A $6.1 million North Scottsdale dog park is almost ready – finally, after nearby owners have had to “sit” and “stay” for years.
The Thompson Peak Dog Park is at 20199 N 78th Place, near the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.
Construction is underway and is expected to be completed late this summer, according to the city.
The long-awaited dog park was funded as part of the 2019 bond package approved by voters. Design work was done in 2022 and 2023.
A grand opening was scheduled for last fall but delayed as construction lagged.
Inflation and other factors pushed the park’s cost about 33% above its original $4.6 million price estimate.
Three summers ago, Councilman Barry Graham – who voted against tax and water-rate increases and criticized cost increases of other projects – had no bone to pick with a $6 million dog park.
He noted this is a voter-approved project.
“The city should prioritize the 3.5-acre dog park and extra parking that residents voted for in 2019,” Graham said.
The price tag includes $757,469 for design, $328,250 for administration, $52,938 for public art and $4.2 million for construction – with $841,634 held for “contingency.”
The project will include:
Three fenced cells or play areas for dogs;
Shade canopies, benches, water fountains and pet waste disposal stations;
A footbridge to connect the off-leash area to existing park amenities;
Additional parking along Hayden Road;
A new restroom building;
Public art.
According to the city, “This project will build a three-and-a-half-acre dog park consisting of separate fenced and gated areas. The park will be designed and constructed in a manner similar to the off-leash area at Chaparral Park and provide pet owners a safe place to exercise their dogs.”
Scottsdale’s other dog parks
Chaparral Dog Park, Scottsdale’s most popular dog park, includes 3 acres of grass, benches, play features and water fountains.
Two areas are the majority of the time with one area designated for active dogs and another for passive dogs. The third area (on rotation) is closed for maintenance and turf repair.
Horizon Dog Park is a smaller area located in a retention basin on the far west end of Horizon Park.
It has a large shade structure, a water fountain for you and your dog, and a water feature to control the dust. This area of the park is prone to flooding after a storm.
Vista del Camino Park has a half-acre dog park with shade trees, benches and water fountains.