Park of the Canals, Brinton Desert Botanical Garden

The Park of Canals, located in Mesa, Arizona, is a 31-acre historical and recreational site that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region's ancient past. The park preserves approximately 4,500 feet of ancient canals, dating back to around 300 B.C., when prehistoric Native Americans, known as the Hohokam, inhabited the Salt River Valley. These canals are part of an extensive irrigation system that once spanned over 500 miles across the valley, supporting a population of 30,000 to 60,000 people and cultivating up to 100,000 acres of land.

The park's historical significance is recognized nationally, with the National Geographic Society listing it as an important site for Native American heritage. The American Society of Civil Engineers has also awarded the Hohokam canal system an Award for Excellence in Prehistoric Engineering, marking the first time an ancient civil engineering project has received such an honor.

In addition to its historical features, the Park of Canals includes the Brinton Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases native Arizona plants and vegetation from four desert regions. The garden provides educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the local flora, with plants labeled for easy identification.

The park also serves as a recreational space for the community, featuring a large playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. One notable feature is a Compass Course, which was developed as part of a Boy Scout Eagle project to help people learn about navigation using the earth's magnetic fields.

The Park of Canals stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and serves as both an educational resource and a peaceful retreat for visitors interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.