parks on both sides of the lake.....the fact that the light rail goes right over the lake and the stops are withing walking distance...and the nearby hill you can hike up and down was very fascinating.
I am looking forward to doing a little fishing there at some point next year...but other than that that was my only real interest in Tempe Town Lake. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry my Friends!! -
Review from Amy D.
5/28/2008
I give 2.5 stars because I *did* find a dead body floating in it once.
Now, everytime I walk along TTL, I look for dead bodies. -
Review from Dave B.
5/28/2008
This is a lake.
It has water in it. It's not very clean water.
The lake police will yell at you if you let your dog swim in the water.
That sucks.
I think it's semi-retarded to review a lake. -
Review from Norm R.
1/13/2011 3 photos
This is a scenic stretch of water in the metropolitan area - something I wish we had more of in this desert region. Even if you aren't into rowing or sailing, the Town Lake is a great place for biking, jogging, or bicycling because of the concrete paths on both sides of the lake. You can also have a picnic here, or just sit down and enjoy the breeze. The lake shore areas also provide a venue for numerous cultural and other community events throughout the year.
Listed in: Gettin' physical
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Review from Tracy K.
3/13/2009
The reason for only three stars? Tempe Town Lake is in no way -- shape or form -- a lake. I know, I know, calling it Tempe Town Pond or Tempe Town Creek just doesn't have the same cache as Lake, but come on -- this is exactly why people make fun of us. We get slack for having a pool in an enclosed baseball field, so what must they think when they see our urban "lake?" It would make more sense to call it Tempe Town River, but I guess since it is basically a tepid hole of dammed water, you have to call it a "lake."
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice little city retreat, and I had a lovely time at the event I attending there. The park area is good-sized and the path around the "lake" is really cool. And ultimately it is a great place to go on a nice day with your kids, dogs or even on a date. I guess I should just enjoy it for what it is -- a sort-of-lake. -
Review from Samuel G.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/31/2010
We just bought a house with an evaporative cooler on it in Mesa. The previous owners said that the building of Tempe town lake cut 3 months off of the time they could use the coolers due to the humidity being raised.
Also the dam has popped so there is no 'lake' at the moment. That's a negative! -
Review from Julie M.
Mesa, AZ
10/7/2008
I feel generous giving Tempe Town Lake 3 stars. I don't really "get" large bodies of water you can't swim in, unless I'm living large in a mansion on a man-made lake of course! That's the only time I kind of understand this weird phenomenon.
the lake's redeeming quality is that over the next few years more businesses will sprout up around it, giving Tempe more of an urban feel. It'll be interesting to see how it changes the look and feel of the city. There's been so many failed proposals and business ventures to put condos, restaurants, and shopping around the lake. It's nice to see it finally coming to fruition, after 10 years of speculation.
Aesthetically the lake is a little gross if you ask me. It would have been nice if instead of putting up gigantic concrete sides (which makes it look like a canal) they could have put some tiered greenery to make it appear more natural.
It gets awfully muggy down there in July and August when the humidity is already bad. You walk anywhere close to the lake and you instantly start sweating from that gigantic body of water. I've wanted to check out the fireworks down there on the 4th of July but uhhh...I really don't want to sweat to death.
I have to admit, it looks pretty cool at night when driving on the 202 and seeing the reflected city lights. Then again, doesn't everything look better in dim lighting?Listed in: Local businesses, Outdoor activities in Arizona
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Review from Nic M.
Fairfax, VA
4/7/2010
Uhm, can't believe I hadn't reviewed this already. So I wanted to live near water and downtown. I heard out a magical desert lake, moved over there, and now it's my playground, study place, meditation station, bikeway, place to meet my neighbors...
So I represent the south side, ha, but I've played volleyball on the north side. Anyway, yup, it's pretty. I like the look of the salt river and the rushing water, and of course the ducks. I always see people fishing too but I've never seen anyone catch anything. Ok, that's my review. Check it out! -
Review from Earl C.
2/2/2009 7 photos
I like coming to Tempe Town Lake to relax and walk around. It's quiet enough so that you can listen to the airplanes approaching . It's a good place to get to know someone special. This is the closest we'll get to "walks on the beach".
It's just a good place to hang out. Enjoy the nice quiet site of the lake. -
Review from Jay D.
4/19/2008
Once a year, I am here (Check out that rhyme....) for Tempe's annual dragon boat race.
Water in desert? That's what I said, but given man-made lakes, this isn't bad for Tempe and Phoenix since you're able to do most water activities.
Good stuff. -
Review from Wesley H.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/17/2009
I think Tempe Town Lake deserves more credit. It's a nice "lake" in the city. Boating is nice and so are the illuminated bridges at night. But ultimately, it's an urban renewal project. What else can you want from it?
So what, you can't swim in it. Who wants to swim in a lake anyway? Gross.Listed in: Best Valley Parks
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Review from Bill C.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/9/2010
What a great location! Tempe has given us a great gift in Tempe Town Lake, with options for many! While as many point out, it's not much of a lake (there is no water-skiing!), it is such a better landmark than a flood/drainage area that is dry the majority of the time!
There is a path that surrounds the lake which is great for walking, and it also gives great biking access in the area. I always enjoy watching the boaters and there are numerous locations for a nice relaxing picnic lunch (a much better way to spend an hour in the middle of the day!).Listed in: Fitness / Health
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Review from J seth A.
Phoenix, AZ
1/16/2010
Tempe Town Lake is a destination and recognized as a top attraction for the state. It's not really a "lake," it is the Salt River that was dammed up in 1911. Walking across the historic Mill Ave bridge offers some beautiful views of the Tempe skyline and downtown Phoenix 20 miles to the west. The Tempe Center for the Arts is here, and is a masterpiece in and of itself. The light rail bridge bursts into colors with the LED light show. There is a baseball field, volleyball courts, hills for jogging and biking and skating, a splash playground, a marina, and public art. Lots of open space to throw a frisbee or play catch. A riparian habitat has been established on the west end past the Arts Center. How can one NOT like Town Lake? There is so much to do.
I walk my dogs here a few times each week and my only complaint is that there is no fenced off dog park.
You can walk from Rural Road to Priest, cross the bridge on Priest and walk all the way back to Rural Road without ever having to stop for a car, or a red light. If you love being outside and enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather then this is the place to be. Take the light rail to 3rd St and Mill and walk north and you'll see the entrance to this historic park. (Oh yeah, did I mention Tempe Beach Park has been around since the 20s?)Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from S R.
Oakland, CA
3/13/2010
A body of water in the middle of the desert metropolis?
Nice park areas on both sides?
Pedestrian-friendly bridges?
Light-rail accessibility?
Well-maintained paths without cracked pavement, graffiti, or trash?
A cool view of Sun Devil Stadium? (boo to that one - Cal fan here)
Complete peace and solitude on a 70-degree Sunday morning in February?
Nice job, Tempe! -
Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
4/2/2008 1 photo
Ugh.
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Review from Holly M.
12/17/2009
Pretty spot in the desert. I think as far as urban renewel goes, they did a good job. It's nice to walk around and watch the boaters. At night it is very pretty. Plenty of seating on the South side, we were able to relax and enjoy some out door time looking at water instead of desert. They have some fun events here and it's a good place to take the family.
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Review from Bao H.
5/11/2010
I love the lakes! Yes it's a lake in the desert! Dragon Boat, Outrigger, and Marathons! It's the place to do it. Not sure about the fishing part, but I do see people fishing there. What are they trying to catch hmmm?? I enjoy running there on a nightly basis and so should you. South side is probably the most scenic, but not to say the North side is bad. If you're a fellow photographer I would definitely recommend this place during the evenings :)
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Review from Jack T.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2007
After (intentionally) capsizing a sailboat in TTL, I spent a good 15 minutes floating in this giant puddle. And that was much, much too long. Gross.
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Review from Joellen M.
Phoenix, AZ
1/18/2011
I like walking my dog along here at night on cool nights (humidity too much in summer). I usually park by the arts center and am always fascinated by their water features. Move towars the beach park and take in the lights on the bridge and light rail. Quick and easy but still peaceful.
