Salt River Project recently launched a new online resource called the SRP Heritage Map, srpnet.com/history, to give the community a renewed sense of adventure and discover hidden history throughout the Valley.
The map is a resource for history buffs as well as educators and students, but creators hope everyone will use the SRP Heritage Map to learn about their neighborhoods and SRP’s connection to the community and its role in developing the Valley.
The interactive map shows locations of historic and current power and water features, as well as public artwork and informational signage along the canals and other significant historic sites, with a connection to SRP. The project marks the first time the public artwork and descriptive markings have been mapped. Each site includes pictures, a description and, in many instances, a link to other websites for more information.
“This information doesn’t exist in this format anywhere else. We want people to actually go out and visit these sites,” said Leah Harrison, SRP’s manager of Research Archives and Heritage. “Simply type in your address and see what’s around you. You could be living next to a historically significant structure or ditch that you didn’t even know existed. We also included structures that are not around anymore. Every location has a story.”
The SRP Heritage Map is smartphone-friendly. With the phone’s location service turned on, participants can see their exact location and what historic sites are nearby. The map currently includes 75 sites, and more will be added over time.
SRP Vice President John Hoopes wanted to create a digital atlas to highlight historical sites in the Valley to educate residents. “The historical map is remarkable, cutting-edge technology that allows easy access to information about more than a century of SRP evolution and Valley progress in the many places where it occurred,” Hoopes said. “Please log on and give the historical map a try — you will be amazed by all the interesting facts, and perhaps learn things you didn’t know about SRP and our community.”
For high-resolution photos, visit srpnet.com/newsroom. SRP’s Research Archives and Heritage led the nine-month project, with assistance from SRP’s Cartographic and GIS Services, Internet Communications and Spatial and Mobile Solutions.