I don’t know about you but the art of Maurice Sendek and the book Where the Wild Things Are bring back a flood of childhood memories, so I am very excited that this exhibit is going to be free and so close to home.

The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is hosting the “Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words” exhibit.  It is completely free and a great exhibit for kids and adults alike. There will also be free events and activities throughout the summer associated with the exhibit.

Here are the details:

“Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words”

June 17 – August 31, 2010

Scottsdale Civic Center Library – 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd

You can click here for the details from the Scottsdale Public Art website.

or

You can click here for the article on AZCentral.

Scottsdale is one of those fortunate cities that has an abundance of parks and open space for its residents to enjoy the nearly year round beautiful weather.  One of the 11 community parks that the City of Scottsdale has and part of its Indian Bend Wash park system is the 100 acre Chaparral Park.  Located between Chaparral and McDonald roads just east of Hayden road, it is full of family friendly features such as:

• 4 acre dog park (3 acres is grass)
• 10 acre lake for urban fishing
• 6 lighted ball fields
• 3 lighted soccer fields
• aquatic center
• Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
• multiple picnic areas and ramada’s
• covered playground
• community center with 2 small classrooms

Trust me when I tell you it is a joy to spend time in Chaparral Park, especially the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, it is part of the new Water Treatment Facility that was recently built at the north end of the park. You would never know it was a water treatment facility if I hadn’t of told you, seriously.  The paths throughout the garden and surrounding area have very educational and informative placards placed so that it is a learning experience as well. Great for kids and grown ups!

Next to the garden is the aforementioned 4 acre dog park. It is an off leash area that is divided into two separate areas, one for “Active” Dogs and one for “Non-active” Dogs.  It is a great space and very popular with the local residents.

There is still more to know about the park so click here for the City’s website about the park or click here for a map of the park (opens a PDF).