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Open Space and Recreation Element Page 113
Introduction
Adequatenaturalanddevelopedopenspaceandrecreationalfacilitiesarenotmerelydesirable,butareessentialtotheoverallwellbeingofacommunity.Awell-managedsystemthatprovidesactiveandpassiverecreationalopportunitiesisconsideredanindispensablecommunityfeature,onethatshouldbeavailabletoallagesonayear-roundbasisinthecityofScottsdale.Theneedforthissystemhasresultedfromincreasedleisuretime,higherincomes,greatermobility,andanincreasingpopulation.OpenspaceinandaroundScottsdaleisbeingabsorbedatarapidrate.Thegrowingneedforpublicopenspaceandrecreationalamenitiesareakeyfocusofthecity.Asaresultofthisphilosophy,thecityisaggressivelypursuingopportunitiestoacquire new open space resources and looking into retrofitting existing parks andfacilitiestoaccommodatetherecreationalneedsofthefuture.Currently,thecity’sopenspaceandparksystemincludesapproximately15,000acresofdevelopedandundevelopedareas.Ultimately,thecitywillhave44,000acresofopenspacewhenitisbuiltout.
Open Space and Recreation cottsdale will respect and manage its open space resources and recreational amenities and services in ways that sustain and protect the natural environment and wildlife, our mountains, parks, washes, and open space legacy. This philosophy includes a balanced planning approach that seeks ways to conserve natural and recreational resources for the enjoyment of all citizens while meeting the needs of a developing community. The city’s parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor amenities will be enhanced to serve current and future generations. A substantial portion of the city will remain as natural open space through citizen initiative, as evidenced by the widespread support of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Even in built-up areas, a network of parks, scenic corridors, paths, and trails will provide access to nature and urban open spaces, providing recreation opportunities, ecological benefits, and a source of beauty for residents. The city will continue to be involved in recreational opportunities that meet the needs of special populations - including children, seniors and people with disabilities.
VISI
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Page 114 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Specialopportunitiesexist,orwillbecreated,inScottsdalethatwillprovidetheseuniqueassets,suchas:
• McDowellSonoranPreserve• IndianBendWash• TheSonoranDesert• Numerouswashes,naturalorimproved(accommodatingtrails
whilemaintainingthedelicatebalancewithwildlifehabitats)• Scenicvistasandvistacorridors,andsceniccorridors(somethat
mayalsoaccommodatetrails)• Accesstoregionalopenspaceamenities• Uniquerocksandlandforms• Urbanopenspacethatincludesregionalcanalsandtrails• Publicarts,festivals,artshows• Activeanddesertparks• Multi-use(pedestrian,bicycle,equestrian,etc.)trails(non-paved)• Multi-use(pedestrian,bicycle,etc.)paths(paved)• Rare,historic,archaeologicalandculturalresources
In1978,thecityofScottsdalecreatedaparksplanningsystemthatwasbasedonthepark/recreationfacilitiesprovidedratherthanasetnumberofacres.Thesystemrecommendedthreeclassesofparkstobeprovided:neighborhoodparks,communityparks,andspecialtyparks.Projectedpopulationbasesareusedtodeterminefutureparkneedsandlocations.InScottsdale,ithasbeenthepracticethatlanddevelopersoftenparticipateintheprovisionofpublicparkswherenewpopulationbasesarecreatedasaresultofthedevelopmentplan.Inthefuture,provisionoflandforparkswillbeakeyissue,asfewerlargedevelopmentswilllikelytakeplace.
Thiselementestablishesasetofintegratedvisions,values,goals,andimplementationstrategiesthatguidedecision-makingandleadtowardtheprovisionofacomprehensiveopenspacesystemandrecreationalplan.Furthermore,thiselementrepresentsanimportantstepinthecity’scontinuingefforttoenhancethepublic’sabilityandopportunitiestoenjoyrecreationinScottsdale.Thesefacilitiesandprogramsenhancethesocial,psychologicalandphysicalwellbeingofthecitizensbyprovidingthemwith
enjoyableactivitiesandsettingsinwhichtospendtheirleisuretime.Theparkandrecreationsystemofdevelopedopenspaceprovidesopportunitiesforactiverecreationactivities.TheMcDowellSonoranPreserveprovidesopportunitiesforpassiverecreationactivities.ThePreserveisdiscussedmorethoroughlyinthePreservationandEnvironmentalPlanningElement,
butisreferencedhereforitspassiverecreationopportunities.Whenactiverecreation - field sports, tennis, and basketball - activities are discussed in theOpenSpaceandRecreationElement,itshouldbeunderstoodthatthesepoliciesdonotapplytotheMcDowellSonoranPreserve.
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 115
Thegoalsandstrategiesinthiselementarebasedonthefollowingplanningprinciples and basic findings of facts or existing conditions:
• Abalancedandadequatesystemofopenspacesisessentialtothiscommunity.ThecityofScottsdaleiscommittedtomaintainingandimprovingbothactiveandpassiveopenspacesinthecommunityforthepresentandfuturegenerations.
• Schools contribute significantly to the open space assets of thecommunity.LossofschoolopenspaceandfacilitieswouldbedetrimentaltothesystemandwouldsubstantiallydiminishrecreationalopportunitiesinScottsdale.
• Awell-balancedopenspacesystemprovidesmorethanrecreationandleisureopportunities.Openspaceisavitalcomponentofabalanced,attractive,anddesiredwayoflife.Insomecases,openspacehelpsresidentsofurbanareastomaintainaconnectionwithnatureandtheirenvironment.
• Openspacesoftensthevisualimageofthebuiltenvironment,andgenerallyprovidesforanaestheticallypleasingcommunity.
• Increasingpopulationandchangingdemographiccharacteristicswillcontinuetoimposeincreasingdemandsonopenspacesandrecreationalamenities.Limitedresourcesoftenhampertheprovisionofrecreationprogramsandfacilities.
• Openspaceofferstheopportunityforthecitytoretain,manage,andinterpretthesouthwesternhistoryandheritageofthepast.
Active Recreational Services v. Undisturbed NeighborhoodsEvery community wants and needs areas dedicated to active recreation, yet issues of noise, increased street traffic, and sports field lighting emerge as complicating factors. Scottsdale has long valued outdoor recreation as a major component of the lifestyle of the community. Installation of active recreational facilities in developed neighborhoods. can have significant negative impacts on surrounding residences. Yet, failure to install new facilities in new growth areas unfairly redirects the recreation facilities - and the related problems - back into neighborhoods where facilities already exist. This may create overburdening of existing parks, and often forces people to travel long distances from their neighborhoods to take advantage of recreation opportunities. Issues like equity of facility location, lighted ballfields in “dark sky” areas of the community, and turf in desert areas of the community complicate the ability to balance recreation planning for the entire community.
Page 116 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
• Thecharacterandfunctionofopenspacewillbedifferentdependinguponthecontextoftheareawithinwhichitislocated.Again,balanceisthekey.Thecitywillworktobalancetherecreationalneedsofneighborhoodswiththeneighborhoods’otherqualityoflifeconsiderations,likelightingandnoise.
• Openspaceisoftenthreatenedbyintenseadjacent/surroundinguses,overuse,anddevelopmentencroachment.
• ViewshedstoopenspaceandvisuallinkagesareoftenindangerastheValleycontinuestodevelop.
• TheimportanceofsavingtheMcDowellSonoranPreserveisunderscoredbyArizonaGameandFish,whichconsiderstheMcDowell Mountains the most significant wildlife habitat in theValleyoutsidetheTontoNationalForest.
Scottsdale Values ... Strongcommunitysupportforpreservationofopenspaceandcitizens
thatarededicatedtopreservingthecity’snaturalandman-madeenvironment.
Naturalandman-madeopenspacesystemsandtheviewsofthesurroundinglandscapefortheirintrinsicvalue.
Theavailabilityanddevelopmentofavarietyofhighqualityrecreationalopportunities.(suchaslibraries,golf,tennis,walking,biking,sightseeing,wildlifeobservation,hiking,equestrianactivities,group sports, boating, fishing, skateboard parks, dog parks, pedestriancorridors,andgreenways,etc.)
AccesstonumerousopenspaceareasincludingtheIndianBendWashandtheMcDowellSonoranPreserve,andneighborhoodparks.
Socialinteractionachievedthroughrecreationalservicesandfacilities.
Maximizingresourcesbyusingmulti-usefacilities,i.e.,IndianBendWash,joint-useschoolsites,andCommunityCenters.
Thedevelopingpotentialofexistingopenspaceresourcesrepresentedby school grounds, flood control areas, and other open spaces.
Regionalcooperationthatplansandpreservestheregion’sopenspaceandrecreationalfacilities.
Utilizingtheredevelopmentprocessasatooltocreatenewopenspace.
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 117
Acomprehensiveandconnectedsystemthatlinkstogetherexistingmulti-usetrailswithdevelopingareasandthenaturalpreserveareas.
Thehistoryofplanningthefutureexpansionofrecreationalfacilities,whichhasplayedamajorroleinthedevelopmentoftheexistingsystemandcontinuestoplayanimportantroleforfutureplanning.
Openspaceandrecreationalamenitiesthatprovideanindividualsolitudeorparticipatinginagroup.
Opportunitiestoproviderecreationalamenitiesthatsupportcurrentpopulationaswellasanticipatethedesiresandneedsoffuturegenerations.
Acommunitywithnumerousrecreationalfacilitiesdispersedthroughoutitsborders.Suchaninventorymakesexpansionandlinkingoftheseeasierandmorerewardingtotheresidentsofthecity.
Therecognitionandsupportoftheconstitutionally-guaranteedprivatepropertyrightsandoppositiontoanypracticeorprogramthatwouldresultinaviolationofthoserightsorthetakingofpropertywithoutdueprocessandequitableresolution.
Goals and Approaches1. Protect and improve the quality of Scottsdale’s natural
and urban environments as defined in the quality andquantity of its open spaces.
• Provideampleopportunityforpeopletoexperienceandenjoy the magnificent Sonoran Desert and mountains,balancingaccesswithpreservation.
• Provideavarietyofopportunitiesforpassiveandactiveoutdoorrecreationalactivities,suchashiking,horsebackriding,mountainbiking,rockclimbingandwildlifeobservation.
• ProvideopportunitiesforeducationandresearchontheSonoranDesertandmountains,andthehistoryandarchaeologyofthecommunity.
• Provide access areas of sufficient size and with adequatefacilitiesforpublicuseandopenspacesystemaccess.
• Developanon-pavedpublictrailsystemforhiking,mountainbiking,andhorsebackridingandlinkthesetrailswithothercityandregionaltrails.
Page 118 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
• Restorehabitatindegradedareas(burned,grazed,vehiculardamage)oftheMcDowellSonoranPreservetoitsundisturbedconditionincludingplantspeciesdiversityandnaturalecologicalprocesses.
• Supporttourisminthecommunitybyprovidingpublicscenic-outdoors-educational-recreationalopportunitiesforvisitors.
• Designateviewshedsandconsiderthemwhenapprovingdevelopment.• Promotecreativeresidentialandcommercialdevelopmenttechniques
consistentwiththeCharacterPlanforanarea,tofurtherpreservemeaningfulandaccessibleopenspace.
• Relatethecharacterofopenspacestotheusesandcharacterofdifferentareasofthecity.
• Preserveandintegratevisualandfunctionalconnectionsbetweenmajorcityopenspacesintothedesignofdevelopmentprojects.
• Evaluateopenspacedesignwiththeseprimarydeterminants:aesthetics,publicsafety,maintenanceneeds,waterconsumption,drainageconsiderations,andmulti-useanddesertpreservation.
• Integrateutilitiesandotherpublicfacilitiessitedinopenspacesintothedesignofthoseopenspaces,withconsiderationgiventomaterials,form,andscale.
• Protectthevisualqualityofopenspace,uniquecitycharacteristics,andcommunitylandmarks.
• Preservescenicviewsandvistasofmountains,naturalfeatures,andrurallandmarks.
• Protectanduseexistingnativeplants,thedesignthemesofcharacterareaswithinwhichtheyaresited,andresponsetolocalconditionsinlandscapedesigns.
• Permanentlysecureaninterconnectedopenspacesystemtomaintainvisualandfunctionallinkagesbetweenmajorcityopenspaces.Thissystem should include significant Scottsdale landmarks, major drainagecourses,regionallinkagesandutilitycorridors.
• ApplyaScenic Corridor designationalongmajorstreetstoprovideforopenspaceandopportunitiesfortrailsandpaths.Thisdesignationshouldbeappliedusingthefollowingguidelines:* Thereisaneedforalandscapedbufferbetweenstreetsandadjacent
landuses.* Anenhancedstreetscapeappearanceisdesired.* Viewstomountainsandnaturalorman-madefeatureswillbe
enhanced.• ConsiderBufferedRoadwaystoprovidethestreetscapewithaunique
imagethatshouldalsoreducetheimpactsofamajorstreetonadjacentparcels.Thistypeofdesignationisprimarilyanaestheticbuffer.
• ApplyaDesertScenicRoadwaydesignationalongtheonemileandahalfmilestreetswithintheEnviornonmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinance (ESLO) destrict that are not classified as scenic Corridors orBufferedRoadwaystomaintainandenhanceopenspacealongroadwaysinESLareas.
see Open Space map for locations
see Character and Design Element
see Character and Design Element
see Economic Vitality Element
see Case �-GP-�00�for detail
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 119
• Applyuptoa100footscenicbufferalongstreetswithinandadjacent totheRecommendedStudyBoundaryoftheMcDowellSonoran Preserveonundeveloped(asof10-04-2005)propertiesof25acresor larger.
• Promoteprojectdesignsthatareresponsivetothenaturalenvironment,people’sneeds,siteconditions,andindigenousarchitecturalapproachestoprovideuniquecharacterforthecity.
• Continuetoworkwithdevelopersindesigninglanduseplansthatrespectthetopography,viewcorridors,wildlifecorridors,andopenspacethatexists.Wherepossible,enhanceexistingviewshedsasareasaredevelopedandredeveloped.
2. Manage a comprehensive open space program that is responsive topublic need, delivers high quality customer service, and exemplifiesthe city’s commitment to leadership in environmental affairs.
• Continuetoencourageactivecitizeninvolvementinthedevelopment andmanagementofopenspace.
• Provideamechanismthatreceivesandrespondstopubliccommentsonthedesign,effectivenessandconditionofsitesandfacilities.
• Provideacomprehensiveprogramofconsistentandeffectiveoperationsandmaintenanceforallopenspaceandfacilities.
• Implementinnovativepoliciesandpracticesthatsupportthecity’sleadershipinenvironmentalaffairs.
• Investigateandimplementtechniquesthatminimizeuseofchemicalsinmaintainingturfandlandscapematerialsindevelopedopenspaceareas.
• Maintainallpublicopenspaceandrecreationalfacilities,sotheyare safeandconvenientforusers.
• Maintain significant open space within the urban core of the city.• EnhancetheopenspaceconnectionswithinOld Town.• Createusableopenspacesfromexistingstreetrights-of-way,widening
sidewalks,realignment,developingtrails,etc.• Promote“docent”or“steward”programsforthecity’spublicopen
spaces.BuildupontheexistingprogramsfortheMcDowellSonoranPreserve,adoptastreet,andFriendsoftheScenicDrive.
• Promotethreedistinctivetypesofopenspacesthroughacquisition,dedication,or“setaside”:* Passivenaturalopenspacesthatwillpreservewildlifehabitatand
viewcorridorsandsensitivehistorical/archeologicalsites,andprovideareasforlowimpactrecreationalactivities,suchashiking,bicycling,mountainandrockclimbing,andhorsebackriding.
* Asystemofcontiguousopenspaces,accessiblefromScottsdaleneighborhoods,thatconnectthedesert,mountains,washes,andcanalsystem.
* Parkspaceandfacilitiesforactiverecreationalactivities,suchassoftball,tennis,basketball,volleyball,swimming,andequestrianpursuits.
Page 120 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
3. Acquire and develop open space identified (by the City Council) ashigh priority through land dedication or purchase.
• Encouragelandownerswithlandsuitableforfuturedevelopmenttodedicateparkspaceinadvanceatlocationswherethereisanexistingneighborhoodparkshortageorneedtopreserveopenspace,naturalfeaturesorscenicviewswiththeprovisionofcredittowardfuturedevelopment.
• Provideincentives,whereappropriate,topromotethededicationofnaturalareaopenspacebypropertyowners.
• Requirethededicationoflandbydeveloperswhenthepropertytobedevelopedisadjacenttoanexistingopenspace,parksiteorareaotherwise identified as high priority for open space uses.
• Identifyrevenuesourcesandincreaserevenues,wherepossible,whichcanbeallocatedtoopenspacesandparksoperatingbudgetsandcapitalimprovements.
• Encouragepublicacquisitionofnaturalareaordevelopedopenspacethroughdirectpurchase,purchaseofdevelopmentrights,orpurchaseofopenspaceeasements.
4. Encourage and cooperate with other governmental agencies topreserve and protect regional open space and to acquire, develop,maintain and operate regional facilities that are available to peoplewho live, work or visit the city of Scottsdale.
• SupportandencourageMaricopaCounty,theMaricopaAssociationofGovernments(MAG),StateofArizona,TontoNationalForest,andappropriatefederalagenciesandestablishedprivateentitiestoacquire,develop,protect,maintainandoperateexistingandnewopenspaceinandaroundScottsdale.
• Supportotheragenciesinthedevelopmentofregionalpedestrian/bicycle/multi-usetrails.
• Cooperatewithotherpublicandprivateagenciesontheplanninganddevelopmentofopenspacesitesandfacilitieslocatedadjacenttocityboundaries.
5. Improve the quality of life for all Scottsdale residents by ensuring awide range of recreational facilities and services.
• Broadencitizenparticipationbythecommunityinallphasesoftheplanninganddeliveryofrecreationalopenspace.
• Encouragetheexpandeduseofprivateresourcesandresourcesownedorcontrolledbypublicentitiesotherthanthecity,whicharesuitableforrecreationalpurposes.
see Community Mobility Element
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 121
• Conductanongoing,systematicassessmentofrecreationalfacilityneedsandpreferencesinrecreationalprogramming.
• Useparksandgreenspacesystemsasprimaryelementsinplanningforlongtermsensitivegrowthplanning,endangeredspeciesprotection,andwatershedprotectionbyplacingimportantnaturalareasinthepublicdomain.
• Considerawiderangeofrecreationaluses,includingequestrianandbicycleusesduringparkplanning.
• Pursueuniqueopportunitiestoacquireadditionallandhavingrecreationalpossibilitiesatminimumcosts.
• Prioritizenewfacilitiesbasedonthoseareasindicatingthegreatestneed(i.e.overcrowdingorunavailableresources).
• Encouragemultipleusefunctionsatrecreationalfacilities-educational,recreational,etc.
6. Cooperate with and support the school districts that serve Scottsdaleto be able to continue access to school sites and facilities for suitable,safe, and consistent recreational use and enjoyment.
• Continueclosecooperationwiththeschooldistrictsforjointplanning,design,developmentanduseofopenspaceandrecreationalfacilitiesonornexttoschools.
• Encouragetheschooldistrictstoretainschoolsitesusedforcommunityopen space and recreational programs. When financially feasible,consideracquisitionorjointuseofsitesandsuitablefacilitiesthataredeclaredsurplusiftheyareneededtomaintainneighborhoodopenspaceaccessibility.
• Wherepossible,locateparksandrecreationalspacesadjacentorcontiguoustoschoolgroundstoencouragethemaximumuseofbothproperties.Supplementalrecreationalopportunitiesareavailableatmostschoolsites.(seenextbullet)
• Makeschoolsiterecreationfacilities(basketballcourts,playgrounds,tennis courts, fields, etc.) available, wherever possible, and encouragejointuseofpark,school,andlibrarysitesbythecityandSchoolDistricts.
• Promoteschoolsitedesignthatencouragesnon-motorizedtravelforstudentsandpersonnelby accommodatingdirectlinksbetweenschoolsandneighborhoodsinamannerthatminimizesexposuretovehicles.
see Community Mobility Element
Page 122 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
7. Provide attractive, well-maintained community recreational andpark facilities that serve the entire community.
Scottsdale’sparksandrecreationalfacilitiesareanimportantpartofwhatmakesthecityadesirableplacetolive.Thecityiscommittedtocontinuedinvestmentsinitsinfrastructureandpublicfacilities,asresourcesareavailable.Thiscommitmentrequiresastrongemphasisonmaintenance,rehabilitation,andmodernization.Thecityisalsocommittedtoprovidingnewservicesinareasthatareunder-served,andinareaswherechangeisexpectedinthefuture.Newparksandrecreationalamenitieswillhelpthecitysustainitspositionasamodelforpublicservicedelivery.Thefollowingpolicies, unless specifically noted, do not apply to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.• Whereappropriate,maintainexistingrecreationalfacilitiesinpublic
ownershiptopreventpotentialshortagesinthefuture.• Design and construct new community facilities to have flexible functions
toensureadaptabilitytothechangingneedsofthecommunity.• Explorewaystoexpandthespaceavailableinthecommunityfor
culturalinterests.• Developimprovementplansforthemaintenance,restorationand
enhancementofcommunityrecreationalfacilities,andkeeptheseviablecommunityassetsbyinvestingthenecessaryresources.
• Conductcomprehensiveanalysesoflong-terminfrastructurereplacementrequirementsandcoststhroughCapitalImprovementsPlan.
• Makeinfrastructureimprovementsonpublicopenspaceonlywhentheseimprovementsareconsistentwiththegoalsofprotectingandconservingthenaturalenvironment.
• Maintainandenhanceexistingparkandrecreationalfacilities.• Seekopportunitiestodevelopnewparksandrecreationalfacilitiesto
meetthegrowingneedsofresidentsandvisitorsofScottsdale.• Reflect the unique features and lifestyles of the surrounding
neighborhoodsinthecharacterofparksandschools.• Provideneighborhoodparksthatareeasilyaccessibletolocalresidents
andprovidebasicrecreationalopportunities.• Locatecommunityparkswheretheyareaccessiblefromrelativelylong
distances.Communityparksconcentrateabroadrangeofrecreationalactivitiesformajorportionsofthecity.Somecommunityparksalsoincludehumanservicefacilities.
• Provideuniquerecreationalopportunitiesthroughspecialtyparks.TheseactivitiesmayrangefromridingtherailroadatMcCormickRailroadPark,torockclimbingandhorsebackriding,tosimplyenjoyingthebeautyofthenaturaldesert.
• Locateparkstoenhanceuniquelandmarksandenvironmentallysignificant areas.
• Providedesertappreciationroadsideareasorscenicviewpoints,alongsceniccorridors.
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 123
• Providetrailheadfacilitiesthatprovideparkingandtrailaccessforuserswhereneededandappropriate.
• Developparks,paths,andtrailswiththeparticipationofprivatedevelopmentthroughrequiredfees,dedicationofland,andconstructionoffacilities.
• Providetouristdestinationattractionsofarecreational,historical,orarchaeologicalnature.
• Parksshouldbelocatedtoenhanceuniquelandmarksandenvironmentally significant areas.
• Themethodfordeterminingbasicparkandschoolneedsshouldbeuniformlyappliedtoallareasofthecity.CharacterPlansmaydictatethetypesofparksorfacilitiestobebuilt.
• Optimizetheuseofexistingparksandrecreationalfacilities.• Recognize that there are potential conflicts between providing
recreationalopportunitiesforcitizensandprofessionalsportsteams.
8. Provide access to educational, recreational, and cultural services forall residents.
Accessibilityreferstothelocationoffacilities,theirdesign,andtheavailabilityoftransportationtoreachthem.• Seektoprovidenewfacilitiesinareasthatcurrentlylackthem.• Adaptexistingfacilitiestoensuretheiraccessibilitytoallpersons.• Strategicallylocatepublicfacilitiesandparkstoserveallneighborhoods
inthecity.• Provideparkstoallowforavarietyofrecreationalopportunitiestomeet
theneedsofallareasofthecommunity.• Facilitateaccesstoparksandcommunityfacilitiesbyavariety
oftransportationmodesincludingbicycle,pedestrian,andtransitprovisionstoreducerelianceontheautomobile.Ensurethattherearebicycleandpedestrianlinkstorecreationalfacilitiesandequestrianconnectionsforriderstoaccessopenspaceridingareas.
• Facilitateaccesstoeducational,recreational,andculturalservicesbytargetingprogramsforresidentswithspecialneeds.
• Providefullyaccessiblepublicfacilitiestoallresidentsandvisitors.• Ensurethatall-majorrecreationalfacilitiesandprogramsareeasily
accessedbytheareatransitsystem.
see Community Mobility Element
see Economic Vitality Element
Page 124 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Parks and Trail DefinitionsTherearemanycategoriesofparksproposedinthisopenspaceandrecreationsystemincludingNeighborhoodParks,School/Parks,CommunityParks,SpecialtyParks,DesertCharacterParks,andSchoolSites.Theindividualparksmayvaryfromonetypetoanotherastheirsurroundingschange.Multi-usetrailsarealsoanimportantpartofthecity’sopenspaceandrecreationsystem.Inaddition,theMcDowellSonoranPreserveprovidesopportunitiesforpassiverecreationareas.ThecityofScottsdaleVision2010ParksMasterPlanprovidesmoredetailaboutparksandrecreationfacilitiesforthecity.Copiesareavailablethroughthecity’sParksandRecreationDepartment.ThePreservationDepartmentcanprovidemoreinformationabouttheMcDowellSonoranPreserve.
Theparksandtrailcomponentoftheopenspaceandrecreationsystemaregenerally defined as:
Neighborhoods ParksPurpose: Provideprimaryrecreationservicesandfacilitiesthatareeasily
accessibleandavailabletolocalresidents.Parksize: 7-20acresAreaserved:Asingleneighborhoodorseveralneighborhoods,dependingon
thelocationofthepark.Location: Preferablyadjacenttoelementaryschools,neighborhood
centers,orothergatheringplaces.Nearthecenteroftheservicearea,withgoodpedestrian,bicycleandvehicularaccess.
Access: Principallypedestrianandbike.Whenlocatednexttoschools,may have drive-in traffic due to availability of youth sport fields forleagues.
Examples: PimaPark,PaiutePark
School/ParksPurpose: Providearangeofrecreationalservicesandfacilitiestoseveral
neighborhoodsthatareservedbyanelementaryormiddleschool.Sharedamenitiesmayincludelightedfacilitiesandlighted sports fields.
Parksize: 7-20acresLocation: Centraltoagroupofneighborhoodsandadjacenttoaschool
facility.TheSchool/Parkshouldbewithinreasonabledrivingdistanceofallhouseholdsintheservicearea.
Access: Pedestrian,bike,andvehicular.Shouldhavedirectaccessfromacollectorlevel(orlarger)street.
Examples: SonoranHillsPark,GrayhawkNeighborhoodPark
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 125
Community ParksPurpose: Centralizeafullrangeofrecreationalactivitiesformajor
portionsofthecitywiththecapacityofaccommodatinglargegroupreservations.Communityparksgenerallyfeatureacommunitycenterbuildingdesignedtomeetmulti-generationalrecreationneeds,andlightedrecreationalamenitiesandlightedsports fields.
Parksize: 20-80acresAreaserved: Severalneighborhoodsortotalcityplanningunit.Location: Preferablycentraltoagroupofneighborhoods,wherepossible,
adjacenttoaMiddleSchoolorHighSchool.Parkshouldbewithinreasonabledrivingtimeofallhouseholdsintheservicearea.
Access: Principallyautoandbike.Shouldhavedirectaccessfromacollectorstreet(orlarger)andnotthrougharesidentialarea.
Examples: ChaparralPark,EldoradoPark
Specialty ParksPurpose: To provide specialized facilities and to preserve significant
uniquefeaturesofthecommunity,includingenvironmentallysensitiveareas.
Parksize: VariableAreaserved: TheentirecityandbeyondLocation: Whennecessarytocapitalizeonanexistingfacilityorfeature,
orwhereaspecializedactivitycanbestbeprovidedtoserveinterestedpersons.
Access: Variable–mayrequirehighdegreeofaccess,e.g.baseballstadiumormayrequirecontrolledlimitedaccess,e.g.wildlifepreserve.
Example: McCormick-StillmanRailroadPark
Desert Character ParksWiththeOctober1999,ScottsdaleDesertParksDesignGuidelines,thecityestablishedcriteriaforthedesignandconstructionofparksthatconsidertheuniquequalitiesofdesertareasandprovidedirectionforexpansionoftheparksystemtoservetheresidentsoftheseareas.DesignofdesertparksemphasizestheuniqueSonoranDesertenvironmentthroughminimalsitedisturbance,desert-responsivearchitecture,andasensitiveapproachtolighting.Towardthisend,allparksshouldembodythecharacterofthedesert,reinforcedthroughsensitivesiteplanning,nativelandscapematerials,appropriatearchitecture,andthepreservationofsignificant natural areas within the park. All facilities are integrated into and are,infact,partofthedesertenvironment.
Page 126 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Selectionofappropriateparksitesandthedevelopmentofsuitablerecreationactivities are critical first steps in park development. When considering a potentialparksite,thefollowingcriteriashouldbeevaluated:
1. LocalContext2. Topographicsuitability3. Proposedprograms4. Appropriateaccess
NeighborhoodandCommunityDesertParksshouldincludeplaygrounds,ramadas,tennis,basketballandvolleyballcourts, soccer softball, and multi-use fields, and multi-use rooms.Petamenitiesshouldalsobeaconsideration.Thesefacilitieswouldbecentrallylocatedtothepopulationbasetheyareintendedtoserve.Lightingshouldbesensitivelyconsidered.
SpecialtyDesertParkfacilitiescouldbesimilartowhatisplannedforPinnaclePeak.Thesemayincludetrailheadparkingareas,desertopenspacepreserves,multi-usetrails,interpretivetrails,equestriancenters,mountainbikingcourse,restrooms,smallclassroomsforoutdooreducation,interpretiveandmuseum-likecenteranddemonstrationgardens.Thesewouldbelocatedtopreservepublicaccesstomostsensitiveoruniquenaturalorculturalfeaturesinthearea.
School SitesSchoolsusuallyincluderecreationalfacilitiesthatareprogrammedforyouthandadultactivitiesintheeveningsandonweekends.Manyschoolsitesareassociatedwithneighborhoodorcommunityparks.
TrailsThecity’sgoalistodevelopandmaintainacitywideinterconnectingnetworkoftrailstoprovidevaluablerecreationandtransportationopportunitiesforcityresidentsandvisitors.Trailscanfunctionastransportationandrecreationlinksbetweenschools,residentialareas,parks,employmentcenters,shoppingareas,andotherareasofinterest.Trailsalsoprovidehikers,walkers,joggers,equestrians, and mountain bikers opportunities to improve health and fitness, spendtimewithfamilyandfriends,enjoythenaturalenvironment,andescapethestressesofeverydaylife.Wherepossible,trailswillconnecttoneighborhoodsorserveasdestinations.Wherepractical,parkswillbeusedasstagingareasfortrailsintodesertormountainpreservationareas.TrailsarealsoaddressedintheOpenSpaceandRecreationElementandtheCommunityMobilityElement.
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 127
Related Plans and Policies:• Parks & Recreation 2018-2019 Strategic Plan• Community Services Master Plan (2015)• DesertOpenSpaceSystemPlan(11/1997)• ScottsdaleDesertParkDesignGuidelines(10/1999)• DesertPreservationTaskForceReport(4/1997)• GolfCoursePolicy(1997)• DesignStandardsandPoliciesManual• Scottsdale TrailsMasterPlan(2004)• ScenicCorridorPolicy(2001)• MaricopaAssociationofGovernments(MAG)DesertSpacesPlan(1995)• MAGDesertSpacesEnvironmentallySensitiveDevelopmentAreas
PoliciesandDesignGuidelines(6/2000)• Transportation Master Plan (2016)• MAG Regional Transportation Plan (2017)• MAG Strategic Transportation Safety Plan (2015)• Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance
Reference:• Community Centers and Libraries map (Public Services and Facilities
Element)• Schools and School Districts map (Public Services and Facilities
Element)• Preservation map (Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)• Trails and Trailheads map (Preservation and Environmental Planning
Element)• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Access Areas Report
Element Graphics:• OpenSpaceMap• ParksandRecreationFacilitiesmap
Page 128 Scottsdale 2001 General Plan
Scotts
dale Airp
ort
THOMAS RD.
LOOP 101
JENNY LIN RD.
CIRCLE MOUNTAIN RD.
HONDA BOW RD.
ROCKAWAY HILLS RD.
DESERT HILLS DR.
JOY RANCH RD.
STAGECOACH PASS
CAREFREE HWY.
DOVE VALLEY RD.
LONE MOUNTAIN RD.
DIXILETA DR.
DYNAMITE BLVD.
JOMAX RD.
HAPPY VALLEY RD.
PINNACLE PEAK RD.
DEER VALLEY RD.
UNION HILLS DR.
INDIAN SCHOOL RD.
McDONALD DR.
CHAPARRAL RD./CAMELBACK RD.
INDIAN BEND RD.
McCORMICK PKWY.
DOUBLETREE RANCH RD.
SHEA BLVD.
CACTUS RD.
THUNDERBIRD RD.
GREENWAY PKWY.
BELL RD./FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD.
CAMELBACK RD.
McKELLIPS RD.
McDOWELL RD.
104t
h ST
.
96th
ST.
112t
h ST
.
120t
h ST
.
136t
h ST
.
142t
h ST
.
PALI
SAD
ES B
LVD
.
128t
h ST
.
PIM
A R
D.
64th
ST.
56th
ST.
SCO
TTSD
ALE
RD
.
HAYD
EN R
D.
RIO VERDE DR.
LOO
P 10
1
LOOP 202
BARTLETT DAM RD.
BEEL
INE
HWY.
(87)
LINCOLN DR.
TATU
M B
LVD
.
CAV
E C
REEK
RD.
GA
LVIN
PKW
Y.
Open Space Map
Scenic Corridor
Scenic Corridor/Desert Foothills Scenic Drive
Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve(See Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)
Buffered Roadways
Major Wash Corridor
Natural Open Space
Developed Arid Open Space
Developed Urban Open Space
Developed Parks/Green Open Space
Golf CoursecG
0 21 Miles3
North
cG
cG cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cGcG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cG cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cGcG cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
Open Space and Recreation Element Page 129
Scotts
dale Airp
ort
THOMAS RD.
LOOP 101
JENNY LIN RD.
CIRCLE MOUNTAIN RD.
HONDA BOW RD.
ROCKAWAY HILLS RD.
DESERT HILLS DR.
JOY RANCH RD.
STAGECOACH PASS
CAREFREE HWY.
DOVE VALLEY RD.
LONE MOUNTAIN RD.
DIXILETA DR.
DYNAMITE BLVD.
JOMAX RD.
HAPPY VALLEY RD.
PINNACLE PEAK RD.
DEER VALLEY RD.
UNION HILLS DR.
INDIAN SCHOOL RD.
McDONALD DR.
CHAPARRAL RD./CAMELBACK RD.
INDIAN BEND RD.
McCORMICK PKWY.
DOUBLETREE RANCH RD.
SHEA BLVD.
CACTUS RD.
THUNDERBIRD RD.
GREENWAY PKWY.
BELL RD./FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD.
CAMELBACK RD.
McKELLIPS RD.
McDOWELL RD.
104t
h ST
.
96th
ST.
112t
h ST
.
120t
h ST
.
136t
h ST
.
142t
h ST
.
PALI
SAD
ES B
LVD
.
128t
h ST
.
PIM
A R
D.
64th
ST.
56th
ST.
SCO
TTSD
ALE
RD
.
HAYD
EN R
D.
RIO VERDE DR.
LOO
P 10
1
LOOP 202
BARTLETT DAM RD.
BEEL
INE
HWY.
(87)
LINCOLN DR.
TATU
M B
LVD
.
CAV
E C
REEK
RD.
GA
LVIN
PKW
Y.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
cC Community Parks
cS Specialty Parks
Neighborhood Parks
cCcN Planned Neighborhood Parks
Planned Community Parks
Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve(See Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)
cN
cG Golf Courses
0 21 Miles3
North
cN
cN
cC
cN
cN
cN
cC
cS
cN
cN
cN
cN
cC
cN
cN
cN
cN cN
cN
cC
cN
cC
cN cN
cC
cN
cN
cC
cN
cS
cC
cN
cN
cS
cC
cC
cN
cN
cC
cN
cN
cS
cC
cC
cN
Vista Del Camino
Pima
ApachePapago Rotary
Eldorado
Thomas Rd Bike StopPaiute Osborn
Scottsdale Civic Center MallIndian School
ChesnuttCamelback
ChaparralAgua Linda
Nature Area
Lafayette
McCormick Stillman R.R.ZuniShoshone
Comanche
RotaryMountain View
Scottsdale Ranch Stonegate
Rio MontanaChollaMescal
Cactus
NorthsightThunderbird
Aztec
McDowell Mountain RanchHorizon
Scottsdale Sports ComplexDC Ranch Neighborhood
Ironwood
DC Ranch Tennis CenterThompson Peak
Grayhawk
Sonoran HillsFlorence Ely Nelson
Pinnacle PeakGeorge “Doc” Cavalliere
Whisper Rock
Desert Mt.
cG
cG cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cGcG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cG cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cGcG cG
cG
cG
cGcG
cG
cG
cG
cG
cG
Page 130 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
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