Monsoon cleanup highlights Scottsdale’s commitment to service and safety
Scottsdale is cleaning up after a fierce Sept. 26 monsoon that dumped heavy rain in a matter of hours, flooding parks, facilities and roadways.
City crews across multiple departments mobilized immediately — working through the night and into the weekend to restore safety, protect community assets and bring Scottsdale back to order.
Street Operations crews moved quickly to clear granite, debris and storm runoff from roadways. With safety as the priority, teams worked to meet Scottsdale’s storm response goals: clearing arterial streets within 24 hours, collector streets within 48 hours, and residential streets within 72 hours.
Recovered granite is repurposed — combined with clean dirt and reused to repair roads and stabilize eroded areas — helping restore infrastructure responsibly and sustainably. Crews also responded to spillway damage at the Indian Bend Wash near Indian School Road, a frequent flooding area during intense storms.
The storm also demonstrated the success of the Indian Bend Wash itself, which functioned exactly as designed. The wash channeled massive amounts of water safely through the city – using its network of parks and lakes as a flood control system.
Scottsdale Stadium received nearly three inches of rain in just a few hours, briefly turning fields into a temporary lake and flooding dugouts and clubhouses. Quick action by stadium and facilities staff, supported by a triage company, kept the situation under control and prevented major damage. After carpet cleaning and repairs, the stadium was back in shape to welcome Arizona Fall League players this week.
At WestWorld, staff worked tirelessly through the weekend to divert water and drain seven uncovered arenas after flooding impacted the north tent. Their dedication ensured the Best of the West Reining show was able to begin on schedule, minimizing disruption to vendors, participants and visitors.
Eldorado Park sustained some of the heaviest damage, with ballfields and the west playground closed until repairs are complete. Crews from across the city joined forces to assist in the cleanup, ensuring parks remain safe and welcoming for families and visitors.
Residents have expressed their gratitude for the city’s quick response, reaching out by phone and online to thank crews for their hard work in keeping Scottsdale safe and restoring services after the storm.
“The teamwork and commitment of our employees make all the difference in moments like this,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “Their focus on safety and service ensures Scottsdale bounces back quickly, and the thanks we’ve heard from our community is a testament to that effort.”
While assessments continue, the city’s teamwork and service-first approach ensured Scottsdale remained safe, resilient and ready to serve.