Employee-owners went the extra mile at the AZ Water for People 5K on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. This event is hosted annually by the Water for People Arizona Committee with support from the AZ Water Commission. Registrations contributed to the Water for People nonprofit organization to support access to clean water in developing countries.
Achen-Gardner Construction won the Corporate Challenge Champions award for registering the most participants. There were 121 people in the 11th Annual Run for World Water, and Achen-Gardner represented 18% of the race at 22 members. Nine people from team Achen-Gardner placed in the top three of their age groups.
Project Engineer Justin Watkins placed 18th out of all runners at 26 minutes and 35 seconds, which was the best time from the team. After running all three miles and beating his own personal record, Justin decided he wasn’t done. He ran half of it again and walked the other half back with several Achen-Gardner teammates.
“We are only great because of the people to our left and our right, that’s why I decided to run more – so I can finish strong with my team by my side.”
This event was located at Arizona Falls in the City of Phoenix. Achen-Gardner completed the Arizona Falls Canal Bank Enhancement Construction Manager at Risk project in 2004. Vice President Kevin Nunez was the original project manager for this award-winning work.
The City of Phoenix Arts Commission partnered with the Parks Department and SRP to develop a 64,000 SF recreational landmark, encompassing desert masonry walls, pathways, water features, a pedestrian bridge, a shade canopy, landscaping, numerous art elements and historical information, and a 600 SF restroom facility.
“I’m proud to be part of something that withstands the test of time and not only provides a function – power generation – but also provides the community with a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a learning experience,” Kevin said.
The facility took inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West stone walls, the contribution of many local artists, and other southwest features.
Arizonans have utilized this area as a meeting place for over 100 years. It was first constructed in 1902 by the Salt River Project to generate hydroelectricity. Arizona Falls has a natural drop of 20 feet across the length of the canal.