New Conversation Underway in Scottsdale, Arizona
April 24, 2016
As the Desert Discovery Center (DDC) Scottsdale begins its “Community Conversations” phase to provide information and garner feedback about the center, the Arizona Republic published an article “9 Facts on Desert Discovery Center in Scottsdale.” The DDC is not a new subject in Scottsdale and questions and concerns have been raised regarding the project. The article, written by Dan Gruber, a member of the Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale board of directors, and long-time supporter of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, is designed to respond to the issues that have been raised and set a foundation for a community dialogue. Gruber, one of the preserve’s staunchest advocates,, has donated many hundreds of hours to the Desert Discovery Center project.
Here is a concise list of the topics, “facts,” Gruber discusses in his article. You will find a link to the entire article, as published on AZCENTRAL.COM at the end of the list. The article has also been posted on DDC Scottsdale’s Facebook page. (See “Related Articles, Websites” below for link.)
The cost, size, and features are to be determined. During the next 18 month, the city and DDC Scottsdale, its nonprofit partner will determine how much the center will cost to build and operate, what features will be included, how features will be presented to the public, and how large the facility will be.
The City of Scottsdale will own the DDC and it will be run by a nonprofit operator. It’s not a private business enterprise that is being promoted by a developer.
It’s not a new venture. The DDC has been part of the vision of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve from its earliest days, as planners envisioned and facility to educate residents and visitors about the desert.
The Gateway location is not a new idea. The plan to place the DDC at the Gateway was a major justification for acquiring the land that includes the Gateway from Toll Brothers.
The public has and will be involved in the process of creating the DDC. A public process is being followed regarding creating of the Gateway. The DDC was approved by the Scottsdale City Council in 2007 as a municipal use facility. Further public process steps are required before the center is built.
The 2010 DDC “Phase II” Study was a study to produce a concept, not a proposal. It provides a base of input to develop a plan that will incorporated citizen input and the expertise of professionals in related fields, i.e. financial, business planning, etc.
The vision of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve was to provide access to all residents and visitors who want to learn about our unique natural environment. The DDC will provide an opportunity for those who do not or cannot hike or bike.
The city and DDC Scottsdale are aware of neighbors’ concerns and these concerns will be addressed during the planning process.
The DDC and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offer a unique opportunity for Scottsdale to establish itself as a leader in conservation policy, research, and education.
The “Community Conversations” phase of the effort is the beginning of the process. It is a huge opportunity for residents to become involved in creating something special, a unique part of Scottsdale’s future.
Read My Turn: 9 facts on Desert Discovery Center in ScottsdaleRelated Articles, Websites
Learn More About Scottsdale’s Desert Discovery Center
The People’s Preserve – How Scottsdale Created the McDowell Sonoran Preserve by Joan Fudala
Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale Facebook Page, Visit Facebook Page
City of Scottsdale Website, DDC Information Visit Website
April 27, 2016
As an educator, I was thrilled to see a fact-based public article in the Republic. I hike the area and frankly am excited that the DDC will add a new way to enjoy the area, new access for young and old and a new way to engage everyone in this wonderful treasure in our back yard. Thank you.
April 27, 2016
This adventure is primed to take off and will help make Scottsdale the best place to live, learn, work and play. I am excited to see all of the opportunities unfold with the DDC and what it will bring to education for residents and visitors as well as the impact it will have on conservation efforts and helping enhance sustainability in the desert.
April 28, 2016
The DDC is an excellent idea – it just should be placed on land already zoned commercial and not at Gateway Trailhead where it will tear up 30+/- acres, in addition tot he flora & fauna that will be destroyed by construction. There are 2 other viable locations, all contiguous to desert habitat: at the Butterfly Farm/Aquarium, east of the 101, NE corner of the 101 & Pima/Princess & across the street from the Gateway Trailhead.
April 28, 2016
The DDC is a wonderful opportunity for those who do not or can not hike to experience the Sonoran Desert. Finally!
April 28, 2016
People are promoting tearing up 30+/- acres of desert bajada to put in a place at the Gateway that people can show pictures of what the bajada looked like before it was torn up. There are 3 other excellent locations that are contiguous to desert – with the Butterfly Farm/Aquarium, east of the 101; NE corner of Princess/Pima & 101 and across the street from Gateway trailhead – then the tourists can see the bajada! while the museum explains what it is, how it was formed & what plant and animal life it supports.
April 28, 2016
Also, everything wonderful that they want the DDC to provide can be provided on a site that is already zoned commercial. Oh, and chuckle when they tell you that, but for the DDC planning, that land would have been 300 houses! So, the DDC is an improvement over 200 houses! Did they mention that when they submitted the bond issues to the voters for funds to Preserve the Preserve?