A 10-acre parcel of land was donated to the Town of Fountain Hills by MCO Properties for a park bounded by Desert Vista, Tioga and Tower drives off Saguaro Boulevard.

Dog owners quickly jumped on board and staked a claim to three acres near Tioga Drive on the lower portion of the split level site. They did a lot of the work in helping the town fence off the area and opening it as an off-leash recreation area.

The dog park has evolved over the years from a simple fenced lot to provide two separate areas, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. Trees and ramadas have been placed on the site to provide shade for pets and owners.

There are currently plans to make additional improvements to address a noise problem.

Dogs using the off-leash facility at Desert Vista must be licensed and have proper vaccinations. The Town of Fountain Hills is the licensing entity for dogs in the community.

The next step in improvements at Desert Vista was construction of a skate park for skate boarders and BMX bikers to use.

The skater facility was built in 2006 and dedicated early in 2007 and provides a place for bikers, skate boarders and rollerbladers to exercise and hone their skills.

The skate park is not supervised and users understand this is a high risk activity and they assume the responsibility for their own safety.

The use of protective equipment including helmets, knee and elbow pads is highly recommended.

The master plan for Desert Vista Park includes a second phase for the skate park, but future development of that area is uncertain.

By late in 2009 the town had dedicated nearly $3.2 million in additional improvements to Desert Vista Park.

There is lighting for the athletic fields, which are primarily used by the Fountain Hills Soccer Club, which has consolidated most of its games and practices at this facility.

A restroom/control building was built that includes a concession stand. There are two picnic and shade ramadas.

A children’s playground is shaded by trees near the restrooms.

Landscaping, walkways and lighting add to the ambiance of this park.

Information regarding reservations for the use of any of the facilities at Desert Vista Park may be obtained by contacting the Community Services Department at Town Hall or calling 480-816-5100.