George "Doc" Cavalliere Park

George "Doc" Cavalliere Park is a 34-acre public park located in the northeast corner of Scottsdale, Arizona. Nestled in rugged desert terrain, the park serves as both a community recreation space and a regional stormwater management facility. The park's design successfully preserves open space while upgrading stormwater management capacity, blending functionality with natural beauty.

The park features a diverse landscape, including native desert vegetation and riparian plant communities. Over 300 native plants from the City of Scottsdale's protected plant list were either salvaged for reuse or preserved in place during the park's development. Species of concern such as Saguaro, Barrel Cacti, Desert Ironwood, Mesquite, Cottonwood, and Soaptree Yucca can be found throughout the park.

A notable feature of the park is its use of sustainable design elements. The park incorporates photovoltaic panels, LED lights, and decomposed granite paving to reduce long-term maintenance costs. More than 4,000 stacked gabion baskets, filled with locally-sourced rock, create vertical retaining walls that form detention basins, helping to integrate the park into the surrounding desert landscape.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of recreational facilities. A shaded playground area provides a cool space for children to play, even during warmer months. The park also offers a one-mile loop hiking trail, allowing visitors to explore the desert surroundings and enjoy scenic vistas. For sports enthusiasts, there are lighted basketball courts available.

George "Doc" Cavalliere Park serves as a testament to sustainable park design, balancing community needs with environmental stewardship. It offers residents a space to connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and appreciate the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape.