Scottsdale Update - Sept. 8, 2026

Scottsdale commemorates 25th anniversary of 9/11 with exhibits and remembrance ceremony.

Scottsdale will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial exhibits throughout September and a public reading of the names of those who died. Exhibits featuring replicas and memorial pieces representing the World Trade Center, Pentagon and airplane wing, as well as a Public Safety Memorial Flag, will be displayed at Scottsdale libraries and Police and Fire Headquarters, with a commemorative gift available to visitors at each location. A special reading of the names will begin at 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the West Bowl of Scottsdale Civic Center and will last approximately two and a half hours.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation receives two statewide honors.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation earned two statewide honors from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, recognizing Deputy Director Chris Walsh and the Roundhouse at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Walsh was named Park Professional of the Year for his more than 20 years of leadership and expertise, overseeing park maintenance, capital improvements and long-term planning across Scottsdale’s extensive parks system. The $13.1 million Roundhouse, Turntable and Railyard Project received the Outstanding Facility Award for transforming the 30-acre railroad park into a more accessible, year-round destination while preserving its historic character.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Water begins planned maintenance at Well 27B.

Scottsdale Water is conducting planned inspection and refurbishment work at Well 27B, a city-owned groundwater well near Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Crews will inspect the well and pump, remove and examine equipment and refurbish or replace components as needed based on their condition. The work will help keep the well safe, reliable and available for future use while supporting Scottsdale’s diversified water supply portfolio. Although groundwater is not the city’s primary water source, maintaining wells and other infrastructure provides additional flexibility and strengthens Scottsdale’s ability to respond to future water supply needs.

Learn more.

Preview plans for Thompson Peak Park Bridge at open house.

Construction is set to begin this fall on a second bridge over the Reata Wash on Thompson Peak Parkway to improve safety in the area. Learn more about the project at an open house from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Sept. 9, at the DC Ranch Homestead Community Center, 18600 N. 98th St. Adding a second bridge will allow for the continuance of the four vehicular lanes of travel along with two bicycle lanes completing Thompson Peak Parkway to its ultimate cross-section and improving access to nearby parks and schools. When complete, the new bridge will provide a continuous four-lane roadway with bike lanes on Thompson Peak Parkway from Scottsdale Road to 100th Street.

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.

Week of Sept. 7:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting:  5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9
• PSPRS Police Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
• PSPRS Fire Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10

Week of Sept. 14 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16
• Building Advisory Board of Appeals Regular Meeting: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

Find more public meetings.

Explore Scottsdale with the Old Town Experience Passport.

Discover Old Town Scottsdale and enter to win a $100 gift card! Pick up an Old Town Experience Passport at an information kiosk or participating hotel, then complete three of six experience categories, including dining, shopping, discovering and pampering. Collect a stamp at each participating business and upload your completed passport for a chance to win. Gift card winners are selected weekly.

“Hands-On History” Book Signing.

Celebrate Scottsdale's 75th anniversary with the unveiling of “Hands-On History: Residents Reflect on Scottsdale's Years,” a collection of memories and reflections from 75 prominent Scottsdale residents. During the event, many of the authors will be on hand to sign your personal copy of the book.

Visit Amazon to purchase your personal copy to bring with you to the event. Books must be purchased in advance as they will not be on sale during the event.

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Civic Center Library
• Register online.

Join the Scottsdale 75 Picture Scavenger Hunt.

Never been to Taliesin West? Or the Mustang Wall at Mustang Library? The Scottsdale 75th Anniversary Picture Scavenger Hunt is underway, offering a fun way to explore places you’ve never visited and revisit longtime favorites across the city. This all-ages community challenge highlights the people, places and history that have shaped Scottsdale.

Using the Seeker app, participants visit 75 designated locations, take selfies to earn points and can pick up some city swag while learning more about the West’s Most Western Town. Complete all 75 stops and bonus activities to be entered to win grand prizes.

To play along, create a free account. Be sure to send it out to your family and friends to participate as well.

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 50 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from Arizona and around the world. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the year. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month.

Ongoing

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, live performances throughout the year.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Free fall workshops help Scottsdale residents save water.

Scottsdale Water is offering a series of free fall workshops to help residents conserve water, improve landscape efficiency, understand utility bills and learn more about the city’s long-term water supply. From September through November, workshops will cover topics including converting grass to xeriscape, selecting desert-friendly plants, detecting leaks, understanding rebates and learning about Scottsdale’s diversified water portfolio. The series also includes a guided tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, where residents can see practical examples of water-efficient landscaping.

Learn more and register online.

Register for fall Neighborhood College classes.

Strong neighborhoods start with engaged residents. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College gives residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations the knowledge, resources and tools to help address community issues and become effective neighborhood leaders.

Learn from professional and volunteer instructors through classes covering city programs and services, volunteer opportunities, personal safety, HOA guidelines and more. Classes are free, but registration is required.

View the class schedule and register online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Neighborhood College.”

Improvements continue at Scottsdale City Hall parking lot.

Work to improve the Scottsdale City Hall parking lot continues with a mill and overlay paving project scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The parking lot will be closed during construction. City Hall visitors should use on-street parking on Bennie Gonzales Way or the surface parking lot north of City Hall at Scottsdale’s One Civic Center building. The lot is scheduled to reopen the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Nominations for Scottsdale Salutes program are open.

The program recognizes local veterans, active-duty military members and National Guard and reserve members. Selected honorees will have banners displayed on Old Town light poles for two weeks in November, be recognized at a special Veterans Day reception and be invited to participate in the annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade. Nominees must live in Scottsdale, have previously lived in the city or have a strong local connection, such as working in Scottsdale for at least five years. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 25.

Learn more and submit your artwork.

Job of the Week: WestWorld Maintenance Worker.

Help keep WestWorld safe, clean and event-ready as a maintenance worker supporting one of Scottsdale’s premier equestrian and special event facilities. You’ll prepare and maintain arenas and barn areas, perform grounds and facility maintenance, repair irrigation systems, manage inventory, and operate a variety of heavy and light equipment. Working closely with patrons, equestrians, livestock, event producers and staff, you’ll provide quality customer service while helping ensure every event runs smoothly.

Learn more and apply.

Celebrating Greasepaint Youth Theatre.

As part of Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary celebration, the city is highlighting local businesses and organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries. The latest spotlight features Greasepaint Youth Theatre, a longtime part of Scottsdale’s performing arts community. For decades, Greasepaint has helped young performers learn, grow and gain experience on stage. Through classes, auditions and theatrical productions, the organization continues to bring live theater to audiences throughout the community. Greasepaint also plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of performers and strengthening Scottsdale’s vibrant arts scene.

Rotary Park Playground reopens.

The new Rotary Park Playground is officially open, marking one of the first major projects funded by Scottsdale’s Parks and Preserve Sales Tax. The updated playground offers a new play experience with shade canopies, large slides, climbing features and swings. Fully accessible surfacing and inclusive play features make the playground welcoming for children of all abilities. The improvements also include new features designed to preserve and provide shade around a large existing tree.

Scottsdale Fire recruits train in CPR and resuscitation.

Scottsdale Fire Department 26-2 recruits spent the day at the Scottsdale Fire Regional Training Center strengthening their CPR and advanced resuscitation skills. Through hands-on instruction and realistic scenarios, recruits practiced high-quality CPR, patient assessment, airway management and ventilation. The training helps recruits build the skills and confidence needed to provide lifesaving care during cardiac emergencies.