One of the Phoenix area's most unique attractions has claimed the top spot in a national competition to find the best park or open space in America.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, in Scottsdale, edged out Amerson River Park in Georgia for the title in the competition created by ELGL. The winner was decided by tallying public votes and Instagram posts about each park. A total of 32 parks participated in the competition.
ELGL, which stands for Engaging Local Government Leaders, aims to "engage the brightest minds in local government" through a variety of initatives. In previous years, ELGL held competitions to find the country's best city hall and best library.
McCormick-Stillman opened in 1975 and has evolved into one of Scottsdale's most popular attractions, with a variety of railroad cars, model trains and other attractions at the site. About 1 million people visit it annually, and there is no admission fee.
The name of the park comes from the McCormick family, who donated the land for the park in the 1960s, and Guy Stillman, who chartered the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society to create the park's attractions.
For more information, visit the park's website.
All photos courtesy of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.