Scottsdale Expands Parks with Major Improvements

Scottsdale is embarking on a transformative journey to elevate its parks and recreation facilities, introducing a series of significant upgrades aimed at enriching the community's quality of life.

 

Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton emphasized the city's commitment to daily improvements while responsibly planning for the future.

 

He highlighted that by enhancing recreation opportunities and managing resources wisely, Scottsdale ensures it remains a desirable place to live, work, and play.

 

These enhancements are made possible by the 0.15% Parks & Preserve Sales Tax, approved by voters in 2024, which directly supports the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of Scottsdale’s parks and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

 

Key projects include:

 

Rotary Park will see its aging playground replaced with a shaded, modern play space.

 

Pima Park will expand with new play areas, pickleball courts, restrooms, turf, and parking.

 

Eldorado and Vista del Camino parks will begin design for new splash pads, sport courts, and upgrades to the skatepark and dog park.

 

Chaparral and Camelback parks will undergo master planning for future upgrades.

 

Citywide, new staff positions—including a principal planner—will support enhanced maintenance and shape the future of Scottsdale’s aging parks.

 

An expanded urban forestry program will boost tree planting and care across Scottsdale.

 

Scottsdale is also expanding recreation programs and aquatics to match community demand.

 

Annual events will increase from 11 to 18, with larger versions of favorites like Fall Festival, Bunnanza, and Parks & Rec Rewind.

 

Adaptive Recreation is receiving a boost thanks to a $20,000 National Recreation and Park Association grant, enabling the Scottsdale Bobcats Special Olympics to serve children as young as 8 in five sports.

 

Additional funding will reduce waitlists for popular art and fitness classes.

 

On the aquatics side, extended swim and waterpark hours will continue through Labor Day, and a five-year infrastructure improvement plan will begin with a major pool replastering project at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center in January 2026.

 

Bond and capital funds are driving large-scale upgrades across Scottsdale.

 

Work is underway to improve lakes and irrigation systems along the Indian Bend Wash, and construction will soon begin on the new Thompson Peak Dog Park, complete with three play areas, restrooms, and a connecting footbridge.

 

Horizon Park will add shaded spectator seating, while field renovations and pump replacements are planned for Scottsdale Sports Complex.

 

Planning for the future of aquatics is also underway, with a feasibility study launching in September to guide the redevelopment of the Scottsdale Cactus Aquatic and Fitness Center.

 

Alongside these visible projects, Scottsdale continues to adjust how it manages parks to improve quality and efficiency.

 

New irrigation systems with smart monitoring technology are helping to ensure fields stay healthy while limiting waste.

 

Sod installation projects are happening in several high-use areas to keep them green, while low-traffic and hard-to-maintain spaces are being enhanced with beautiful desert landscaping.

 

Nick Molinari, senior director of Parks & Recreation and Preserve, stated that these investments represent a forward-thinking commitment to Scottsdale’s quality of life.

 

With the support of residents and City Council, the city is building on Scottsdale’s legacy as a world-class parks and recreation destination while meeting the needs of a growing and active community.

 

Residents can look forward to upcoming events such as the Scottsdale Fall Festival on October 18, 2025, at the Scottsdale Civic Center, and the Trunk-or-Treat event on October 30, 2025, at 7601 E. McKellips Road.

 

These initiatives and events underscore Scottsdale's dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through enhanced parks and recreation facilities.