Desert Ridge is a city within a city. With less than 40% of the planned development completed, about 6,000 homes, our population now is larger than two-thirds of the 91 incorporated cities in Arizona. Having already surpassed Paradise Valley, Sedona and Cottonwood, we are roughly the size of Payson. At buildout, our specific plan will have 19,240 dwelling units or over 55,000 residents. When completed, Desert Ridge will become the 13th largest “city” in Arizona. Our population will be slightly larger than today’s Flagstaff.
While facts like these can be fun, preparing for this growth is a serious issue. In the years ahead, our community will be one of the fastest growing in Arizona. As an Association, we must proactively prepare for the future and insure that our quality of life does not suffer. Our roads, schools and parks are already at capacity; it’s time to chart a course for the future.
It’s time to focus on our roads:
1. Completing Deer Valley Rd. East to Scottsdale Rd.
2. Connecting Deer Valley Rd. South to 64th St.
3. Completing 56th St. North to Pinnacle Peak Rd.
4. Completing Mayo Blvd. and constructing the freeway flyover
It’s time to build our parks:
1. The large regional park planned South of Deer Valley Rd., West of Tatum Blvd.
2. The Desert Ridge Dog Park on Black Mountain Blvd., South of Pinnacle H.S.
3. Constructing the first sports fields in Desert Ridge
It’s time to build another school, our first library and other educational assets other communities already have in place.
To this end, our DRCA Board is creating a strategic plan for Desert Ridge. Our Ad Hoc Committee has already held several meetings in the past few months and we’d love to have you participate. Come out and share your vision for the future of Desert Ridge.
Thanks again for all of your support. I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood.
Doug Dickson
President
Desert Ridge Community Association
