Scottsdale Update - Jan. 16, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS

Get free donuts by telling us how we can improve parks and recreation programs. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation kicked off a master planning process that will serve as a blueprint for projects, priorities and structures over the next 10 years. Join us for free donuts (while supplies last) and family fun to share your ideas for the future. “Ideas in Play Pop-up" runs 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

ADOT’s Loop 101 construction update. Weeknight right lane and ramp closures take place north- and southbound through Thursday, Jan. 18, so the contractor can install temporary concrete barriers. The schedule is subject to cancellation or change due to weather, equipment, or other unforeseen resource issues.

This is part of Arizona Department of Transportation’s two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT’s website.


PUBLIC MEETINGS 

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 Jan. 16:


THINGS TO DO 

Walk in unity with our community. Join Scottsdale and neighboring cities to promote mutual respect and understanding at this year’s Regional Unity Walk Saturday, Jan. 27, at Tempe Beach Park. The festival, featuring refreshments and entertainment, starts at 4:30 p.m. The one-mile walk begins at 6 p.m. Call the city at 480-312-3111 for more information.

We’re kicking off Scottsdale’s Signature Event Season. The fun takes place through April 5. On this dedicated website, Experience Scottsdale promotes events like Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Western Week, WM Phoenix Open, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Cactus League Spring Training and the NCAA Men’s Final Four. 

Here are upcoming highlights:

  • Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Jan. 20-28, WestWorld. This high-octane auction brings in nearly 2,000 of the world's finest collector automobiles and tens of thousands of spectators to Scottsdale. The auction also features an exhibitor marketplace and hours of live worldwide television coverage.  

  • Arizona Concours d’Elegance, 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, Scottsdale Civic Center. This event is a professionally judged and curated assembly of rarely seen dream cars and highly valued collector vehicles, examples that impress and excite not only car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design. 

  • Gold Palette ArtWalk: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, Scottsdale Arts District. February’s Gold Palette ArtWalk is dedicated to the theme of Western Week with entertainment, music and special offerings at participating galleries.

  • Hashknife Pony Express: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. The oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express celebrates with riders blazing their trail from the tiny town of Holbrook. At high noon, welcome its arrival at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West as riders conclude a 200-mile trek with more than 20,000 pieces of mail. The fun starts at 11 a.m. with family-friendly games, storytelling, crafts, face painting, food trucks, live entertainment and more. 

  • Parada del Sol (10 a.m.-noon) and Trail’s End Celebration (noon-4 p.m.): Saturday, Feb. 3, Historic Old Town. Scottsdale’s own hometown parade features colorful floats, mounted horse riders, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches. The parade ends with a western-spirited festival featuring live music, street entertainment, dancing, a wine garden and a cowboy kids’ zone. 

  • Arizona Indian Festival: Saturday, Feb. 3, and Sunday, Feb. 4. Arizona tribes will share their culture at the Arizona Indian Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center. The festival includes traditional food, song, dance and crafts. 

Ongoing: 

  • Scottsdale ArtWalk: Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month. 

  • Old Town Farmers Market: Find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. Th market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.  

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Engage in dynamic and interactive learning experiences, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the inner workings of the city. Scottsdale 101, Citizen Academy, open to Scottsdale residents and business owners, meets at 9 a.m. Thursdays, March 21-May 9. Graduation takes place 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The nine-week program is limited to 40 participants. Participation in seven of 9 nine sessions is required to graduate.  Two special assignments will be required as part of the curriculum. Apply.

Update your vaccines – Paiute Neighborhood Center hosts a free vaccination clinic for all ages. Come to the center 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Jan. 18, or Feb. 22. Available vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Tdap, shingles, pneumococcal and COVID-19. Children will need parent or legal guardian consent to get vaccinated. Bring insurance information if you have it. Those without insurance are still welcome. Call the CARES Center at 602-506-6767 if you need more information.

Get free legal advice at the Paiute Neighborhood Center. The Scottsdale Bar Association provides attorneys at no charge for community members to discuss legal issues, receive advice and obtain referrals. The clinic runs 5:30 -7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month. Space is limited. Make an appointment by calling 480-312-2529. 


FYI 

Watch Fast Five. Volunteers assist Agua Linda Park enhancement project, get ready for Scottsdale’s event season and Blues Zones Project Scottsdale kicked off this month. These  are just a few things happening in our community right now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now.

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Hayden and Indian Bend roads intersection. The project includes adding dual left turn lanes on north- and southbound Hayden Road. Work takes place 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Traffic disruptions will be in place during work hours, but they are expected to be minimal outside of those hours. Construction is scheduled to be complete spring 2024. Get more information.

Job of the Week: Water Services Worker V. We’re making waves with an exciting opportunity in our Water Department for a water services worker V. This position coordinates and schedules skilled crews and performs a variety of journeyman level work in maintaining and repairing the city's water distribution system, including all mechanical aspects of related equipment. Investigations and minor repairs to the sewage collection system may be required. Quench your curiosity and apply for a role where your skills flow seamlessly. Dive into a career where every drop makes a difference! Learn more and apply


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