🌱 'Shape Scottsdale Parks' + Platinum-Level Goal + Help The Tortoises

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back with your new copy of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll read about...

• Input needed for Bicycle Friendly Community goals.
• How to "Shape Scottsdale Parks!"
• Diamond Fire puts key tortoise migration and food sources at risk.

But first, your weekend weather: Expect clouds and possible afternoon thunderstorms, with a high of 113 and low of 87.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Scottsdale has been recognized as "a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community, by the League of American Bicyclists, for 12 consecutive years," and the city is seeking input as it renews its certification and strives to reach platinum-level. Public input can be provided via an online survey through Aug. 25, and the feedback will help the city "shape future bike activities, amenities and infrastructure." Scottsdale is "one of only 36 cities in the country" to achieve the gold-level designation! (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook, City of Scottsdale)
2. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation is inviting residents to "Shape Scottsdale Parks" by engaging in the Master Plan that will identify "key initiatives, policies, and strategies to guide Scottsdale's parks and recreation over the next decade." Residents can take an online survey, comment on interactive maps, and stay up to date on milestones and information at ShapeScottsdaleParks.com. Residents can also sign up for email communications on this website to learn more about "additional surveys, workshops, focus groups, and outreach at community events." (City of Scottsdale)
3. The Diamond Fire affected approximately 2,000 acres, and 300 of those acres were part of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. The Gooseneck area was largely impacted, which is a strip of land that animals like the Sonoran Desert tortoise travel through to reach different areas of their habitat. Since the area is now susceptible to invasive plant growth, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy must intervene to ensure the tortoises can still access their food sources and this key migration path. They are asking hikers to help by staying on the trails and not exploring the damaged areas, as this can transport the "inevasible [plant] species." (Arizona's Family)
4. Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the fiscal year 2023-24 board of director's leadership. Michelle Pabis, who is HonorHealth's vice president of government and community affairs, will serve as chair of the board. Eric Luoma of Cactus Flower will serve as vice chair, Matt Benson of Veridus LLC will serve as immediate past chair, George Jack of Wells Fargo Advisors will serve as treasurer, and Mark Stanton of Scottsdale Chamber will serve as secretary. The team of leaders will "continue the chamber's legacy of strength, advocacy, and community engagement." (Daily Independent)

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Tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday in Scottsdale:

Sunday, July 30

• Western Movie Matinees: "Shane" at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Purchase tickets online. (2:00 PM)
• Safety Luau at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. "Bring the whole family and practice your hula skills, enjoy open-swim and end the night with a dive-in movie showing of Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch.'" (4:00 PM - 9:30 PM)

Monday, July 31

• Books 2 Boogie at Civic Center Library (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Family Storytime at Arabian Library (6:15 PM - 6:45 PM)

Tuesday, August 1

• Arabian Nights Book Discussion — "The Lincoln Highway" at Arabian Library (5:00 PM - 6:15 PM)

From my notebook:

• Check out Fire Chief Tom Shannon playing bagpipes for "Bagpipe Appreciation Day" here! (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Families enjoyed a fun fort-building Family Storytime at Arabian Library!" (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
• "Not only are [mosquitos] an annoyance, but they carry disease. Please dump your standing water to reduce breeding grounds for these little vampires." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Did you know you can check the closure status of Scottsdale sports fields and dog parks before heading out? Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov/sports/sports-field-status after it rains to see if weather-related closures are in effect." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Reminder: monsoon season runs through Sept. 30... Learn what you can do to be prepared before a storm rolls in: EIN.AZ.gov/ready-set-go" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Join us on Sept. 27 at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for The Business Case for Mental Health workshop and panel discussion... [for] insights into legal obligations and how prioritizing mental wellness can positively impact employee productivity, engagement, and performance. Register at: bit.ly/44CZwET" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox next week with another update.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]