Mcdowell Mountain Ranch Park And Aquatic Center

By Author: Barry Cox
Total Articles: 3698
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Located in North Scottsdale just a few miles east of the 101 freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd is the McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center. Opened in early 2007, the center has quickly become a favorite of children and adults alike.

The aquatic and fitness center account for approximately 17 acres of the 75 acre campus. The aquatic center is anchored by a 13 lane competition pool with dive well where visitors can lap swim. Make sure to give the facility a quick call before heading to the pool for your lap swims as local high school swim teams, diving teams and synchronized swim teams make use of the pool for practices and competitions.

For the kids (and kids at heart), the aquatic center includes a leisure pool with beach like zero-depth entry and spray pad, 600 foot lazy river, and the city's first tube slide. There are also several grassy areas with plenty of shade and a party island with seating at the lazy river.

Scottsdale Healthcare and the City of Scottsdale parks and Recreation have teamed up to provide a first class fitness center. The facility includes free weights, cardiovascular ...
... machines, machine weights and a variety of fitness, nutritional and wellness classes.

The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic center is also home to a 16,000 square foot skate park which features the city's only "street course." Kids love the 6 rails, 7 ledges, 9 stair and the fact that the pool is right next door. The facility is fenced, lighted, and better yet, free! All skateboarders and inline skaters are welcome, but bmx bikes are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Additional facilities you will find at the park are 4 soccer fields, and 2 ball fields. Some of the fields are lighted, and public restrooms are available.

The City of Scottsdale has done a great job keeping the aquatic and fitness center affordable for residents and nonresidents alike. No membership is required and daily fees for adult lap swim are $2.00 resident, $3.00 nonresident per visit. Children, age 17 and under pay just $1.00 resident or $1.50 nonresident per visit. Adult public swim is $6.00 resident and $9.00 nonresident per visit. Children under 18 public swim is $4.00 resident and $6.00 nonresident per visit. The city also offers a Scottsdale Summer Family Pass to the facility which can save families a considerable amount of money.

For those looking for some alternative activities while their children enjoy the offerings of the park, we would suggest playing a round of golf at the Sanctuary Golf Course, enjoying a book at the award winning Arabian Library (a quick walk from the park), or sampling some cuisine at some of the locals favorite restaurants such as Flo's Chinese or Nick's Italian Restaurant.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center

15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.312.6677