Desert Foothills Leadership Academy Opens Applications for 2024 Class
The Desert Foothills Leadership (DFL) Academy, a pioneering partnership between The Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and The Holland Center, is now accepting applications for its Class of 2024. Founded in 2018, the academy is dedicated to fostering leadership and professional skills in the Desert Foothills region.
The DFL Academy offers a unique and engaging curriculum designed to enhance personal leadership abilities and professional acumen. Participants can look forward to interactive monthly sessions, which include exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and a focus on community connection. The program covers various areas including local issues, healthcare, tourism, technology, sustainability, and more.
With a mission to educate, energize, and engage emerging leaders, the academy aims to enrich community life while promoting sustainable management of natural resources. Graduates leave the program with increased confidence, improved leadership skills, and a valuable professional network.
The academy accommodates up to 25 participants, selected through an application process that includes a resume review and an in-person interview. A commitment of one year is required, with leadership days scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. The program tuition is set at $500.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses, offering benefits such as strengthened community ties, networking opportunities, and enhanced company visibility as a leader in the region’s future.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply and join a network of stakeholders committed to the growth and development of the Desert Foothills region. For more information, visit hollandcenter.org/programs/more-about-desert-foothills-leadership.
Scottsdale Breaks Ground on the Long-Awaited Ashler Hills Park Project
In a significant development for North Scottsdale, the city initiated construction on the eagerly anticipated Ashler Hills Park last month. This 17-acre recreational hub, located at Ashler Hills Drive and 74th Way, is set to offer a diverse array of amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Approved by voters in the 2019 bond election, the project encompasses open turf play areas, a shaded playground, restrooms, and lighted sport courts for basketball and pickleball. Additionally, the park will feature walking paths and trails, exercise equipment, lighted parking with 70 spaces, and public art, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Construction commenced in December after a careful native plant salvage operation was conducted in the fall of 2023, reflecting the city’s commitment to preserving the local environment. The park’s completion is scheduled for early 2025, promising a new destination for leisure and recreation in Scottsdale.
The construction plan includes grading and utility work, with concrete pours expected to begin in the spring of 2024. Work is generally planned for Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with occasional night and weekend work when necessary.
For more information, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/construction/project-list/ashler-hills-park.
