NE Valley Times

Scottsdale's McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is set to undergo significant upgrades to enhance visitors' experiences, particularly during the hot summer months. The park's improvements will include an array of new features, such as an indoor train-themed play structure and a splash pad, aimed at attracting more visitors.

Construction for the enhancements commenced recently and is expected to span approximately a year. Among the notable additions is a new 10,000-square-foot building called The Roundhouse, which will house a train-themed play area and a multipurpose room. Additionally, new restrooms will cater to both outdoor park visitors and users of the new indoor facility. The park will also introduce a 5,000-square-foot splash pad play area, a new entry plaza near Stillman Station, and various other site enhancements like park pathways, exterior lighting, and trees.

"The splash pad has been the most requested enhancement over the past several years," a park representative shared, noting its importance in providing recreational opportunities during the summer when attendance typically wanes. The total project cost for these improvements is estimated at $13.1 million, with funding secured from various sources, including the 2019 Bond Election, the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society, the city's general fund, park revenues, and tourism funds.

Recognized as Scottsdale's signature park, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a significant revenue generator, bringing in approximately $2.5 million annually. For more information on the ongoing improvements at the park, interested individuals can visit TheRailroadPark.com or access details on ScottsdaleAZ.gov by searching for "railroad park improvements."