Photos of 1995- Special Year of Scenic Drive Community Service and Celebration

Posted By Les Conklin on Apr 13, 2015

Courtesy of Friends of the Scenic Drive

By Les Conklin

1995 was a banner year for the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. It began with a thoughtful, supportive note from Scottsdale’s mayor, Herb Drinkwater. It ended with the publication of the December issue of A Peek at the Peak magazine that included numerous photographs of the monument sign dedication and celebration that was held in October. There was much to celebrate. During the year, the Scenic Drive’s plant identification signs were restored, new identification signs were posted beside northern Scottsdale Road, and the original drive entry sign, installed in 1964 was donated to the Cave Creek Museum.

Look closely at the photographs in this article. You’ll recognize many community leaders, including Herb Drinkwater, Mary Manross, Cynthia Lukas, Don Schoenau, Barbara Copeland, Marcita Ryan, Greg Bielle, and Tony Nelssen.

Much has changed in the past 20 years. The Desert Foothills Homeowners Coalition, which organized the restoration and the cookout celebration, was incorporated as Friends of the Scenic Drive. The Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association became a 501 C (3)charity, the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA). Friends of the Scenic Drive merged into GPPA. A Peek at the Peak magazine, published by GPPA, has had four different editors and transitioned to this online publication. And, the Scenic Drive has changed; new neighborhoods and retail centers have been developed, Scottsdale Road has been widened, utility lines and poles have been undergrounded, exhibits were added, and scenic corridor guidelines have been established that protect roadside vegetation and vistas. One thing remains the same, the Scenic Drive is an historic landmark that is essential to tourists and residents.

February 1995. Scenic Drive advocates hold an outdoor ceremony to mark restoration of plant identification signs, and the posting of small metal “Scenic Drive” signs along Scottsdale Road. Corki Cockburn, drive founder, and Mayor Drinkwater attend. In 1963, Scenic Drive was originated by Maricopa County residents under the auspices of the Cave Creek Improvement Association.

Barrel Cactus Exhibit, Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, 1995

Temporary Scenic Drive Sign, Designed by Volunteer Susan, 1995 Conway, 1995

1995 Photos of Restored Plant Exhibits & Vicinity

October 1995. The monument sign, located south of Jomax, is enhanced and the original wooden entry sign is donated to the Cave Creek Museum.

This monument sign was erected by Maricopa County in 1966. There were two, one on Scottsdale Road and one on Cave Creek Road.

Monument at Scenic Drive Exhibit Area After 1995 Enhancement of Original Sign

This drive entry sign, installed in 1964, was located just north of the power line corridor on Scottsdale Road, south of Jomax.

December 1995. A Peek at the Peak Captures Spirit of Celebration

The Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowner’s Association, the forerunner of today’s nonprofit Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, made the very first donation, $1,000, in support of the Scenic Drive restoration effort.

Cover

The Peak’s cover featured pictures of the Scenic Drive

The cover of the December 1995 issue of A Peek at the Peak magazine featured photographs of the Scenic Drive monument dedication and cookout and GPPHA’s October roadside cleanup.

Page 26. The Cookout and Monument Dedication