LivAbility Magazine

Edition 17 | Summer 2019

A man sits in a red power chair while talking to a woman sitting in a yellow manual wheelchair. The light rail is pulling up in front of them.

The top entertainment and dining stops right off the Valley Metro light rail

Story by Tony Jackson

Since making its first trip in 2007, the Valley Metro Light Rail has benefited people with disabilities throughout the Phoenix metro area. The light rail system offers a reliable and efficient way for people to easily move between Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Each station is wheelchair accessible and provides a nearly flat, gap-free entrance to rail cars. Check out our handy map and explore some popular stops on the rail:

There are trees in the background. A waterfall pours from rocks just in front of the tree. A little house structure sits on some rocks in the middle of a lake.

1. Central Ave./Roosevelt (Phoenix): Roosevelt Arts District, Irish Cultural Center, Margaret T. Hance Park, PHX Public Library, Japanese Friendship Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix – The Roosevelt Row art scene gets all the attention, but this hidden gem offers a bit of sanctuary and relaxation in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Phoenix.

2. 3rd St/Jefferson (Phoenix): Chase Field, Talking Stick Resort Arena, AZ Science Museum, Herberger Theater, PHX Convention Center

Talking Stick Resort Arena – Home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers, the arena is a year-round entertainment destination.  Surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and bars, you’ll have plenty of options for a night out on the town.

View of the Tempe Town Lake. The bridge crosses over the lake and building rise up behind the bridge.

3. Mill Ave./3rd St. (Tempe): Mill Ave., Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Beach Park – When its not hosting a big festival or Ironman Triathlon, the park is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are more than two miles of bike and running trails, as well as boats and paddleboards. There’s also a baseball field and a water park for kids!

The building logo in front of the Nile Theater.

4. Center St./Main St. (Mesa): Mesa Center for the Arts, AZ Museum of Natural History, Nile Theater, i.d.e.a. Museum

Nile Theater – This legendary music venue provides an intimate setting to see your favorite artists. During the day, the Nile Coffee Shop offers visitors locally- roasted coffee, and a breakfast and lunch menu.

Tony Jackson

Tony Jackson
Writer

Tony Jackson is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.  He started playing power soccer in 2009 and has no plans to stop anytime soon. In addition to being an athlete, he puts his journalism skills to use as a broadcaster of power soccer tournaments around the world. He is currently a player and coach in New Hampshire.

Read more by Tony Jackson.