Proposed Sunridge Natural Park

In June 2021, the Town Council approved the Community Services Master Plan, which looks at community wants and needs for future parks and recreation in Fountain Hills. The Town researched regional and national standards and potential service level improvements in developing the plan and solicited community feedback through surveys, online forums, and community presentations. Ideally, communities strive to have a park within a 10-minute walk from every residential home. Consistently, nearly 80 percent of Fountain Hills’ residents indicated they desire to have parks within easy access. As a result, several future park locations have been identified as part of the Community Service Master Plan.

During the summer of 2021, the Town initiated a survey of residents who live in Sunridge Canyon regarding the proposed park in Sunridge Canyon. The purpose of the questionnaire was to help determine residents' concerns about the park and possible amenities desired in the proposed park. The survey results were reviewed and compiled in the spring of 2022. The feedback received was a mix of people opposed to the park, along with those who wanted the park. Throughout the summer, the Town engaged Norris Design Group to begin the conceptual park design of Sunridge Natural Park based on specific feedback from the survey.

In September 2022, the Town invited a small group of Sunridge Canyon residents to review the preliminary park design and gather their feedback. The group consisted of people who were opposed to the park, undecided, and in favor of the park. The group's consensus was that the Town had listened to the residents who expressed concerns about the park and minimized park amenities to make it less attractive to people outside of Sunridge.

Sunridge residents will receive an invitation in December 2022 to review the new park renderings.