Scottsdale Civic Center

This is a lovely area with lots of things to do. There is a small playground for kids, and chairs and tables are available. It's a great place to spend some hours outdoors. The place is very clean and well-maintained.

Like other reviews state, it’s basically become a place solely for Homeless. Bathrooms are full of graffiti, blood, and drug paraphernalia. Homeless take up all the seating with their bikes, luggage, and shopping carts. I feel bad for the mothers and children that used to primarily use it. Always homeless people fighting and smoking when I walk up there

There were so many improvements to the Scottsdale Civic Center! It took me a few minutes to recognize the area, and I worked in the hotel years ago! What was previously an angled concrete area with fountains is now a large grassy area settled like an amphitheater with a splash pad and playground. There is plenty of seating throughout the grounds, sling with sculptures, murals, and fountains. I can imagine the concerts and public gatherings gmhsppenjbg in the area, and local families enjoying the playground and splash pad.

So many things to do and see around here. Its also fun for walks, picnics and photoshoots. The library and Old town scottsdale (tourist trap) are all in walking distance and all parking is free. You can certainly spend the whole day here

I've always loved walking here since Scottsdale built this area. The grass is always green, the fountains are usually working and the flowers are fun to look at. There is something always going on and it's a quick walk to get to Old Town Scottsdale.

It used to be SO NICE! Now it’s literally just a homeless person hangout. Constant cigarette smoke, drug use and homeless fighting/yelling. A group of men live there 24/7 and take up the sitting area where women and children used to play. It’s sad. Tweakers constantly rambling around yelling at people 😔

We were there for the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the flow was really nice. This location is pretty spacious and great for events like this for its openess and staggered flow. Parking was fairly easy and it's in the heart of old town Scottsdale so you can always leave and barhop or go to other restaurants.

I absolutely love coming here to relax or take a walk around. There are shops and restaurants near by, the fountains are beautiful, and there are cool sculptures and art to check out.

Cute little park in old town! Went after visiting the sugar bowl with the kids and they were able to run off some steam

An oasis in the city. An urban escape. I've visited the Scottsdale Civic Center a handful of times, and it's always a great experience. As an art aficionado, I found the art sculptures displayed all over the center very impressive. A few of these are: 'Windows to the West' by Louise Nevelson, 'The Yearlings' and 'Winfield Scott Memorial'--both by George-Ann Tognoni, and especially the famous 'Love' sign by Robert Indiana. The place is not just about art for they also stage concerts and events here. On one side, you'll find the city's public library, which is a nice bonus. A friend of mine who works for the City of Scottsdale invited me one time to watch a concert here. The amphitheater is a great addition for hosting events. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants nearby, making it convenient for grabbing a bite. The beautiful flora throughout the center adds color and tranquility, creating a peaceful oasis in the middle of busy Scottsdale. This is one spot in Scottsdale that one should never miss!

The Civic Center is an area of Old Town Scottsdale that I have spent many years at going back to my youth. I have done photoshoots here and attended events like the Scottsdale Culinary and Arts Festivals. They have a couple of stages and plenty of lawn space for these events. The city has done a nice job of renovating this area and added some beautiful public art pieces, a children's area, fountains and lagoons. They have also added some seats underneath some shade for those hot summer days. The LOVE sculpture is the highlight here and the most photographed of all the public arts pieces. The Scottsdale Center of Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Historical Museum are some of the big venues near the Civic Center. The public library has various art exhibits that rotate often. There is a large parking garage nearby that is usually free unless the Giants are playing a Spring Training game or there is some other event going on. Some of my favorite restaurants that are within walking distance include AZ88, The Mission and Los Olivos Mexican Patio. I have done lots of date nights here and have always enjoyed going for long evening walks at the Civic Center.

Walking around this park after our lunch in Old Town Scottsdale was the best part of our day on Sunday, the day before my son's ASU graduation. May 6th None of us had been here before, but the area showed up as a green area on my Strava tracker, so I asked if we could check it out. We all enjoy walking after a meal. I was immediately impressed. From the historic old school house with its friendly volunteers, to a small botanical desert garden, grassy areas, splash pad, sculptures and paved paths and shaded benches, this is a family-friendly area I'd come back to again and again. The public restroom is clean and there are water fountains for humans and dogs. We got 1.5 miles around the park and another 1.5 miles in Old Town. Weather was overcast and breezy, which made the 86F feel less brutal.

Super cute walking trail with plenty of different species of cactus in a garden section. Big Love sign for pictures and a splash pad for the kids to run around. The park was perfect and even had that foam flooring.

Scottsdale Civic Center Park is a gem in the heart of the city! As a middle-aged professional, I appreciate the park's peaceful atmosphere--it's the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. The walking paths are well-maintained, and there are plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax. I also love the art installations and the fountains, which add a touch of charm to the space. Whether you're going for a quiet stroll with your furry friend, reading a book, or just enjoying the outdoors, this park is a great spot for people of all ages. Highly recommend!

We are regular at this park. Parking is easy and lots of space around the park. We used to take our dog there and he loved it! Sometimes, we got food from the Saturday farmer market and walked here to enjoy the view and the food. The newly renovated park is wonderful. There are more seats under the shade. I like that they created two permanent stages in this park. I could not wait to enjoy the next events that they will host.

This is such a great area just recently renovated. It's great to get out and enjoy the sun. I just went for Sun and Sounds the other day to enjoy the weather some live music and it was great. Being a lawn blanket or stadium seat and perch yourself on the grass with a picnic basket. The building has nice restrooms to access and there were places and food trucks near by where you can get food and beverages during the shows.

If I could give 3.5 I would do that, but it leans more 3 for me at the moment. I've been coming here for years and it's definitely a nice park. There is ample amount of green space and the public art pieces are nice. I'm conflicted about the new re-model as I feel like what was promised vs. what was delivered is quite the let down. Specifically, the plans called for additional shade over areas where grass was removed and the preservation of the fountain area by the saguaro hotel is a far cry from the peaceful oasis it once was. I do appreciate the new event spaces and think that is a great add, but I do wish they had kept more of the original character of the park. I hope that once the plants in the rock areas have a chance to flourish the space feels more natural, but until that happens, the space is a bit of a disappointment for me.

It's a lovely area to have a picnic or take a stroll. There's lots of water features, flowers, picnic tables, a grassy area if you want to lay a blanket down and enjoy the shade of the trees. It's just a pleasant place, we take our takeout here from nearby restaurants or stroll with our gelato from the nearby gelateria. The library, city hall, modern art museum, performing arts center, and Scottsdale history museum are also here. If you want to simply enjoy a relaxing day, come here. Have fun checking out the nearby places, or bring your dog for a walk, or picnic with your family, I see everyone here from couples, to families enjoying a meal together, or a walk. For parking, there's a free parking garage off of E 2nd St, going North on N Wells Fargo Ave. (It's between Los Olivos Mexican Restaurant and the Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum.) There are water fountains and public restrooms West of the plaza as well as East of the plaza just keep in mind that they are like public park restrooms.

Tempe has Tempe Beach Park. Phoenix has Hance Park. Civic Center Park is Scottsdale's version. A place where concerts, festivals are held. A place where senior and engagement photos are taken. A place where tourists and locals go to get a photo with the giant LOVE sculpture. The recent removal of the decorative fountains and trees over the goldwater boulevard section left the area now open with only small trees planted and grass. I was hoping for a more creative use of the area after the repairs were finished in the bridge. However, the rest of the park has great large trees for shade and beautiful flowers planted going you that green garden like oasis in this dusty desert state. Free parking is best found next to the Main Scottsdale library just to the south of this park.

i can't be the only one who thinks the new renovation completely removed the beauty it once had. looks so boring and modern when before it felt like a beautiful garden area with little hills and shaded by trees area. this used to be a favorite spot but now it's so stale.

They sure have done a nice job with this as a public Civic Center space. The big grassy area in the middle for a Concerts is very nice and there is plenty of benches and other interesting things to see not to mention the library at the very nice historical museum. Definitely worth a visit when visiting downtown Scottsdale. Besides, it's free; how about that!

This area is so fun and is a must visit when you are in the Scottsdale area! It is so calming to walk through here. We also really love the Love sign that is there. Everything is just so perfect in this park, and is really well kept too. A great spot for some green area in Arizona! We go back to the plaza every time we visit the area!

I love this small part of the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza that's tucked away closer to the Old Town part. It has this little area for sitting and a fountain area! There's a lot of foot traffic on the day we went cause it was a beautiful day and it was market day.

Very clean and nice park. My friends and I had a mid morning picnic. Plenty of space and shade. I would definitely recommend for a nice stroll or visit!

When in Old Town Scottsdale DO NOT MISS the Civic Center. Pleasantly surprised by all there is to see and experience at the Scottsdale Civic Center. The Library, Civic Center, City Hall, the park, statues, landscaping, the water features and the famous Robert Indiana LOVE exhibit (scottsdalepublicart.org). Just a lovely place to relax, read a book, photograph the flowers, landscape and the surroundings. Or have a selfie exploration. What a great representation of the City of Scottsdale; classy, well maintained and stunningly beautiful.

I just love this Plaza with various artistic sculptures ( my fav being Louise Nevelson). One can stroll about choose gelato, coffee or lunch at a choice of restaurants. Afterwards a visit to the art museum, library or performing art center for a show. Don't miss the 2 great gift shops. Easy, free parking both covered or non.

Just saw the remodeled Civic Center Park. What a tragedy. Thanks for taking what used to be a beautiful, relaxing, delightful place to take a walk and turning it into a grey, ugly, depressing, ugly, sad, ugly, colorless, ugly place that nobody will want to hang out in. If the goal was to make it uninviting and industrial - congratulations, you succeeded.

It's a beautiful area and a great place to take pictures. We enjoyed the fountains, flowers and ducks.

Hideous. Depressing. Dystopian. An embarrassment to the citizens. Once a beautiful interesting park like setting has been ruined. Sad! In

If you live nearby the area, Civic Center is a cool place to get a nice cardio. You can jog or walk around and you are surrounded with beautiful scenery. Inside the Civic Center Plaza, there is a nice fountain with a few, really, cool duck family. The park here has a nice lush, green grass with a cool rolling hill like. There was a festival happening during my visit, and seemed like the whole town gets really involved. This is a definite place to visit during your stay in Scottsdale. Until then, Cheers! :p

This is one of my most favorite places. The flowers are always so beautifully managed and there are humming birds everywhere. It's such a peaceful garden and an excellent place to take photos. We even saw a few photo shoots going on, one was a wedding party all dressed up.

Nice place to hang out. Had been to the indian festival held here recently..... Had all basic amenities... Nice overl

A veritable desert oasis! I've skirted around here on several occasions. Once I stayed in the Saguaro Hotel for a few nights which backs up into the plaza, and I've eaten at several of the restaurants that spill out onto the green grass and sidewalk promenade. But recently I had a chance to walk around a little more and explore more of what the plaza has to offer. I was one of many (and by many, I mean MAAAAAANY) groups on a weekend afternoon who was here to have some photos taken. If you decide to get some family shots done here, know that it appears that you are not the only one to have that idea. There are dozens and dozens of photographers roaming here--from those with a simple camera to those with a much more complex setup with lights and light umbrellas and all kinds of gear. There will probably be a line for that one special shot you were hoping to get. All said, though, the photographers seem to be civil and kind so you just have to be patient. So what's to see here? You've got the restaurants, the hotel, the library, the performing arts center, the museum of contemporary art, outdoor public art sculptures, ponds, grassy hills, fountains, ducks, and a general sense of community. It's well taken care of, nicely manicured, and all around lovely. There are nooks and crannies, statues, and all kinds of little places to be explored. There are free parking garages nearby and when the weather is nice (my last wandering was a beautiful October day) you can't beat an afternoon here. I'm guessing there are crowds sometimes, and I've seen others mention events going on. As an out-of-towner I don't really have a sense of that. But every time I've been (never in the heat of summer, admittedly) it's been perfect.

I was here Friday night for an outdoors concert. Jesse Cook was playing and the weather, sound and seating on the sloped hill were perfect. This is a great place to attend and event (like the Scottsdale Culinary Festival!) or just walk around and enjoy the lawns, flowers and water features.

This is beautiful park. Love walking through here. I almost always see photographers taking photos of wedding parties here. It is full of large water features, enormous sculptures, winding paths.

It's a really nice place for a date! You can walk around the park-ish area and the scenery is great. They have that LOVE sign and a bunch of fountains. Usually you see other couples, families or photographers doing photo shoots nearby. And if you fancy some good food, there are also restaurants in the civic center. There are garages right next to the center so parking shouldn't be a problem either. AZ88 is a nice place to lounge around on an afternoon or evening. It's located on the West side of the civic center. If you really want, you can walk over to Old Town Scottsdale for food as well.

Attended Cinco de Mario last Saturday. Abysmal failure. They ran out of food, had little shade (in spite of 102 degree weather) and made the day very uncomfortable for our group of four.

It's imperative that I give this plaza five stars. I have been happily coming here since before I even knew where I was. My parents used to take me to splash in the water fountain and roll down the grassy hills while listening to Sunday afternoon concerts here. I went on picnic dates with my boyfriend here. I was proposed to here. I had my wedding pictures here. I've been to countless festivals here. Okay, you get it. If the weather is nice, there's no event going on, and it's a weekend, expect there to be at least fifteen photographers leading newly engaged couples, families, wedding entourages, and gussied up pregnant ladies through all your favorite Civic Center spots. Last weekend, I had to wait for three photographers to slowly make their way through my favorite fountain before I finally got the opportunity to splash around like an obviously full grown adult. Don't you judge me. The grass is always green and so perfect for relaxing in and staring at the clouds. Or go sit under a tree and do some people watching, my favorite pastime! And when you're done relaxing, go get a beer on the patio of Old Town Tavern or a margarita at Distrito and do some more people watching. Oh wait, that's still relaxing. Maybe go get a book from the Civic Center library? Hey, that's still relaxing! Shoot. Go for a walk on the bridge over the pond with all the swans and stress about how you wish you brought your dog because bringing your dog here is awesome. Yeah, do that one.

Scottsdale Civic Center is the secret garden of Old Town. Those who know about this little gem love it and those who don't, should be introduced immediately! Civic Center is home to several adorable restaurants like AZ 88 and Orange Table, bars like the Blue Moose and Old Town Tavern, the public library, museum of modern art, performing arts center, art sculptures and several ponds and fountains full of ducks. When the weather outside's delightful, the events are anything but frightful. Art fairs, cultural performances and every other type of festival calls the civic center home and in the springtime the Culinary Festival sets up shop here. It's a great area to visit if you want to go on a walk, run, have lunch, enjoy the nice weather and take in the Scottsdale culture-- and yes, Scottsdale has culture! It's pretty easy to miss the Civic Center. Little do spring training goers know that there is a great outdoor area just next door to the Giants' Stadium. It's always incredibly clean, safe and there's room for plenty of visitors. Anytime I used to go running through Old Town, I'd be sure to start by running through the Civic Center. It's one of my favorite parts of Old Town. On any given nice-weather weekend, I know that something cultural and entertaining is going on at the Civic Center. The famous LOVE sculpture has been on display and it's an incredibly artsy area. So that's about it for now! I love the Civic Center and anyone who visits Old Town should take a stroll next time they are around!

The Plaza is a great site for art and culinary festivals obviously. The library is here, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, etc. There are some great restaurants, too. But the park itself is just gorgeous. If you have never been to the Plaza when there is no big event going on, that is the time to go. The park is beautiful. There are so many fountains and gardens to meander around. It is beautiful. You almost forget it's a hundred freakin' fifty degrees in August. Visit at night, too, after a nice dinner downtown. We did that on Saturday evening, and it was virtually deserted. Such a nice place to sit and remember the nice things about living in the Valley--January with no jacket required!

The sanctuary of old town Scottsdale... water to listen to, grass to play on, trees to climb, and dog poop bags for your best friend. What more could you desire?

There are so many great events here and it's such a pretty venue. We love the sculptures and the water. Some of our favorite things to come to are the culinary festival and the art festival. What a great location and always plenty of parking next door at the library.

Cool park! Plenty of parking, gorgeous grounds, and lot's of green space. Everything was clean and well-kept, which can't be said about all parks. I enjoyed all the flowers and shade offered from the trees. I took my dog here for a walk and we had fun playing fetch on the open grass area. The LOVE also provided a great photo op:)

I made my way to the area for breakfast at Orange Table and afterward happened upon this little gym. The weather was beautiful, flowers were abloom, there were various statues, including the Robert Indiana LOVE statue. A great walking path. Benches. And it leads right into Old Town. If I lived in the area I feel like this would be a nice, quiet, beautiful place to visit often and write or photograph or just enjoy. Highly recommended! I went on a Thursday, had no trouble finding a nearby parking space. Plus it's FREE to enjoy the beauty.

The Beautiful Carin and I accompanied the adorable DeeDee Anne to the park this morning, and what a nice day in the park! We really do love this place and there isn't a week goes by that I don't get over here! Sometimes to take Deedee for a stroll (just to be clear...I always make sure that I pick up after her...we are very conscientious about our "leave behinds"), sometimes it's for one of the many events in the park (Culinary festival next week...oh the eating and eating...ahhhh), sometimes to go to the library or SMOCA or the performing arts center (under reconstruction right now, but a really nice venue and I'm sure even better when they finish remodeling), or one of the great little spots that adjoin the park (AZ88, Orange Table, etc.). How's that for a world class run on sentence? There is always something interesting and pleasant going on in the park and this morning was typical...a couple of photo shoots in progress, young couples with their kids enjoying the morning, lots of people with their dogs, a couple of musicians (one guitar and one flute...different ends of the park, so that was good). The ponds are delightful, with ducks and swans (and the big lake has been cleaned so it doesn't smell...nice touch!). This place is really a serene oasis, and Scottsdale's "front lawn (BTW, McCormick-Stillman is the "back yard", you know, the one down the block owned by the guy who has the train set in the garden). Scottsdale really does a great job keeping this park up, and it's a great place to relax and recharge.

The plaza itself is good, the things to do surrounding it are great... AZ88, Blue Moose, Orange Table, Los Olivos, Old Town Tavern, Distrito at The Saguaro, Scottsdale History Museum (more of a shack), Art Galleries, The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and the town Library... The plaza also hosts dozens of outdoor festivals and musical performances. It's very pretty with lots of flowers, fountains, sculptures and benches. A great place to wonder around aimlessly...

The funny thing about Civic Center plaza is you don't realize how cool it is until you go there on a day where there is no festival, or event being held! There are unique art sculptures in the park and tons of little coves that are tucked away, where you can go to read a book... or make out! The plaza also connects you to some fantastic bars, restaurants, the library, a historical museum, SMoCA, and the performing arts center. If you go there on any weekend during the spring, you are bound to find some live music, and local art displayed in the park.

Just my ultimate favorite spot to walk on weekend mornings after a trip to the farmers market. My hubby and I love to walk twice a day on weekends, and this is our go to spot. It's a true gem. From the water features, to the adorable ducks. The swanky restos in the vicinity and if we are feeling artsy, we just cross on over to follow the art walk line in old town Scottsdale. Really just adore this place.

Best possible location for the Scottsdale Culinary Festival! My wife and I go every year!

Beautiful setting with gardens and fountains. The library, arts center, and lots of food places on the area. I also love the Native American Trails series they're doing here Thursdays and Saturdays for the next month or two.

Very nice and enjoyable area. Shopping, food and art. the only problem was parking! would go back though.

I thoroughly regret not visiting this place sooner! Just a beautiful location with a lot to do and so many photo ops. It's a great place to bring visitors and a nice spot to check out regularly as well!