Below are a list of Capital Improvement Projects currently underway throughout the Town of Fountain Hills. This list is meant to give residents and visitors a guide of the major projects that are underway, the associated timeline and what to expect while construction takes place. 

Ongoing Capital Improvement Projects

Palomino Boulevard Reconstruction

The reconstruction of Palomino Boulevard began in early September, 2025, marking the start of a major capital improvement project aimed at significantly enhancing pavement conditions. The project includes full-depth removal and replacement of the asphalt pavement along Palomino Boulevard from Palisades Boulevard to Fountain Hills Boulevard, a stretch that runs approximately 1.4 miles.

Work began the week of September 2nd, 2025 with the removal and repair of concrete curbs. This marked the first visible phase of the project. 

The Town hosted an Open House on January 22nd, 2026, to provide information on the paving phase of the project, which will take place over the coming months. 

Dates: Began week of September 2nd, 2025. 

            Paving phase began January 29th, 2026

Milestones:

• The concrete portion of the project (curbs, ramps, and sidewalk modifications on Palisades) has been completed.
• The Town hosted an Open House on January 22nd, 2026, to provide information on the paving phase of the project, which will take place over the coming months. 
• The paving phase of the project began with preparatory work on Thursday, January 29th, 2026. M.R. Tanner Construction is the contractor working on this phase. 
• The most visible phase, milling the roadway (removing the existing pavement), began February 17, 2026. 

Things to Know

• Trash and recycling services will not be interrupted. Please place your can where collection trucks can reach them. Crews will provide support on collection days to ensure cans are accessible.
• Eastbound and westbound traffic will be maintained throughout the project. Travel lanes will be narrower and routed through construction barricades. Crews will pave one side of the roadway at a time, then shift to the other side, with traffic adjusted accordingly.
• On-street parking will not be permitted for the duration of the project due to construction and traffic restrictions.
• Work is weather dependent; schedules may shift slightly due to rain or extreme heat.
• For most of the project you will have driveway access. A temporary path will be maintained for entry and exit. During short periods when paving is occurring directly in front of your home, temporary access restrictions may occur, but crews will accommodate emergency situations.
• Access to mailboxes and emergency vehicles will be maintained.
• Please drive carefully when traveling through the work zone. Reduced speeds and extra attention will help keep workers and drivers safe.
• The project is funded for the budget year ending June 30th, 2026. The majority of work is expected to be completed by that time, with the goal of finishing sooner if possible.

Downtown Streetscape Improvement Program

The Downtown Streetscape Improvement Program includes enhancements near and along the Avenue of the Fountains spanning five years. However, this year’s council-approved portion of the project only includes the design of sidewalk and landscape enhancements along Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue.

While the Council will need to further discuss future years' priorities and funding, this Capital Program aligns with the Town Council-approved Downtown Strategy (approved in September 2024) to revitalize the Downtown area by improving pedestrian access, aesthetics and overall functionality. 

Cost: Design of Verde River Dr. and Parkview Avenue ($515,000)

Dates: Starting in November, 2025

Shea Boulevard Widening

This project will design and construct the next phase of the expansion of Shea Boulevard.  This segment will widen eastbound Shea Boulevard from 2 to 3 lanes, between Palisades Blvd and Fountain Hills Blvd.  The ultimate build-out when completed will widen Shea Boulevard to six lanes.  

What to know: 

Prep work for the project began Friday, February 6th, 2026.

To start, contract crews restriped the roadway, shifting eastbound traffic to two lanes prior to Palisades Boulevard earlier than in the previous configuration. The speed limit along this segment is reduced from 50 mph to 40 mph. Motorists are asked to slow down and remain alert for workers in the area.

Eastbound travel will remain open for the majority of construction; however, temporary right-lane closures will be required during final grading and paving of the future third lane. Motorists should expect periodic congestion during these activities and are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. The project is anticipated to take several months to complete.

This project is a Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Proposition 400 project that is Regionally Funded, which will provide for 70% of the project funding with a 30% match from the Town. The Town also will be able to use Development Impact Fees for the Town match portion.

Dates: Bids for the project opened on November 3rd, 2025

Prep work for the project began Friday, February 6th, 2026.

Ashbrook Wash Slope Stabilization Project

Recent work along Ashbrook Wash involved removing trees, shrubs, and sediment that were blocking the drainage inlet beneath Fountain Hills Boulevard. While this may appear to be an excessive level of clearing, these efforts are necessary to protect the wash and surrounding environment. Once the project is complete, vegetation will naturally re-establish through our planned mitigation efforts, restoring the area’s natural beauty and habitat.

The Ashbrook Wash Slope Stabilization Project provides lasting benefits for our community and infrastructure:

1. Prevents Erosion: Vegetation management and the use of gabion baskets help stabilize the wash banks and prevent soil erosion, protecting nearby roads, utilities, and properties.
2. Reduces Flood Risk: Stabilized slopes minimize erosion and flooding during heavy rainfall, reducing potential damage to homes and public infrastructure.
3. Protects Natural Habitats: Stabilization techniques preserve the wash’s natural ecosystem, supporting local plants and wildlife and promoting environmental sustainability.
4. Improves Public Safety: Stronger slopes reduce the risk of wash bank failures and landslides, keeping residents and visitors safe.
5. Saves on Future Costs: Preventing erosion and infrastructure damage now helps avoid costly emergency repairs and long-term maintenance expenses.
6. Enhances Visual Appeal: Once completed, the restored wash will be both functional and visually appealing, complementing nearby trails and improving the community experience.

In summary:
 The Ashbrook Wash Slope Stabilization Project is a proactive investment in our community’s safety, sustainability, and resilience. It balances infrastructure protection with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Fountain Hills remains a beautiful and secure place to live.

Dates: 2023 - ONGOING

Pleasantville Park Design and Construction 

Pleasantville Park is a town-owned property that is about one acre in size on the corner of Bainbridge and Golden Eagle Blvd.  It has been designated as a future park in the Community Services Master Plan.  The park location is approved by Dark Sky to be used by star gazers as well as being designed for classes for yoga, Ti Chi, meditation and other small classes and events.  It will also have a small trail with educational plant identification.

Dates: Design phase in-process

Desert Vista/Dog Park Renovations

The dog park at Desert Vista is one of the most popular and heavily used amenities in the Town’s park system, necessitating periodic renovations to ensure safety and functionality. Renovations will include landscaping improvements, upgrades to the dog splash pad, enhanced entry signage, and improvements to high-traffic areas, among other modifications.

Upcoming FY25/26 Capital Improvement Projects

Fountain Park Ramada Replacement

This capital project program aims to address one Ramada per fiscal year. Chuparosa Ramada at Fountain Park playground will be the first. The project addresses ramadas at Fountain Park that are deteriorating, with failing support beams, masonry columns, and roof structures. Investing in long-lasting, safe structures ensures continued community use and offsets costs through rental income.

Panorama Hillside Erosion Control

The hillside along Panorama is steep and lacks irrigation, leading to ongoing erosion issues. This project will regrade the slope to stabilize it and create a landscaped hillside protection zone. Incorporating erosion-control plants and groundcover, along with an irrigation system, will help slow erosion, reduce runoff, and enhance the area’s appearance.

Electrical and Lighting for Fountain Park Splash Pad Shade Canopy

Addition of power outlets and lighting to the Fountain Park Splash Pad Shade Canopy, which was installed in 2024 and has quickly become a popular addition. During the canopy installation, sleeves were already placed under the concrete sidewalks, allowing for the installation of these features without the need to disrupt the area. Local businesses have expressed interest in using the space during the evenings for events such as concerts, discussion groups, and as an extension of their premises. 

Centennial Pavilion Shade Lighting

Purchase and installation of lighting for the Centennial Shade Canopy. The canopy was installed in 2024 and with its growing popularity of being an event space, staff and the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association have been working on lighting for the area. The lights chosen will be dark sky compliant and the Discovery Center was considered when selecting the correct lights for the area.