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The City of Scottsdale is planning to construct a 29-acre addition to Chaparral Park (including the water treatment plant) at the intersection of Hayden and McDonald Roads. The park expansion will include 2 lighted multi-use fields, an off leash activity area for dogs, a xeriscape demonstration garden, walking paths, parking and landscaping. This expands the existing Chaparral Park from 71-acre to 100-acre along the east side of Hayden Road, north of Chaparral Road.
Update as of 5/12/2005
Chaparral Lake has been refilled, sod/stolons installed and staff is now able to use the irrigation system (that operates from lake water) throughout the park. Fishing is available at the south end of the lake on the concrete fishing piers only at this time. The majority of the lake will remain fenced off to allow ample time for the grass to become established around the lake perimeter. Staff will be watering/fertilizing regularly to aid in the development of healthy root systems and encourage grass growth. The lake fencing will remain until late June or early July before it is completely removed and the lake open for public use.
Background/History
In the late 1990’s, the City Water Department was looking for a new site for a Water Treatment Facility due to the future expiration of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Phoenix to treat part of Scottsdale’s water supply. The treatment capability was needed for Scottsdale’s assured water supply and this site best met the location criteria of the future water treatment facility. After several public meetings, the City Council authorized acquisition of this site in September of 2000 for the future water treatment facility and directed staff to work at developing a plan that could also accommodate park and recreational facilities as requested by the neighbors.
A site plan for the park was approved by the City Council in March of 2003. Construction plans for the park are nearing completion, as the construction of the water treatment plant is under way. When the treatment plant is nearing completion (spring 2005), the park expansion can start. The park plans include the following components:
Lighted Sports Fields
The lighted multi-use sports fields may be used for little league, softball, football, soccer and possibly lacrosse and will help address the issue of the shortage of lighted sports fields that has been identified. Community Services will schedule organized league use of the fields and accommodate public reservations as needed. The two fields are located at the south side of the site, adjacent to the existing lighted sports fields in Chaparral Park. The fields will contain light poles with high quality, shielded light fixtures conforming to Community Services Department sport field lighting standards. A restroom building and small bleacher area are provided adjacent to the sports fields. The existing fields south of the new fields will be renovated to better accommodate the needs of sport groups.
Off Leash Activity Area
An existing fenced dog activity area was developed on this site in 2000 to accommodate dog owners who needed an off leash area to exercise and socialize their dogs. The off leash activity area will be relocated toward the northwest corner of the site, and enlarged to approximately 4 acres. The off leash area will be lighted for evening use and is fenced, and divided into active and passive dog containment areas. A covered seating area and restrooms are provided along the northeast side of the site. A parking area and drop off zone for the dog activity area is provided at the north side of the main parking lot. Curved, landscaped terraced retaining walls are situated along the east side of the dog activity area and extend southward past the east side of the sports fields to the south side of the site. The design will accommodate any necessary flood control needs.
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
The park expansion will feature a meandering landscape in the form of a terraced garden along the east side of the site. This area will demonstrate the use of low-water plant material in a natural setting. Interpretive signage will be used to educate visitors on the appropriate use of plant material to conserve water. A public art component will also be designed into this terraced landscape area. Lorna Jordan is the artist working on this design. She is based in Seattle, Washington and has produced award-winning designs throughout the country. |