Mill Avenue Bridge crosses Tempe Town Lake. The lake was official opened to the public in November of 1999. Two inflatable rubber dams are used to contain the Salt River. These dams can be lowered in times of flood. Flooding is the reason the orginal bridge was built in the 1931. Increased traffic created the need for a second bridge opened in 1994. The new bridge is closest to the camera.

Since the lake was formed, there has been development along the lake's shore. Bike paths, a marina, hotels, restaurants, residential and commercial office space and a performing arts center have been built. The lake is stocked with trout in the winter and is a favorite destination for urban fisherman. The only drawback is the noise of jets landing at Sky Harbor not far away and traffic on the busy 202 freeway.

On this winter morning it couldn't have been more different. It was peaceful and calm. Several rowing sculls cruised the lake and large groups of cormorants were arriving for the day from their evening roosts.