The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has given its final approval for a McDowell Mountain Regional Park Master Plan Update.

In March the county Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend the board’s approval.

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began working on the update for McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Master Plan in 2017. Since that time, staff conducted three public meetings, engaged with stakeholder groups in three meetings, collected online feedback and gathered input from special interest groups and partners.

The 21,099-acre regional park is located four miles north of the Town of Fountain Hills within the lower Verde Basin and is the third largest park in Maricopa County’s regional park system.

“There’s a reason we have the best parks system in the country and that’s because we don’t just rely on what has worked in the past. We change with the needs of our community,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. “The original master plan was approved in 1967. Now, the people who use this beautiful space have suggested additional services and activities that make sense for the Maricopa County of today. This plan takes their needs and wants into consideration and will enhance the visitor experience for the next 50 years.”

“While the core foundation of the Park’s Master Plan is to protect the parks open spaces and natural resources has remained steadfast, we’ve incorporated modernized changes into the plan to meet our visitor’s needs,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation director. “Several noticeable changes to the plan include: the footprint for a proposed new nature and wildlife conservation center; additional campsites; expansion and upgrades of the event staging areas; a flow trail and bike skills park; and cabins for glamping to accommodate those who would prefer a more luxurious camping experience.”

A copy of the Park Master Plan Update may be found at maricopacountyparks.net. To learn more about Maricopa County’s regional park system, visit maricopacountyparks.net.