Scottsdale is making several upgrades to its Railroad Park, which will add features to make it more popular during the hot summer months, including an indoor train-themed play structure and splash pad. Construction began this week and will take approximately a year to complete.
Park improvements include:
• A new 10,000-square-foot building, The Roundhouse, with a focus on train-themed play. The building will include an indoor play structure in the shape of a locomotive engine and multipurpose room.
• New restrooms to serve both exterior park users and the new indoor facility.
• A new 5,000-square-foot splashpad play area.
• A new entry plaza next to Stillman Station that includes a seating area, plants and public art.
• Additional site improvements also include new park pathways, exterior lighting and trees.
The splash pad has been the most requested enhancement over the past several years and was identified during the park’s master planning process as a key addition to provide recreation opportunities during the summer months when park attendance declines.
The total project cost of $13.1 million will come from several sources. In the 2019 Bond Election, Scottsdale voters approved a project to add a splash pad and improve walkways at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which will fund several of the improvements. The indoor play structure is being purchased by the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society, the park’s non-profit partner. The remainder of the project is funded by the city’s general fund, park revenues and tourism funds.
