The footprint of the growing Maricopa Trail will now be seen in Scottsdale.

At its April 12 regular session the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Scottsdale for the Maricopa Trail within the city’s preserve.

The Maricopa Trail is a 310-mile trail system that encircles the county, and will eventually link all 10 of the County’s regional parks together. Maps indicate the proposed alignment for the trail passes nearest to Fountain Hills south of town along or near the CAP Canal alignment before it enters Scottsdale.

“Building the Maricopa Trail has been a massive undertaking,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. “It wouldn’t be possible without partnerships such as this.”

Approval of the IGA allows Maricopa County to use segments of the city’s existing trails and right-of-ways as a connecting piece of the Maricopa Trail that will aide in linking Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and Usery Mountain Regional Park.

The Maricopa Trail will follow routes designated as part of the City’s Shared Use Paths plan, and will be identified with Maricopa Trail markers and decals.

“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,” Chucri said. “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.”

“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,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director. “This partnership will help us complete the Maricopa Trail, and provide additional trail connections for Scottsdale.”

The Maricopa Trail is a vast trail system, and the Department is always looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time and expertise to help maintain the trail. Individuals or organizations that are able to assist with routine trail maintenance may contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at 602-506-2930, or visit maricopa.gov/parks/volunteer.aspx.