Scottsdale parks projects earn statewide recognition for design, sustainability and craftsmanship

Three Scottsdale parks have earned top honors from leading industry organizations, highlighting the city’s continued commitment to high-quality, sustainable and thoughtfully designed public spaces.

Ashler Hills Park, the city’s newest and northernmost park, earned multiple prestigious awards for its innovative design and environmental stewardship. The 17-acre park received the Environmental Excellence Award of Distinction in Sustainable Built Environment from Arizona Forward, along with the Award of Excellence and the President’s Award for General Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects Arizona.

Designed to reflect Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert setting, Ashler Hills Park integrates a wide range of amenities, including shaded playgrounds, open turf areas, picnic ramadas, adult fitness equipment, a basketball court and eight pickleball courts, while preserving more than half the site as open space. Native vegetation was restored, mature saguaro cacti were protected or relocated onsite, and sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, bioswales and energy-efficient lighting were incorporated throughout the park.

“This recognition reflects Scottsdale’s commitment to building parks that are not only beautiful and functional, but also environmentally responsible,” said Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton. “Projects like Ashler Hills Park are strategic investments in recreation and in the long-term quality of life for our residents. They demonstrate how the city can thoughtfully invest in amenities that strengthen community connections while preserving the natural character that makes Scottsdale unique.”

The Roundhouse at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park also received significant recognition at this year’s Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet hosted by the Arizona Masonry Council. The Council is a local association dedicated to advancing Arizona’s masonry industry and reinforcing the value of masonry systems as a premier building envelope solution.

Each year, the Council hosts its Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet to recognize outstanding achievements across the state. At this year’s event, the Roundhouse earned honors in three categories: Craftsmanship Award, Gold Trowel Award and Honor Award in Architectural Design, recognizing both the technical excellence and design quality of the project.

The Reata Sports Complex operations building was also honored with a Distinguished Architecture Citation from the American Institute of Architects Arizona. The 4,916-square-foot facility supports Scottsdale’s growing sports tourism and tournament play, offering modern amenities including single-occupant restrooms, outdoor handwashing stations and dedicated space for Scottsdale Parks & Recreation staff.

Designed to complement its surroundings near WestWorld of Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains, the Reata facility incorporates shading elements, breezeways and durable materials to improve comfort, safety and long-term performance while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

“These awards highlight the care and intention that go into every Scottsdale park and facility project,” said Nick Molinari, senior director of Parks & Recreation and Preserve. “Whether it’s a neighborhood park, a signature attraction like the Roundhouse or a regional sports complex, we’re focused on creating spaces that serve our community and endure for generations to come.”

Together, these recognitions underscore Scottsdale’s ongoing investment in high-quality public spaces that support recreation, tourism, community connection and the city’s distinctive desert identity.