NE Valley Times

Most city offices in Scottsdale will be closed on July 4th to observe Independence Day, although trash and recycling schedules remain unchanged. Residents are advised to place their containers out the evening before or by 5 a.m. on collection day.

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve will close at noon on July 4th as a precaution against wildfires and will reopen at 5 a.m. the following day. Pinnacle Peak Park will maintain its usual hours from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the holiday. "All trailheads into the preserve will have 'closed' signs posted," with police and staff patrolling to inform visitors of the closure and fire risk. Violating this closure is considered a misdemeanor, which can result in up to four months in jail and a $750 fine.

Public swimming pools will operate on adjusted schedules: Cactus pool is open for lap swimming from 8 a.m. to noon, while Chaparral is closed, and McDowell Mountain Ranch and Eldorado waterparks offer lap swim from 1-5:30 p.m.

The Subaru Presents Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration returns for its ninth year at WestWorld from 5-10 p.m., featuring events inside the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center under the theme “Be Red, White & COOL.”

Fireworks use remains restricted despite state laws allowing some consumer fireworks in Scottsdale during this period. Fire officials recommend attending professional displays due to safety concerns.

The Scottsdale City Council has allocated nearly $2 million to nonprofit agencies offering essential services such as meal programs, emergency payments, homeless shelters, and teen suicide hotlines.

As June Days activities conclude this week, highlights include Pirate's Treasure Adventure through June 30th and self-guided historic walking tours of Old Town.

On July 3rd, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts Red, White and Choo Choo from 4-9 p.m., featuring family-friendly activities like bounce houses and pie-eating contests.

From July 7th through September 30th, Scottsdale Public Art presents “Designed to Move” at the Civic Center Library with works by photographer Taylor James focusing on desert seed designs.

Scottsdale's virtual learning series continues with Government Relations Director Dale Wiebusch discussing how the city advocates for its interests regionally and nationally on July 7th.

Nominations are open for the Scottsdale Chamber’s Sterling Awards until July 29th. The awards honor business excellence across several categories with winners announced on November 18th.

The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society has donated $1 million towards an indoor play facility at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park as part of an expansion project aimed at providing year-round indoor options for families.

Experience Scottsdale has released its Strategic Business Plan for fiscal year 2022-23 outlining tourism initiatives and strategies available online for review.