Who knew a city council could agree on anything? Scottsdale’s famously divided leaders just found common ground: their love for WestWorld! Get the inside scoop on why this iconic North Scottsdale venue is getting a massive upgrade and what it means for our community. What do you think the future holds for this local gem?
The often-divided Scottsdale City Council recently achieved a rare moment of near-unanimous consensus, expressing profound admiration and strategic vision for WestWorld, the iconic North Scottsdale event center.
WestWorld’s journey from its origins as “Horseman’s Park” in 1982, following the closure of Cholla Park Equestrian Facility due to airport expansion, underscores its deep roots in Scottsdale’s history. It quickly evolved, becoming “HorseWorld” in 1988 and adopting its current name, WestWorld, in 1990, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the community.
Former Mayor Sam Campana, in a letter read to the Scottsdale City Council, eloquently described WestWorld as “the beating heart of Scottsdale’s equestrian community” and a vital “cornerstone” of the city. This sentiment reflects the widespread affection and appreciation held for the venue by Scottsdale residents and its crucial role in fostering local culture and events.
During their first work study since a seven-week summer recess, held on August 18th, Mayor Lisa Borowsky and the six council representatives convened to discuss the future of the esteemed WestWorld Arizona facility. Despite the two-hour meeting, no formal action was taken, beyond giving informal direction to City Manager Greg Caton regarding ongoing Community Development.
While expressing deep fondness for the cultural icon, several council members emphasized their desire to “raise the WestWorld bar.” Judy Doyle, senior director of Enterprise Operations, presented on infrastructure improvements, ongoing projects, and a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at enhancing the venue’s capabilities and offerings, particularly for Equestrian Events.
Fiscal year 2024/25 saw significant capital investments at WestWorld, including the replacement of one of the venue’s horse barns, the installation of concrete flooring and restrooms in the South Hall of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center, and a substantial $1.9 million allocated for parking lot resurfacing. These upgrades highlight the city’s commitment to modernizing the facility and improving visitor experience.
Looking ahead, City Manager Greg Caton pledged the delivery of a “comprehensive infrastructure master plan” within four months. This crucial plan, central to City Planning, will outline an investment strategy to address existing drainage, parking, and access issues, with an impressive $18 million in projects slated to commence in the current fiscal year, promising significant enhancements for WestWorld Arizona.
Further emphasizing a commitment to efficiency, Acting City Auditor Lai Cluff’s June 16th report noted that several audit recommendations are still in progress. These recommendations focus on analyzing operating costs, facility usage, and conducting market comparisons of rates and rate structures, all pending the department’s strategic plan development to ensure optimal management of this vital Scottsdale icon.
