Feature Video: History of The Fountain: Adapted from the 35th Anniversary presentation

 

In Fountain Hills, there are plenty of options available for those in the mood to get involved.

For those looking to get out and get active, Fountain Hills offers a variety of locations for adults, kids, senior citizens and even pets to stretch their legs and have a good time.

Fountain Park remains the most visible — and most visited — park in Fountain Hills. From miles around people are drawn to this 64-acre park with the trademark spouting wonder of the desert, the Fountain, one of the largest continuously running fountains in the world.

Here's a listing of major area public parks or outdoor recreation areas and information. Contact the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department for more information on permits, how to reserve facilities or schedule activities or event by calling (480) 816-5151 or visiting parksrec@fh.az.gov:

• Desert Vista Park — In November 2009, the Town dedicated nearly $3.2 million in improvements to the Desert Vista Park, including lighted athletic fields, a restroom and concessions building, picnic and shade ramadas, age-appropriate children’s playgrounds, walking paths, landscaping improvements, area lighting, and new parking areas. The lighted athletic fields are primarily used by the Fountain Hills Soccer Club, who have consolidated the majority of games and practices to the improved facilities at the park.

Another one of the town’s most used amenities is the Off-Leash Recreational Facility, or Dog Park, at Desert Vista Park. The Dog Park is a three-acre fenced facility that allows pet owners the opportunity to let their dogs run free. The Dog Park is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dogs must be licensed and have proper vaccinations. The Dog Park is divided into two fenced areas, one for larger dogs and the other for smaller canines. The large/active dog area can be accessed from entrances on either Tower Drive or Desert Vista. The small/passive dog area can only be accessed from Tower Drive.

Also serving as a large draw for Desert Vista Park is the Skate Park added in late 2006. The Skate Park offers skateboarders, rollerbladers and bikers alike a place to get some exercise with a proposed second phase being considered to extend the facilities. The Skate Park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

• Fountain Park — This 64-acre public park, which includes a 29-acre effluent lake, is owned and maintained by the Town of Fountain Hills. The park was built in 1970 as the cornerstone of Fountain Hills and includes an 18-hole championship disc golf course, two age-defined children’s playgrounds with shade covers, a restroom building, as well as new park benches, ramadas, walking paths and the Splash Pad providing Fountain Hills youth a local place to cool off in the summer months.

Over the years, Fountain Park has become home to many local events including Movies in the Park, various musical events, Ballet Under the Stars and even the high school graduation.

Numerous improvements have been done to the park in recent years including the veterans’ memorial, new sidewalks, a larger playground and the addition of tee-off pads for the disc golf course.

The Lake Overlook Trail leads out of the northeast corner of Fountain Park and runs up along the ridge overlooking the park with views of Fountain Hills and the McDowell Mountains. The trail continues along residential neighborhoods leading back to the park across Panorama Drive near Saguaro Blvd.

No alcohol is permitted. Fountain Park is a popular venue for weddings and other group events, but reservations are necessary. The park is off Saguaro Boulevard, between El Lago and Palisades boulevards. Parties can call the town's Parks and Recreation Department at (480) 816-5151 to schedule organized activities or events to obtain a fee schedule and a permit.

The park is open seven days a week 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the Splash Pad running from 9 a.m. to sunset.

• Four Peaks Park — Four Peaks Neighborhood Park, located on Del Cambre near the Boys and Girls Club and Four Peaks Elementary School, is a 15-acre park that includes a youth soccer field with spectator seating, a 100-foot pedestrian bridge and walkways, picnic tables, an 18- by 24-foot ramada, a 750-square-foot restroom/control building, two lighted tennis courts, two lighted basketball courts, two multi-purpose ball fields with lights and a children’s playground.

• Golden Eagle Park — This 25-acre park off Golden Eagle Boulevard just north of the Fountain Hills High School on Palisades Boulevard was voted outstanding facility for a community under 60,000 in 1999.

The park has a hardball diamond, three lighted multi-purpose fields for softball, Little League, youth soccer and high school sports, and two shaded "tot lot" play structures for children; one designed for toddlers and the other for older youths.

Golden Eagle Park also boasts two lighted sand volleyball courts, a large picnic ramada, two lighted basketball courts, four lighted tennis courts, horseshoe pits and grassy areas.

The park includes paved parking and a central control building that features restrooms, vending machines, concession stand, office, storage area and activity room. Phone the town's Parks and Recreation Department for more information and scheduling of events, permits, etc., (480) 816-5151.