Scottsdale is gearing up for a month-long bash in May to honor the Indian Bend Wash, a once serious flood hazard that's been turned into an oasis of parks, lakes, and paths worth bragging about. Scottsdale's official site has announced a lineup of free festivities designed to showcase this $54 million transformation, which traces a verdant 11-mile stretch right through the city center.

Residents and visitors can kick things off at the Playground Jam Fest, slated for 6 to 8 p.m. on May 4th at Indian School Park, where live tunes will meet family-friendly fun, but the party doesn't stop there, over the weekend the Paws in the Park event is inviting dog owners and their furry pals to a special gathering on May 19 at Chaparral Dog Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., promising an assembly of local canine-centric vendors.

The series of community events will wrap up with a splash at the Dive-in Movie, which invites moviegoers to enjoy a flick poolside from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 25th at Eldorado Aquatic Center; the film rolling shortly after the sun dips below the horizon for a unique cinematic experience.

Celebrating the Indian Bend Wash isn't just about fun and games, it's a tribute to a decades-spanning project that's placed Scottsdale on the map for having one of the top urban "green spaces" in Arizona, this project boasts more than 24 grade-separated crossings, which facilitates the smooth coexistence of the city's vibrant pulse with the tranquil reverie offered by the greenbelt.