DC Ranch Neighborhood Park
DC Ranch Engagement Plan for DC Ranch Neighborhood Park – View here
[Latest Update click here]
What is needed for funding and completion of DC Ranch Neighborhood Park?
In 2003 and as part of its development agreement with the City of Scottsdale, DC Ranch LLC deeded approximately 14 acres of land to the City for the purpose of building the future DC Ranch Neighborhood Park. The land is at the southwest corner of 91st Street and Trailside View, just south of DC Ranch Crossing and Camden Foothills Apartments.
In 2020, and in conjunction with the Bell Road Sports Complex bond project, the City of Scottsdale began Phase One development of the park by designing and constructing a lake amenity. The approximately 2-acre lake will be accompanied by a pump house, picnic ramada, benches, and landscaping to include more than 60 trees, grass areas, pathways, and lighting. The lake is slated to open to the public in January 2022.
The City of Scottsdale has no plans to finish the park by funding and constructing Phase Two. The Community Council feels that DC Ranch residents will be better served with the entire park developed.
At its March 25, 2021 meeting, the Community Council board of directors approved an Engagement Plan for the Park, its objective is to work closely with, and advocate for, the City of Scottsdale to fund and fully develop the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park at the corner of 91st Street and Trailside View.
For this to happen, the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park must be included in the City of Scottsdale’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget.
This will not be an easy or fast process as the City plans its CIP five years in advance, and there is a lot of competition for funding projects desired by citizens throughout Scottsdale.
The timeline is as follows, with the expectation that dates are subject to change, and the actions and/or processes may be changed, added, or deleted to encourage success:
- Spring 2021 – Inform City staff of the Community Council’s desire to include the park in the CIP Budget.
- Fall/Winter 2021 – Allow residents the opportunity to experience Phase One of the park and encourage them to brainstorm amenities they would like to see in Phase Two.
- Winter 2021/2022 – Ask City staff to conduct community meetings to seek DC Ranch resident input on what amenities they would like to see added to the park in Phase Two.
- Winter 2021/2022 – City staff will update the Municipal Use Master Plan for the park to include a review by the public and providing a cost for the newly identified amenities.
- Spring 2022– Advocate with City staff and elected officials to include the funds needed to develop Phase Two of the park in the City’s CIP Budget.
- June 2022 – Scottsdale City Council votes on the CIP Budget.
- Beyond June 2022 – If needed, continue advocating until the project is put in the CIP budget. When successful, the Community Council will continue to work with the City of Scottsdale as it develops the park, to include monitoring the process, communicating updates with residents, and encouraging resident participation as appropriate.
How can residents engage?
DC Ranch residents will be encouraged to engage with City staff, the Scottsdale mayor and City council members on the park as the public process for inclusion into the City’s CIP Budget unfolds in the coming year. This will include providing the City with input on amenities that residents would like to see incorporated into the park’s design.
How will DC Ranch be involved?
The DC Ranch Community Council will monitor and participate in various meetings and conversations with the City of Scottsdale with the goal of getting funding for the Park’s completion (Phase Two) into the City’s Capital Improvement Budget.
The Community Council will provide updates to residents in the Newsworthy section of DCRanch.com. and through other DC Ranch communication outlets, to include notification of opportunities for residents to provide input to the City on their desire to see the project completed and weigh-in on park design.
Latest Updates
August 2024
After several treatments, the City of Scottsdale has mitigated the algae growth and related smell in the park’s small lake. If residents notice future issues they should email concerns to the Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Director, Nick Molinari.
March 2023
The City of Scottsdale has included funding for Phase Two of DC Ranch Neighborhood Park in year five of its Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list. However, increased costs on voter-approved city bond projects, due to material delays and inflation, has caused the city to pull funding from its CIP budget to complete bond projects. This could cause delay many future CIP projects from happening on time.
The city will most likely seek updated information on amenities desired by the public whenever Phase Two of the park is able to move forward.
October 2022
Walkers and cyclists have been seen enjoying the trails and ramada since the park opened in August. The City of Scottsdale still has a few elements to complete, as temporary fencing remains in one area. Phase Two of the park has not yet been funded by the City. Public input on Phase Two identified desire for a playground for children ages 6-12, an exercise course and pickleball courts. Restrooms and more parking will also be added.
April 27, 2022
The City of Scottsdale hired a new contractor to finish Phase One of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park. Their progress has been noticeable, with irrigation going in for the grass areas and grading has begun on the walking trails. Many native trees have also been planted. The city plans to have the park ready for use this summer. Phase Two development of the park, which includes more active amenities such as a playground, exercise course and sports courts, does not currently have funding or a start date.
Jan. 20, 2022
The City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Director confirmed that funds for Phase Two development of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park is in the city’s newest 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). It is probably in year five, but that will not be confirmed until the plan works its way through city staff approvals. Once identified, there will be an opportunity to advocate for it to move forward a few years before City Council votes on the CIP budget. Per input from the public, to include DC Ranch residents, Phase Two includes funding for a playground for youth ages 6-12, an exercise circuit, sports courts (pickleball, basketball, volleyball, or mix of those), restrooms and additional parking and landscaping.
Oct. 15, 2021
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, the Community Council submitted comments to the City of Scottsdale in regard to Phase Two of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park.
Oct. 7, 2021
The City of Scottsdale has posted a virtual presentation to seek public input on future amenities for the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park.
Residents are encouraged to participate as soon as possible. The deadline to provide input is Oct. 15.
The DC Ranch Neighborhood Park Virtual Public Meeting runs until Oct. 15.
Aug. 24, 2021
Within the next month, City staff states it will seek public input on what amenities residents are interested in for DC Ranch Neighborhood Park Phase 2, the final development of the park. While the City does not currently have funding for Phase 2, the Community Council is advocating for funds to complete the park be placed in the City’s future Capital Improvement Budget.
Scottsdale Public Art announced that a public art sculpture will be permanently placed at both Bell Road Sports Complex and DC Ranch Neighborhood Park, Phase 1. The sculptures are being relocated from Scottsdale Civic Center as part of its bond improvement project.
June 29, 2021
The City of Scottsdale’s construction for Phase One of the park is on track with a projected completion date and public opening slated for January 2021. The lake was filled with reclaimed water this week. It will serve as an irrigation source for the park and the Bell Roads Sports Complex. Phase One construction will also include a pump house, picnic ramada, benches, and landscaping to include grass areas, more than 60 tress, pathways, and lighting.
The City has stated it will hold public meetings in September to get residents input about what additional amenities they would like to see in Phase Two. Currently the City does not have funding identified to pay for Phase Two.
April 26, 2021
The City of Scottsdale is currently constructing Phase One of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park. Phase One consists of an approximately 2-acre lake accompanied by a pump house, picnic ramada, benches, and landscaping to include grass areas, more than 60 tress, pathways, and lighting. The lake is slated to open to the public in December or January.
The Community Council has informed City staff that DC Ranch residents will be better served with the entire park developed, and plan to advocate for Phase Two (final phase) of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park to be included in the City of Scottsdale’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget.
This fall, residents will be asked to participate in meetings to clarify what amenities they would like to see developed in Phase Two of the Park. Residents will also be informed of opportunities to help advocate for the Park’s inclusion in the City’s CIP budget, when appropriate.
March 26, 2021
At its March 25 meeting, the Community Council board of Directors approved the Engagement Plan for the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park. The plan’s objective is to work closely with, and advocate for, the City of Scottsdale to fund and fully develop the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park at the corner of 91st Street and Trailside View.