Scottsdale parks and McDowell Sonoran Preserve see early improvements from voter-approved Prop 490

Just nine months after Scottsdale voters approved Prop 490, the city’s Parks & Preserve Sales Tax is already delivering visible improvements across parks, trails and recreational spaces citywide.

The 0.15% sales tax, which took effect July 1, 2025, is dedicated exclusively to the improvement, maintenance and protection of Scottsdale’s parks system and the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Early results show meaningful upgrades that residents can see and experience, from greener landscapes to refreshed amenities, enhanced safety efforts and faster response to storm damage.

Since the tax went into effect, Scottsdale Parks & Recreation has completed a wide range of projects across the city. Crews have installed more than 240,000 square feet of new sod, added over 700 flats of plants and planted 93 new trees. More than $150,000 in storm damage repairs have been completed, especially along the Indian Bend Wash, while sport courts at five parks have been resurfaced with upgraded basketball features.

Ballfields have also been improved through regrading, new sod, irrigation upgrades and new dugout shade screens. Park facilities have been refreshed with new paint, with additional improvements underway at more than 10 locations. The city has also invested in maintenance equipment to improve efficiency and response times, while advancing design and planning efforts to guide future park enhancements.

“We’re seeing real, on-the-ground progress in parks across Scottsdale, particularly in the Indian Bend Wash and our aging parks, where reinvestment is needed the most,” said Nick Molinari, senior director of Parks & Recreation and Preserve. “These early improvements reflect the community’s commitment to maintaining high-quality parks and open spaces.”

“Residents are already seeing the benefits of Prop 490 in their neighborhoods,” said Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton. “This dedicated funding is helping us take better care of the parks people use every day while also planning ahead to protect and enhance these spaces for future generations.”

At the preserve, Prop 490 funding is supporting important work to protect both the landscape and the people who enjoy it. Recent wildfire risk reduction efforts include targeted fuel-reduction projects such as mechanical thinning at multiple locations, including Dove Valley Trail, Sunrise Trailhead, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead and areas near 136th Street, helping reduce hazardous fuels, create defensible space and improve access for first responders.

The city is also advancing invasive species management in partnership with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, with 761 acres treated to date. This includes pre-emergent treatments across key areas to establish long-term fuel breaks, with additional work scheduled later this year.

Trail improvements are enhancing both safety and the visitor experience. Along the Sunrise Trail, crews completed structural repairs and hazard removal across 4.6 miles. Planning is also underway for new trail connections to better distribute visitor use, along with a safety-focused reroute of the Bootlegger Trail.

Visitors will also notice updated educational signage at the Bajada Nature Trail, along with continued “Heat Smart | Hike Safe” messaging to promote safe recreation in the desert environment.

“The preserve is one of Scottsdale’s most treasured assets, and this funding is helping us take a more proactive and strategic approach to caring for it,” said Jenna Kohl, preserve director. “From reducing wildfire risk to improving trails and visitor education, these investments are making a real difference in protecting the land while enhancing the experience for everyone who visits.”

In addition to project work, the city has expanded its team to support long-term success. New positions include a park planner, additional maintenance staff dedicated to Indian Bend Wash parks, and Scottsdale’s first urban forester, all focused on keeping parks and the preserve safe, sustainable and ready to serve a growing community.

As projects continue, the city will build on this early momentum, ensuring Scottsdale’s parks, trails and preserve remain vibrant, resilient and accessible for years to come.