Scottsdale Fire inches closer to establishing city ambulance service. With demand for emergency medical services increasing steadily, the city has been working through a lengthy process that is nearing completion – the result will be an improved level of emergency medical services for people who live, work and visit Scottsdale.
Establishing the department’s ambulance program began in March 2022. Since then, City Council approved about $3 million for long lead time startup costs, including ordering new ambulances and equipment. Lengthy administrative submissions and review have occurred, with official approval and permits still pending, including a crucial “Certificate of Necessity” from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Scottsdale Fire anticipates transporting its first patient by January 2025. Get answers to frequently asked questions. Read more.
Scottsdale gives basketball an Old Town spin. To coincide with the NCAA Men’s Final Four events, the Marshall Way Bridge has been transformed into Old Town Scottsdale’s Home Court and titled “Canaley-oop,” playing off the basketball term and this unique installation around and in the Arizona Canal.
The area is now the temporary home of a sports court, a 25x15-foot “live” NCAA tournament bracket board, oversized basketball hoops and a 13-foot cactus hoop basketball statue. Six oversized basketballs float in the canal, completing the area’s transformation. Enjoy entertainment, fun activities, photo ops and bracket updates 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, on the Marshall Way Bridge. While there, take a selfie with the 13-foot Cactus Basketball Hoop and tag @azmajorevents to win #mfinalfour prizes.
And speaking of basketball ... University of Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark has gained acclaim for her remarkable scoring ability, pinpoint passing and knack for delivering clutch performances when it matters most. So, when Scottsdale Planning Specialist Caitlin Clark received a LinkedIn message from an L.A. producer seeking a real-life Caitlin Clark, she was intrigued and decided to reach out. She quickly realized that the request was indeed legitimate – the ask was for her to star in a commercial alongside the college basketball phenom who shares her name. Feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Caitlin made the bold decision to fly to Los Angeles for a day of filming. “It was nerve-wracking, but I decided, why not?” she said. “I had fun with it.” Watch the commercial.
Tell us your thoughts on two important topics: Arts and Culture and the city’s website. The city is committed to continuing and improving ways the public can learn about and engage in decisions that impact life in Scottsdale. Take time and participate in your community - the feedback provided is used to create better projects and programs for our world-class community. Current opportunities:
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Arts and Culture: We want feedback about your experiences, thoughts and desires for arts and culture within Scottsdale. Two opportunities are available: Take a poll and discuss at Speak Up Scottsdale, and fill out the questionnaire as well. Both are available through Friday, April 5.
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Website feedback: The city is creating the new ScottsdaleAZ.gov website that will provide enhanced security, and better navigation and search features. View the website and provide feedback by Friday, April 5.
Scottsdale captures top environmental award for its Civic Center renovation. Arizona Forward honored the city and the Scottsdale Civic Center with a Crescordia award in “Civic Buildings, Structures, and Landscape Design.” The coveted Crescordia — a Greek term meaning "growing in harmony" — is the highest honor given in each category of its Environmental Excellence Awards program.
In 2023, Scottsdale unveiled a comprehensive renovation of the area that has served as the city’s civic and signature special event and gathering space for 55 years. The renewed and refreshed Civic Center provides locals and visitors alike with a better experience than ever, a beautiful place to gather for art, culture, entertainment and festivals and family relaxation. The project was designed and built with sustainability in mind by adding planted bioswales to collect and capture stormwater, permeable pavements with underground water conveyance, targeted roof water collection at the East Bowl to supply existing trees with an extra boost of water, and new low water use plants.
In addition to the Crescordia, Scottsdale Water received an Award of Distinction for water conservation communications. The department initiated an expansion of its water conservation efforts through wider funding, communication efforts, ordinance changes, new building code adoptions and incentives, and educational programs. Learn more by viewing the AZ Forward award submission (pdf).
Scottsdale is raising awareness and inspiring residents to reduce food waste. The city is joining more than 600 partners across the country to commemorate Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1-7. Food waste is responsible for 40 percent of the material that goes into the landfill nationwide. Ending food loss and waste requires purposeful action. Why does reducing food waste matter?
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Saves money - A family of four can save an average of $1500 per year.
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Conserves resources - Land, water, energy and human resources are used to grow, package and transport food.
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Improves food security - Safe and nutritious food that is thrown away could help feed hungry people.
We’ll be sharing tips on social media to show how you can make simple changes by relearning habits, composting and donating food. You can also attend “Everyone Can Compost” at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Attendees will learn about the variety of options available to effectively divert food waste from local landfills.
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 April 8 (Posted so far; check back next week for the full list):
Arizona Bike Week is back at WestWorld April 3-7 with entertainment for riders and music fans alike. Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld is a celebration of motorcycles and music. With two stages featuring live music plus vendors stunt shows contests and demos, there’s plenty of entertainment options for everyone. In addition to new features, there will be many of the beloved staples: Vendor Village offers everything from motorcycle parts to custom jewelry, bike shows, factory demo trucks, freestyle motorcycle stunt jumpers and stunt riders. Learn more and buy tickets.
Run to the Scottsdale Gallery Association’s Gold Palette ArtWalk, “Small Works, Big Talent.” Participating galleries will host themed exhibits highlighting small works of amazing artists within their galleries. There will be live entertainment and refreshments. The free event takes place 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Old Town Arts District. Get details.
Enjoy a fun-filled event featuring interactive exhibits, demonstrations, games and prizes at Paiute Neighborhood Center’s Sci-Tech Fun Festival. The free event takes place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 13. View the flyer (pdf).
Help your neighbors in Scottsdale by donating water and other heat relief items. As warmer weather approaches, Scottsdale is providing heat relief to those in need this summer.
Hydration stations offer free bottled water and a place to cool off from the summer heat through Sept. 30. Here is where you can donate much needed water bottles:
Heat relief and hygiene items such as socks, deodorant, sun block, soap and shampoo are needed this summer, as well. These items can be dropped off 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fridays at the Vista del Camino Community Center, 7700 E. Roosevelt St.
In addition, Scottsdale Senior Services is seeking donations for its annual Beat the Heat Program, which provides homebound, in-need seniors with necessary items for summer relief. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday-Friday, through May 17, at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. The Senior Services team has collaborated with Scottsdale Police and Fire to host a “Fill-a-Cruiser” event from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. The goal is to fill a police cruiser with essential heat relief items needed for the program. Critical items needed are:
Investing in Our Scottsdale: Learn about these projects.
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Outreach begins on 68th Street sidewalk project. Next year, a six-foot sidewalk will be built on both sides of 68th Street from the Arizona Canal to just south of Camelback Road to improve pedestrian access and safety. Staff is hosting one-on-one meetings with homeowners whose properties front 68th Street, allowing them to review the proposed plans and discuss project impacts. Learn more.
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Hayden Road is being repaved between Roosevelt Street and Indian School Road through April 17. One travel lane in each direction will remain open during construction and business access will be maintained. We are applying micro seal to extend the life of the asphalt and reduces maintenance costs. When completed, drivers will experience a smoother and safer ride. Learn more.
The Neighborhood Advisory Commission named Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Matthew Patzlaff as the 2023 “Spirit of Scottsdale” award winners. Established in 2019, this annual awards program recognizes the people and places that embody the “Spirit of Scottsdale,” particularly through neighborhood stewardship and the ways in which a person or organization contributes to Scottsdale physically, aesthetically or socially.
Organization award winner Neighbors Helping Neighbors is an all-volunteer nonprofit that has made a difference in Scottsdale for more than 10 years by helping those in need. Every dollar donated goes directly to the community, supporting programs that benefit children, veterans and low-income families. The organization works closely with local partners to provide essential services and resources to those who have no other options.
Individual award winner Navajo Elementary School Principal Patzlaff was nominated for his dedication to his students and craft. Whether he’s playing sports with kids or securing grants to support their well-being, his daily efforts reflect a genuine passion for his job and the community he serves.
Here’s an outlet for your unwanted electronics. Plug into Electronics Recycling Collection Day from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the city's Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. Items accepted include computer, office and entertainment equipment.
Transportation and Streets Department received an unprecedented 465 pothole repair requests since January. The increased numbers resulted from winter weather fluctuation, in-street utility cuts, and roadway wear and tear. Paving crews expedited repair requests by bringing on Street Operations crew members, effectively doubling its two-man crew. Most of the potholes are in roadway travel lanes, which causes lanes to be closed for up to 30 minutes to repair. Learn more about the Pavement Preservation Program.
Apply: Scottsdale has openings on 12 boards and commissions to be filled in May. Residents wishing to volunteer their time and institute positive changes are invited to apply:
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Board of Adjustment (two openings)
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Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (one opening)
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Environmental Advisory Commission (one opening)
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Historic Preservation Commission (one opening)
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Human Relations Commission (three openings)
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Human Services Advisory Commission (one opening)
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Library Board (one opening)
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Loss Trust Fund Board (one opening)
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McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission (two openings)
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Neighborhood Advisory Commission (one opening)
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Parks and Recreation Commission (one opening)
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Planning Commission (two openings)
Get information about the functions of these boards and commissions. Interested applicants must submit an online application by Friday, April 26. Submitted applications are valid for one year.
Celebrate National Library Week, April 7-13. In this digital age, libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They're places where you can connect with others, learn something new and focus on what matters most to you. Discover the endless possibilities at Scottsdale Public Library – where inspiration meets opportunity, and where we're here to support you every step of the way. Visit your nearest branch, sign up for a library card and check out what we have to offer.
Spay/neuter your pets. Doing so is one of the most effective methods to reduce animal overpopulation and decrease the number of animals entering shelters. Pets adopted from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control leave spayed/neutered. Learn more.
Job of the Week: Solid Waste Equipment Operator III. This position performs a variety of diverse heavy equipment operator work for one or more programs to assist in the better delivery of Solid Waste collection, disposal, bulk/brush trash and/or transfer services. If you're interested in contributing to keeping Scottsdale beautiful, apply now.
