NE Valley Times

Arizona Forward honored the city and the Scottsdale Civic Center with a Crescordia award in “Civic Buildings, Structures, and Landscape Design.” The prestigious award, meaning "growing in harmony" in Greek, is the highest honor given in each category of the Environmental Excellence Awards program.

Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “Our spectacular, reborn Civic Center campus debuts three outdoor stages, more than 100 new trees, reduced turf areas, which save millions of gallons of water a year; and wide promenades, which link Scottsdale Stadium, Civic Center Library, City Hall, Scottsdale Center for the Arts and historic Old Town.” He emphasized the alignment between Arizona Forward and the city of Scottsdale in their commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment.

The renovation of the Scottsdale Civic Center, unveiled in 2023, has transformed the area into a vibrant space for art, culture, entertainment, and relaxation. The $33.5 million project, financed primarily through bonds approved by Scottsdale voters in 2019, aimed to create a more attractive and event-ready environment for residents and visitors.

The project focused on sustainability, incorporating features such as planted bioswales for stormwater collection, permeable pavements, and low water use plants. Additionally, enhancements were made to the outdoor public spaces to attract large-scale events and provide a better experience for the community.

Art remains a central element of the Scottsdale Civic Center, with many beloved pieces from the Scottsdale Public Art Collection finding new homes within the renovated space. The Civic Loop offers visitors a walking experience to view iconic public art installations throughout the area.

In addition to the Crescordia award, Scottsdale Water also received an Award of Distinction for water conservation communications. The department has expanded its efforts in water conservation through various initiatives such as communication campaigns, ordinance changes, and educational programs.

Arizona Forward, the organization behind the awards, focuses on improving environmental sustainability and economic vitality in Arizona and local regions. The recognition of the Scottsdale Civic Center renovation highlights the city's dedication to creating harmonious and eco-friendly spaces for its residents and visitors.