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Scottsdale's Best Parks

Favorite local parks to soak up some warm Scottsdale sunshine

By Veronica Leon, Publisher Macaroni Kid N Scottsdale-PV March 5, 2021

Image credit: Canva

Scottsdale, AZ is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and the city's roster of well-maintained parks and recreation destinations is more than impressive.


Civic Center Park

3939 N Drinkwater Blvd

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Civic Center Park offers several acres of plush lawns, tree-shaded paths and public art installations, including Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture. It’s also home to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and numerous restaurants.

 

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

This is a hiker's paradise, with more than 115 miles of trails, including more than 60 miles of shared-use trails. Trailhead gates are open from sunrise to sunset. There's no charge for parking or access.


McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

7301 E Indian Bend Rd

Scottsdale, AZ 85250

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a train-lover's haven located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. The park offers train and carousel rides for all ages, open green space for family picnics, historic Arizona railroad artifacts, model railroad displays in a new 10,000 square foot building, a train museum, and popular events throughout the year.


Chaparral Park & Community Center

5401 N Hayden Rd

Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Walking, running, biking and rollerblading are the activities of choice at Chaparral Park and Community Center, one of Scottsdale's largest and most popular community parks. The 100 acre park features a range of recreational opportunities and amenities. The heart of the park is the 10 acre lake for boating and fishing, complete with wheelchair accessible fishing pier.


George "DOC" Cavalliere Park

27775 N Alma School Pwky

Scottsdale, AZ 85262

DOC Park is a 34 acre park features a shaded playground, two lighted full basketball courts, picnic areas, two drop-in ramadas, and a one-mile looping hiking trail. This is a popular destination for spring wildflower viewing. 


Pinnacle Peak Park

26802 N 102 Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Pinnacle Peak is one of the Valley's most iconic natural landmarks and a popular destination for local hikers and visitors. The 150 acre park is rated as a moderate hike by The Sierra Club, with an approximate elevation gain of 1,300 feet. 


McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center

15525 N Thompson Peak Pkwy

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

McDowell Mountain Ranch is a recreational park featuring 35 acres of fields, and even a 600-foot lazy river. home to one of the Valley's best public lap pools, featuring eight lanes and four diving boards. The aquatic center features a large tube water slide, lazy river, water play features (including an interactive spray pad), and a zero-depth entry into a large play pool. 


Vista Del Camino Park & Community Center

7700 E Roosevelt St

Scottsdale, AZ 5257

Vistal del Camino Park and Recreational Center offers 71 acres of recreational space in the heart of Scottsdale. The park features two lakes, a sand volleyball court, full basketball court, two playgrounds, three softball fields, horse shoes, and a spray pad to keep cool during the summer.


El Dorado Park

2311 N Miller Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

El Dorado Park is one of the biggest municipal parks in Scottsdale, featuring 60 acres of green space and two lakes. This is a popular weekend destination, with four reservable ramadas, seven drop-in ramadas, three reservable picnic areas, and two drop-in picnic areas. There are two playgrounds for the kids, three lighted softball fields, a soccer field, full basketball court, and lighted sand volleyball court. 


Scottsdale Sports Complex

8081 E Princess Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

The 71-acre facility offers state of the art amenities to the public, all designed to offer tournament level playing conditions. Scottsdale Sports Complex attracts both national and regional tournament play and offers the public a quality facility for training and competition. 



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