Headline News

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month. Throughout July, Scottsdale Parks and Recreation is celebrating National Park and Recreation Month to recognize the important role recreation and open spaces play in the quality of life for Scottsdale residents.

This year's theme, "Where you Belong," celebrates the sense of belonging that is created through inclusive parks, facilities and diverse programming. Join the fun by visiting a park, attending a program or showcasing what you love about our green spaces on social. Learn more about our parks and recreation programs.

In addition, McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center is hosting a Pool Party from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 19. Enjoy a DJ, foam party, informational booths and more.

The city seeks feedback on draft amendments to the Old Town Scottsdale Urban Design & Architectural Guidelines.The Development Review Board initiated a focused update to the Old Town Scottsdale Urban Design and Architectural Guidelines to align with recent City Council-adopted amendments to the Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan and the city's Zoning Ordinance.

Attend one of two open houses to review and provide comments: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10; or 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11. Both take place at the Community Design Studio. The same content will be provided at both sessions.

Public Meetings

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.

Week of July 8:

• Planning Commission: 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 10

Week of July 15: Check back next week for the full list:

• Board of Adjustment: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 18

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

View upcoming Board and Commission Meetings

Things To Do

Discover the rich and vibrant world of American Indian art, featuring traditional and contemporary creations.Discover the rich and vibrant world of American Indian art, featuring traditional and contemporary creations. Seniors are invited to a field trip to the Heard Museum at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18. Contact the Granite Reef Senior Center at 480-312-1700 or the Via Linda Senior Center at 480-312-5810 to register.

Ongoing:

• Scottsdale ArtWalk: Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month.
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
• Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Programs and Services

Learn how to save money on utility costs and conserve energy. The Paiute Neighborhood Center is hosting a free bilingual Home Energy Efficiency program from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17. SRP staff will provide an interactive presentation with valuable information that also applies to APS customers. Contact the Paiute Neighborhood Center at 480-312-2529 or [email protected] to register.

Only 15% of child car seats are properly installed – the Scottsdale Fire Department provides free inspections to help your child ride safely. Book two appointments to inspect two or more car seats. Once you book your appointment, you will receive an email with the details regarding your inspection, including the address of the fire station where you’ll need to go. Book two appointments to inspect two or more car seats. Book your appointment here. Learn more about child safety seats.

Residents can apply for emergency utility assistance. The city has a program to help income-eligible residents handle high utility costs during the sizzling summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Fund provides emergency utility assistance for SRP, APS and Southwest Gas customers. To qualify, you must be a Scottsdale resident with a monthly income at or below $2,430 for a household of one.

Get details by contacting the Granite Reef Senior Center at 480-312-1700 or the Via Linda Senior Center at 480-312-5810 and ask to speak with a caseworker who can assist you.

The ride to independence. The story of Taylor Taft's experience with Waymo highlights a significant breakthrough in transportation accessibility for individuals with physical and neuro diversities. Prior to attending a Waymo presentation to Adaptive Recreation families, Taylor, who has cerebral palsy, faced challenges in accessing reliable transportation options. Many in similar situations rely on family members or public transportation, which may not always meet their specific needs for independence and convenience.

Taylor decided to give the service a shot and is happy she did! It has provided her with a newfound sense of independence. This achievement was particularly empowering for Taylor, as it allowed her to attend events and return home independently, enhancing her overall quality of life and autonomy.

Kelsey Lamper, the operations supervisor of Adaptive Recreation said, “Taylor's ability to utilize Waymo's services independently represents a significant step forward in her personal growth and development. It also underscores the importance of accessible transportation options tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.”

Get information on a variety of transportation services.

*As the only autonomous ride share in Scottsdale at this time, this information is provided for informational purposes only and the city of Scottsdale does not endorse Waymo or the use of its services.

FYI

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Reata Sports Complex. The recent opening of the Reata Sports Complex marks a significant addition to Scottsdale’s recreational facilities. The new complex, located at 9809 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, spans 29 acres and includes five sand-based fields that are illuminated with energy-efficient LED lighting. In addition to the fields, the facility features restrooms, an operations office and a patio. Reata Sports Complex is designed to accommodate local, regional and national tournament play for various diverse field sporting events. The complex serves a dual purpose, serving as parking for a few weeks each year for major events like the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction and the WM Phoenix Open.

The project received approval from voters during the 2019 bond election. The addition of Reata complements the existing Bell94 and Scottsdale Sports complexes, collectively boosting the city’s reputation as a hub for sports and recreation. Learn more about the project at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “sports complex.” At print time, 15 bond projects have been completed and 21 are under construction. Review Scottsdale’s list of 2019 bond projects.

Reminder: Calculating sewer rates.Sewer rates consist of a monthly base fee determined by water meter size, and a monthly volumetric charge calculated by multiplying 90 percent of the customer’s average consumption during the low-watering winter months of the prior December, January and February. Learn more

Watch the latest Fast Five. Sign up for free swim lessons, stop in at Vista Del Camino's Summer Saturdays or hop on the Scottsdale Trolley to discover your next destination! These are just a few things happening in our community right now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now

Podsdale podcast: Learn about the city’s sustainable efforts. Delve into the city's innovative recycling and composting efforts to learn about the crucial role these initiatives play in urban sustainability. Guests include Solid Waste Services Outreach Manager Gina Azima and R.City co-owner and founder J.D. Hill. Listen now

By the numbers:

• Scottsdale Public Library saw a 14% increase in participation in June, hosting 110 events with 3,500 participants across the four branches.
• Vista del Camino Food Bank diverted nearly 2,000 pounds of food from the landfill by launching a composting program for items that had expired and could no longer be distributed.
• Scottsdale’s Kids Café served more than 1,600 free meals last month. The program expanded this year to offer free meals seven days a week through Aug. 4, at the Civic Center Library. The program is made possible through a partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program.
• More than 882 participants enrolled in the Scottdale’s July swim classes, 137 in specialty classes and 357 in water fitness sessions.
• More than 850 people enjoyed the live DJ, foam cannons, bubbles, glow games, and exclusive evening access to pool amenities at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center’s Sunset Swim, making it one of the highest-attended programs ever held at this facility.

Job of the Week: Library Courier The courier picks up and delivers library materials between all four branches and other jurisdictions. This position is physically demanding and requires work in outside temperatures. The courier typically works Tuesday-Saturday but must also be willing and able to work a flexible schedule when needed. Learn more and apply.

Quick Links:

• City Call Center – 480-312-3111
• Report things that need to be fixed, or submit other requests via Scottsdale EZ
• Traffic Restrictions MapT – We update this map weekly to include most road improvement projects. Stay in the loop for Pima Freeway construction.
• Brush and Bulk Schedule
• Scottsdale Weather