On April 20th and 21st the Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale and the City of Scottsdale launched the center’s “Community Conversations” phase with two public meetings. The meetings were designed to provide more information for Scottsdale business owners and residents and give attendees an initial opportunity to provide input into the concept plan.
In addition to conducting public meetings, DDC Scottsdale has established a Facebook page and a website to provide and gather information regarding the proposed center. They are designed to facilitate a community discussion, as the DDC Scottsdale works to make the center a reality. The DDC Scottsdale website, which is part of the city’s website, offers a wealth of background information about the DDC project.
Visit Facebook Page Visit WebsiteBackground Information & News
DDC News, May 5, 2016
Complete Survey: Participate in Early Stage Discovery Center Planning
Survey Closes May 12, 2016
Please take a few minutes to respond to the City of Scottsdale survey regarding the Desert Discovery Center (DDC). This is your chance to voice your opinion at the earliest stages of DDC planning. The city wants to hear from you regarding those things that captured your imagination.
The front section asks demographic questions the City of Scottsdale wants to capture, but the 2nd page defines broad concepts about the DDC experience. You can comment on the survey item and add comments of your own.
This input is important as it will be one of the first things passed along to the architect and experience designer, which will be coming on board in June.
Act today, if possible – the survey will close on May 12 to give the City of Scottsdale time to pull together its report for the future contractors.
Review, Complete, Submit DDC SurveyDDC News, April 27, 2016
Peak Articles Educate and Encourage DDC Dialogue
At this point in time, the best sources of information about the DDC are the website and Facebook page referenced above. The website has more detailed information regarding past city proceedings, plans, documents, and actions, while the Facebook page has more information about current news and activities. Both sources describe ways that you can become involved in the process.
In the months ahead, The Peak will be publishing articles about the DDC to facilitate an educated dialogue. We encourage your comments. You will find a comment box at the bottom of this article and every other article in the magazine.
As of this date, The Peak has published the following articles for your review.
Dan Gruber Contributes to DDC Community Conversation – Summarizes Gruber’s article that answers anticipated questions that are based on past actions related to the DDC. Gruber’s article was published in the Arizona Republic. Read Article
Learn More About Scottsdale’s Desert Discovery Center– Provides introductory information about the DDC and the ongoing process; published by the Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale. Read Article
The People’s Preserve – How Scottsdale Created the McDowell Sonoran Preserve – An excellent history of the creation of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Joan Fudala, the book’s author, is a member of Scottsdale DDC’s board. Read Article
The Desert Center & A Special Pinnacle Peak Secret – Newcomers to Scottsdale might be confused by references to the Desert Center of Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale’s proposed Desert Discovery Center. The are two different things but the Pinnacle Peak center is part of the heritage of the Desert Discovery Center. Read Article
DDC News, January 12, 2016
On Jan. 11, the Scottsdale City Council voted to proceed with the next steps of planning for the Desert Discovery Center. The motion passed with a 6-1 vote.
This vote approved a contract with our nonprofit, Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale, that includes communications and public outreach, a business plan update, experience/programming design and fund-raising plans. Within the next few months, the City of Scottsdale also will be going out to bid for an architectural services provider.
In approximately 18 months, Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale, plans to be back in front of the City Council with its deliverables and a project that the community helped create and that will serve as a source of pride. Along the way, we will be seeking to collaborate with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and other vital partners as part of our public outreach efforts.
April 27, 2016
Thank you, Dan!This must move ahead – your details are terrific.
April 28, 2016
I like the concept of teaching people about the desert
April 29, 2016
Our deserts are the “soul” of Arizona. More people need to be educated on and exposed to its beauty, life and preservation. DDC can provide that opportunity