Unleashed: Scottsdale opens new Thompson Peak Dog Park
Scottsdale dogs have a new place to run, play and make a few new friends.
A new 3.5-acre dog park is the latest amenity at Thompson Peak Park, near Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. The bond-funded project provides a spacious, dedicated off-leash area for people and their dogs while adding several new amenities to the surrounding park.
“Scottsdale residents value great parks and recreation opportunities, and this new dog park is another example of delivering on the investments our community asked us to make,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “It creates another high-quality public space where people can get outside, connect with their neighbors and enjoy Scottsdale with their four-legged family members.”
The dog park includes three fenced and gated play areas, or cells, which will be rotated to allow for regular maintenance and turf recovery. Shade canopies, benches, water fountains and pet waste disposal stations provide additional comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners.
The project also includes a footbridge connecting the off-leash area to existing park amenities, additional parking along Hayden Road and a new restroom building.
“The three-cell design gives dogs plenty of room to exercise while giving our staff the flexibility to maintain the turf and keep the park in great condition,” Parks, Recreation and Human Services Senior Director Nick Molinari said. “We know how popular Scottsdale’s dog parks are, and we’re excited to offer another well-designed space for residents and their pets to enjoy.”
Public art is also incorporated into the new park. Scottsdale artist Shachi Kale created four art panels featuring dogs, local plant life, the mountain landscape and other playful elements inspired by the surrounding community.
The dog park was designed to operate similarly to Scottsdale’s popular Chaparral Dog Park. The three separate play areas allow one section to be closed periodically for maintenance while the others remain available.
Funding for the project was approved by Scottsdale voters as part of the 2019 Bond Election. The project budget is $6.1 million, supported by bond funding and additional General Fund dollars.
Thompson Peak Park is located at 20199 N. 78th Place, near the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.
Thompson Peak Dog Park will operate under the same rules as Scottsdale’s other dog parks. Scottsdale parks are open from sunrise to 10:30 p.m. daily, with dog parks closing during scheduled weekly maintenance periods for mowing, turf care and other work.
More places for dogs to play
With the addition of Thompson Peak Dog Park, Scottsdale offers several off-leash options throughout the community.
Chaparral Dog Park features three acres of grass, benches, play features and water fountains. Two areas are generally open while the third is rotated out of service for maintenance and turf repair.
Horizon Dog Park is located in a retention basin on the west end of Horizon Park and includes a large shade structure, water fountains and a water feature to help control dust. The area can be affected by flooding following storms.
Vista del Camino Park features a half-acre dog park with shade trees, benches and water fountains.