To more effectively monitor skatepark activities, McDowell Mountain Ranch Skatepark users are required to enter the facility with an access card. As a cost-recovery measure for the system, users will be charged $26 for a lifetime access. There will be a $8 fee for replacement cards. Drop-in rates are available for $1 a day and are only available during normal operating hours. The monitoring system tracks users as they enter the facility.

To purchase a pass, you must sign a waiver and the behavior policy. If you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must sign the forms as well. The waiver and behavior policy can be downloaded here (PDF). Please bring the completed forms with you when purchasing the pass. You may sign the forms on site, however a parent or guardian must be there to sign before using the skatepark.

If you have any questions regarding the access system, please send an email to [email protected].

• This skatepark is open to all skateboarders and in-line skaters. BMX bike riders are not allowed and may be fined; this is to preserve the safety of all patrons and the structural integrity of the facility. For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions.
• “Skate at your own risk” facilities. Skating is a dangerous activity and the city assumes no liability for injuries sustained in the use of this facility.
• Safety equipment is recommended but not required. Safety equipment includes helmets, elbow pads, kneepads, etc.
• Protect your Skatepark from graffiti, litter and vandalism. It’s your park, take care of it and it will take care of you.
• No skating when surface is wet, raining, electrical storms or during routine skatepark maintenance periods.
• No competitive or demonstration events are allowed without prior approval of the Parks & Recreation department.
• Additional ramps, jumps or obstacles are not allowed in the skateparks. No modifications to the skating surfaces or features are allowed. Please restrict skating to features specifically designed for that purpose.

Why aren't BMX bikes allowed in the skatepark?

Several cities have tried allowing BMX bikes in their skatepark with mixed results. If a skatepark has not been specifically designed for BMX bike use there has been significant damage associated with their use. The PSI (density) of the concrete and the thickness of the metal coping must be enhanced to withstand regular BMX bike use. Upgrading these items does increase the construction costs of a skatepark. Cities that have allowed BMX bike use have seen damage to both the concrete and the metal coping, repairing the damage is very expensive. Please note the attached pictures from Anthem Hills Skatepark in Las Vegas, Nevada:

We have also worked with our city's Risk Management department and discussed safety issues related to having BMX bikes, skateboarders and inline skaters all using a skatepark at the same time. Because BMX bikes can go faster, jump higher, have pegs, handlebars and pedals the impacts of a crash with another user may be much more severe. If Scottsdale can find a way to develop a park that allows BMX bike use it will mostly separate the user groups by setting a schedule for each group.

Is there another city in the Valley that has a bike-specific park?

Yes, the city of Chandler recently opened their new Chandler Bike Park. The bike park is located at:

Espree Park
450 E. Knox Road
Chandler, AZ 85225

The park is 25,000 sq ft in size. For more information and hours, please visit this City of Chandler page.

Additionally, the City of Glendale is currently developing an extreme multi-use skate and BMX bike park. For moire information, visit this City of Glendale page.