How deep is Tempe Town Lake? Here's your guide to the popular fishing, recreation spot

Tempe Town Lake might be on your commute to work every day, but you might not know the history behind it.

The lake is a central part of Tempe’s layout, being located next to Mill Avenue and near Arizona State University.

It’s also a popular destination for sailing, kayaking and fishing. Some people swim in the lake, although it isn’t recommended or allowed.  Tempe Town Lake Park is also the site of several popular events, including Oktoberfest, the Innings Festival and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade.

From basic facts to its history to upcoming events, here is everything you need to know before you plan your visit to Tempe Town Lake.

Why was Tempe Town Lake built?

Through the 1940s, dams popping up along the Salt River impacted the flow of water in the Valley.

While Tempe Beach Park was popular in the 1930s, the riverbed eventually went dry.

Starting in the 1960s, plans were in talks to revitalize the Salt River. But none came to fruition until the 1980s when Tempe adopted the Rio Salado Master Plan.

In 1999, Tempe Beach Park officially opened with Tempe Town Lake, and the area slowly morphed into a commercial hub throughout the 2000s.

Tempe Town Lake: has long been an economic hub in the region. Here's the history

How deep is Tempe Town Lake?

Tempe Town Lake is two miles long and, at its widest point, 1,200 feet wide, which means the lake has different depths at different points.

The average depth is about 12.5 feet, although the depth ranges from seven to 19 feet.

Go for a dip: Is swimming allowed in Tempe Town Lake? Here's what to know

What activities are available at Tempe Town Lake?

Recreational swimming is not allowed at Tempe Town Lake , except for special events such as triathlons.

The lake has made headlines several times for drowning incidents, most recently when an Arizona State University student drowned in the lake in August.

Under county regulation, there would need to be lifeguards present at the lake for it to operate as a recreational swimming facility, which there never have been. Unauthorized swimming in the lake can result in a fine as high as $1,000.

But that doesn’t mean other activities aren’t available. Paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent, and sailing and motorboating classes are also offered on the lake.

Fishing is also permitted in the lake with a valid fishing license.

The city's tourism website also keeps a calendar of upcoming events at Tempe Town Lake Park.

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How deep is Tempe Town Lake? Here's your guide to the popular fishing, recreation spot