The transformation of the McCormick's Ranch was based on a master plan developed by Gruen Associates and Scottsdale Environmental Planners and Consultants. The amenities had a dual purpose by providing aesthetics, which included two championship 18-hole golf courses, more than 25 miles of bicycle paths, public tennis courts, 130 acres of man-made lakes, two of which can be used for sailing and several that are stocked with fish.

These amenities create drainage areas in times of flash storms. Camelback Lake, in the southern portion of the Ranch, had once been horse stables. Many of the original ponds were made into lakes. Camelback Walk is landscaped, but designed and sized to take care of a 100-year flood. "The Walk", a continuous open space that runs under major roads and through the parks, lakes and streams, is the major artery of the overall Ranch development. 

The original purchase of 160 acres purchased primarily as a winter home for McCormick Family.  Once the McCormicks were settled, Anne, whose main interest was raising horses, purchased some saddle-bred palominos and started a breeding program. In order to have more riding area, she started purchased the adjacent land.  About 600 acres of that were utilized for farming grain products. At that time, the McCormicks owned McCormick Park, now days known as the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. A 100 acre parcel of land located at the south side of Indian Bend Road and Scottsdale Road. In 1967, Anne donated the park, which at the time was valued at $1 million, to the City of Scottsdale.In 1949, Anne sent 25 head of cattle to the Ranch to see whether or not they could take the heat and could thrive in this climate.  These were both show and breeding stock and were some of the finest in the country.

Upon Anne's death, the horses and the ranch were sold. Probate was completed in July of 1970 with the sale of 4,236 acres to developer Kaiser-Aetna for $12,100,000 ($.05 per square foot)

"McCormick POA"

To know more about it visit  http://www.mccormickranchpoa.com/