Tempe Town Lake was opened 10 years ago this month. Today the Arizona Republic highlights the history, development and past 10 years, you can find the article (including the picture) here.
Now I know it is a fake lake, built in a dried-up river bottom, but I love the 2 miles of dirty water regulated by deflatable rubber dams. I love flying into sky harbor and seeing the lake, adorned by A mountain to the south. I love having the lake as a backdrop while waiting outside on the cobblestone sidewalk for our name to be called for our table at Monti's. 10 years have gone by fast, I remember when that river bottom was empty. Look how far Tempe has come since then. Marketplace, light rail, orbit!
In Nashville, there is an actual river that runs through downtown. You can see it from the terrace on our building. The Cumberland winds through the city and is in no danger of being dried up and turned into a man made lake.
But, I still love the fake lake.
A visit home was just what I needed. I got in everything I love and miss in Tempe:
