Scottsdale's Parks Are Getting A Makeover With New Tax Funding

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale residents are starting to see the impact of a voter-approved tax that is helping fund improvements across city parks and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Proposition 490, a 0.15% sales tax approved by voters in 2024, has now generated funding for a full year. The money is dedicated to maintaining, protecting and improving Scottsdale's parks, preserve lands and recreation facilities, including infrastructure needs at WestWorld.

City officials said the funding is helping address maintenance needs that had grown beyond the city's existing budget, allowing Scottsdale to expand projects, add resources and invest in long-term improvements.

Over the past year, Prop 490 funding helped pay for a range of upgrades across the city. Crews planted nearly 150 trees, pruned more than 700 others and installed more than 780 flats of flowers and plants throughout Scottsdale parks.

The funding also supported upgrades at five basketball courts, new park amenities, playground improvements, landscaping projects and water-saving improvements such as more efficient turf and irrigation systems.

The tax revenue has also helped expand maintenance teams and purchase equipment needed to keep up with Scottsdale's extensive parks system. In addition, Prop 490 supports additional rangers and officers who patrol city parks and preserve areas.

Supporters of the measure said it would provide a dedicated funding source to protect the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, improve recreational facilities and support public safety services.

City officials said more projects funded through Prop 490 are planned for the coming year as Scottsdale continues investing the revenue into its parks and preserve system.