Scottsdale Recognized for Top Park System in Phoenix Area

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Families enjoy the newly upgraded amenities in Scottsdale's parks.

News Summary

Scottsdale, Arizona, has been ranked as having the best big city park system in the Phoenix area according to the Trust for Public Land’s annual report. The city’s ParkScore ranking improved from 57th to 48th nationally, attributed to enhancements in park amenities such as splashpads and basketball hoops. Other major cities in the region showed mixed results, with Gilbert dropping and Glendale improving their ParkScore positions. Overall, this report highlights the importance of parks in promoting community health and social connections.

Scottsdale, Arizona, has been recognized as having the best big city park system in the Phoenix area, according to the annual report issued by the Trust for Public Land. Notably, Scottsdale is the only city in the region that has made it into the top half of U.S. cities evaluated by the ParkScore metrics, moving up from 57th place in 2024 to 48th nationally this year.

Despite Scottsdale’s standout ranking, other major cities in the area also saw variations in their ParkScore positions over the past year. Gilbert, for instance, ranked 77th, a drop from 67th; Glendale improved to 89th from 90th; and Phoenix fell to 83rd from 85th. Chandler and Mesa reported similar trends, with Chandler dropping from 84th to 93rd and Mesa rising from 96th to 87th.

The increase in Scottsdale’s ranking has been attributed to ongoing enhancements in park amenities. Recent upgrades include the addition of new splashpads and basketball hoops, which have contributed to the overall user experience in the city’s parks. Scottsdale also excels in park acreage and investment, scoring higher than its regional counterparts.

According to the ParkScore methodology, which evaluates parks based on five essential factors—access, acreage, investment, amenities, and equity—Glendale stands out in terms of park access. Approximately 73% of Glendale residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, slightly below the national average of 76% for park access.

Public interest in parks remains strong, as indicated by a recent survey that showed 89% of respondents from ParkScore cities visited a public park at least once in the past year. Parks are playing a vital role in fostering social connections across different demographic lines, underscoring their importance in the community. In fact, only 24% of those surveyed expressed a desire to have spent more time at home over the past year, highlighting a clear preference for outdoor spaces.

In comparison to national park systems, Washington, DC, continues to lead, retaining its title as the highest-ranked park system in the nation. Following Washington, DC, are Irvine, California, in second place, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in third, and Cincinnati, Ohio, in fourth. Washington, DC, notably reserves around 21% of its land for parks, facilitating extensive park space and equitable access for its residents.

The latest ParkScore report illustrates the growing acknowledgment of parks as crucial components for community health and cohesion, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. As cities across the U.S. seek to promote public spaces that are inclusive and accessible, disparities remain, particularly in park access and availability for low-income neighborhoods compared to their wealthier counterparts.

Overall, the results from this year’s ParkScore report not only showcase the achievements of Scottsdale in enhancing its park system but also reflect broader trends and challenges in park accessibility and community engagement across various cities nationwide.