“Divine Desert Drive” by Chad Weaver, Carefree – Winner Scenic Drive Category, 2015 Summer Fun Photo Contest
January 2017
By Les Conklin
I was reviewing this magazine’s pages that are devoted to Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive when I came across these entries that are part of the drive’s “Heritage Timeline.” See The Peak: Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive now is easier to explore. See for yourself. There is still work to be done.
“February 1999.
Mayor “Sam Campana and City Council honor Scenic Drive and Scottsdale Road Scenic Corridor as ‘Scottsdale Place.’
Scottsdale voters pass $27 million Bond 2000 program for enhancement of Scottsdale Road and Scottsdale Road Scenic Corridor. The intention is to have enhancements serve as examples for other scenic corridors. Friends introduces, organizes, funds, and completes a project to paint all utility boxes along the Scenic Drive dark brown (a first in Scottsdale history). This approach is later adopted for other projects, such as DC Ranch.”
“2000. … Friends introduces, organizes, funds, and completes a project to paint the posts and backs of traffic signs dark brown. Friends works with the city to have traffic light standards painted the same color.”
That was 17 years ago, and there is very good news.
- Bond 2000 has been implemented and as a result utility lines were undergrounded, roadside vegetation has been strengthened, and the appearance of intersections and roadside amenities (railings) has been enhanced.
- The large utility boxes were painted dark brown.
- The traffic light standards were painted dark brown.
- The posts of traffic signs were painted dark brown.
What’s Left
This sign was installed since the last time the posts were painted brown to match other roadside infrastructure.
Repainted Roadside Small Utility Cabinet Cover that has been painted to blend into the environment..
Now, a relatively small effort is needed to finish the job. Since the traffic sign posts were painted, numerous new signs and posts have been installed, which are green in color. The posts that were painted and have survived have faded and need to be repainted. GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive and the City of Scottsdale need to organize a project to fund and paint the posts. There also may need to be some “recently” installed utility boxes that need to painted brown; an on-the-ground survey is needed. As part of this overall effort, plant identification signs need to be inventoried and plant exhibits installed or refurbished when necessary.
The Scottsdale Places awards booklet, published in February 2000, contains the following quote from the nomination submitted by Friends of the Scenic Drive. “The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive represents the visual appearance that many people associate with Scottsdale and the dedication of Scottsdale residents to preserve their environment.”
Volunteer or Donate Now
You can support this specific project and the Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive by serving on a committee and/or making a donation. For information, contact Les Conklin, GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive at 480-361-6498 or lesconklin@gppaaz.org.
In addition, you can support our efforts by becoming a GPPA member, making a donation to GPPA, or publishing an advertisement or advertorial in The Peak. For information, click on the link below.
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The Peak: Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive now is easier to explore. See for yourself
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