Maricopa Trail continues to grow its footprint as it now represented in Scottsdale as well. An unanimous decision was reached by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors as they approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that was drawn up between the City of Scottsdale and the Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The Maricopa Trail spans 310 miles, encompassing the entire county. The long-term goal is to allow this trail to serve as a link for all 10 of the parks in the county. District 2 Supervisor, Steve Chucri, stated, “Building the Maricopa Trail has been a massive undertaking. It wouldn’t be possible without partnerships such as this.”

With the approval of the IGA, Maricopa County is able to use segments in the existing trails, as well as right-of-ways, as a connector within the Maricopa Trail. With the addition of the link, it will provide access to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Usery MOuntain Regional Park, and the Super Cross Ranch Conservation Area. What constitutes as the Maricopa Trail will follow along routes that are designated as a part of the City’s Shared Use Paths. The Maricopa Trail will be identified with trail-specific decals and markers.

Chucri continued on, “Partnering to use the City of Scottsdale’s existing trails not only saves the Parks Department time on trail construction, it also saves taxpayer dollars. The City has also agreed to provide trail maintenance and emergency services along the Maricopa Trail on the portions that reside within their boundaries. I’m pleased that these actions will result in additional cost savings.”

R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation’s Director weighed in,“By adding Scottsdale’s corridors to the Maricopa Trail, we are able to expand off-street multi-modal trail opportunities for both County and City residents. This partnership will help us complete the Maricopa Trail, and provide additional trail connections for Scottsdale.”

For more info on the Maricopa Trail, visit http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/.