Save the Heart of Reid Park
CITY OF TUCSON PARKS & RECREATION SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT
ON TWO IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
• Gene C. Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center Improvements
• Randolph Park 22nd Street Path and Dell Urich Golf Course Concept Plan
Tucson Parks and Recreation invites community members to come to a public open house to view the concept plan for the 22nd Street Path at Randolph Park and Dell Urich Golf Course improvements, as well as concept plans for the Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center. Attendees will be able to ask questions of staff and provide input on proposed improvements.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
Time: Noon–2 p.m.
Location: Gene C. Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place (near the central playground)
A recording of the concept walkthrough and surveys for both projects are available on the project websites linked below.
Gene C. Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center Improvements
Improvements to the Outdoor Performance Center are funded by Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 voter-approved bond funds. In November 2018, City of Tucson voters approved Proposition 407, a $225-million bond package for capital improvements. The bond funds are dedicated to improving City park amenities (playgrounds, sports fields, pools, splash pads, and recreation centers) as well as connections (pedestrian pathways, bicycle pathways, and pedestrian and bicycle safety).
In 2023, Tucson Parks and Recreation engaged event hosts to better understand the need for improvements to the Outdoor Performance Center. Based on their feedback, and with a focus on ADA accessibility, a concept plan has been developed. At this stage, the broader community is asked to share its input to shape the next steps for this beloved performance space. The plan, as well as a video walkthrough, can be viewed at tucsonparks.info/reidpark.
Randolph Park 22nd Street Path and Dell Urich Golf Course Concept Plan
In 2023, Sasaki completed a feasibility study exploring opportunities to enhance green spaces around the golf course as part of the "Randolph Reimagined" initiative.
In September 2024, Parks and Recreation took a more detailed look at improving the walking experience along 22nd Street, adjustments to Del Urich Golf Course, as well exploring green space opportunities around the golf course. Consultants discussed potential ideas based on the feasibility study and sought community input for future development.
Currently, Parks and Recreation and design consultants have developed a concept plan to present to the community. The plan, as well as a video walkthrough, can be viewed at tucsonparks.info/randolph.
Surveys
The community’s input is vital in shaping the future of these spaces to ensure they meet the community’s needs and aspirations. Surveys for both projects will close on Monday, Feb. 17, at 11:45 p.m.
For accommodations, materials in accessible formats, and/or materials in Spanish, please contact Sierra Boyer at 520.837.8032 or sierra.boyer@tucsonaz.gov by Jan. 28, to make appropriate arrangements. For more information, visit tucsonparks.info/randolph.
Tucson Delivers—Parks & Connections Updates
Background: In November 2018, City of Tucson voters approved Proposition 407, a $225-million bond package for capital improvements. The bond funds are dedicated to improving City park amenities (playgrounds, sports fields, pools, splash pads, and recreation centers) as well as connections (pedestrian pathways, bicycle pathways, and pedestrian and bicycle safety). For more information on all the projects planned and status updates, visit TucsonDelivers.Tucsonaz.gov.
The Tucson Delivers Program is monitored by eleven members of the public appointed to the 2018 Parks and Connections Bond Oversight Commission. If you wish to address the Commission, please send email to info@tucsondelivers.info or call 520.885.9009 with your full name, mailing address, phone number, and the topic you wish to address. Also, if you want to be added to our email distribution list for future notifications and updates, please note that in your communication.
Proposal for protecting our OLD-GROWTH TREES
Tucson's increasingly powerful wind storms lately are bringing down alarming numbers of our lovely old trees. During the August 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, I asked for a report on how many elder trees we are losing in our parks each year as a result of storms, disease, and advanced age. Of those causes, powerful microbursts are now posing significantly greater risks to Tucson's valuable old-growth trees than they once did.
As climate change gathers momentum, weather patterns change erratically, and the heat island effect intensifies, Tucson needs its old-growth trees more than ever. Large, healthy trees provide cooling shade that mitigates the city's increasing heat. They also absorb far more carbon than younger trees and are thus more effective in combating climate change.
So, how do we keep old-growth trees alive and healthy enough to survive increasing wind storms in the desert until the younger trees we have planted and continue to plant can take over for them?
Sometimes there’s little we can do to prevent high winds from felling an elder tree. Usually, however, there’s a lot we can do to keep our older trees healthy enough to survive high winds and most storms. For example, we can inspect trees for invasive pests, disease, and damage; trim them at appropriate times; prevent soil erosion around tree trunks and roots systems; and space trees appropriately so a falling tree does not take out others on its way down. There are other examples, of course, but you get the picture
Some of the steps seem obvious, but in a city struggling with multi-dimensional crises, there aren't enough managers or departments, nor is there enough time and money, to promptly and properly address such issues. Common sense measures not readily applicable within existing programs and budgets can be lost in the bureaucracy. In such cases, the only hope of ever applying them may be in asking for citizen donations or tax increases to address a specific initiative.
For example, when nonprofits like Reid Park Zoo need money for improvements, they have many donors from whom they can solicit funds and for whom they can name exhibits. Tucson's Parks and Rec also provides a mechanism for donating to specific projects or to general initiatives requiring ongoing support. And SHRP has a gofundme page, with donations going to Tucson Clean and Beautiful to preserve elder trees on Barnum Hill. Still, it's hard to find big donors for projects that don't create legacies and engrave names on plaques.
It’s my hope we can use Barnum Hill Trees as an educational project on what it takes to help older trees thrive. Start, say, with fencing off one or two older trees that need help. Check for pests or diseases, trim as needed, and deal with soil erosion around their bases. Then erect educational signs informing park visitors why the tree needs help, how we are helping, and how all this combats climate change. In a perfect world, the signs would display a QR code for donating to the project. With sufficient funding, the program could be expanded and even moved to other parks.
On its various properties, the City of Tucson has some amazing, huge trees that are not getting much attention. Wouldn’t it be interesting to catalogue all of these trees? We could even make an excursion list of these trees for citizens and tourists, similar to the list of Tucson’s amazing murals. Trees are just as important and beautiful to some people as human-made art. They are arguably more important in addressing the heat index and climate change.
— Manon Getsi, Co-chair, Save the Heart of Reid Park (posted Sept. 2, 2023)
In the News: Recent Stories
Parks & Recreation Launches “Leach Up, Clean Up” Campaign, Sept 3, 2024. In celebration of Responsible Dog Ownership Month, this initiative encourages all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public spaces and to always clean up after their pets. The campaign aims to promote responsible pet ownership, emphasizing the importance of following local and state regulations, while highlighting the environmental, health, and public safety benefits.
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Seeks Youth Tree Leaders, August 2024. TCB is recruiting for their Youth Tree Leaders Program, a dynamic initiative designed to empower young people to become environmental stewards. Participants learn about the crucial role trees play in urban environments, get hands-on experience in tree planting, and develop leadership skills that will serve them and their communities well into the future. Learn more in the City of Tucson’s August 2024 Climate Action Report; scroll down to the section on Youth Tree Leaders.
Protect Trees from Heat Stress Now. High temperatures combined with dry conditions place stress on our trees and other plants just as much as us! You can help prevent wilt, die back, pest, and other impacts from heat stress by providing extra water to your trees during periods of high heat. Follow watering best practices to avoid wasting water while protecting the value and life of our canopy and shade. Tap or click here for guidelines.
Randolph Park & Golf Complex Opportunity Study Meeting, Sept. 24, 2024. Tucsonans are invited to a kickoff meeting and question-and-answer session on the future of Randolph Park and the Randolph Golf Complex. Hosted by Tucson Parks and Recreation Department and design consultant team, the upcoming meeting is the next phase of an ongoing community conversation. To view the full Randolph Opportunity Study (PDF, 42MB), click here.
Old Zoo Parking Lot Closes; New Parking Lot Opens. Monday, April 15, 2024, the old Zoo and Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots and entry to those parking lots closed permanently to make way for Pathway to Asia. Guests to Reid Park Zoo, Gene C. Reid Park amenities and ARC now park in the new lot located to the north of ARC. Access the new lot by entering from Lakeshore Lane or following the signs on Randolph Way to the entry next to Hi Corbett Field.
Volunteer for Community Planting Day at Cele Peterson Rose Garden in Gene C. Reid Park, March 24, 8:30–11:30 a.m. The department needs volunteers to help plant 126 rose bushes as well as distribute mulch and compost to ensure a beautiful bloom season. Volunteers should bring their own gloves if possible.
Join Us at Pop-up Cafe at Reid Park, March 23, 2024, 10 a.m.–Noon. Learn more and give your input on the results of our alternative analysis of the Camino Miramonte–Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard, a Bicycle Safety and Mobility Project that aims to create a network of safer and more comfortable bicycle routes.
Public Meetings on Parks’ Proposed Rate/Fee Revisions. The City is hosting a series of in-person and two virtual public town hall meetings for the community to find out more about the revisions and provide feedback prior to the April 9 Mayor and Council meeting to consider approving the recommended fees. If adopted, the proposed rate change plan would go into effect beginning in FY 2025 and progressing through FY 30.
For stories previously posted here, see In The News Archive.
Who we are
Learn about Save the Heart of Reid Park on our “Who We Are” page. Read about the threat the SHRP coalition confronted, our current mission vis-à-vis that threat, our vision for the future of Reid Park, and why this initiative truly matters.
Birds in Reid Park
One Arroyo Chico resident, during daily walks in the park, has seen 102 different aviary species attracted by the old-growth trees and the two beautiful ponds. This astonishing variety of birds in turn attracts to the park large numbers of visitors.
About Gene Reid
Under the guidance of his father, who operated a tree farm in Tucson, Gene Reid evolved into a tree expert before the term arborist came into vogue. Reid Park’s visionary namesake would have been appalled at the notion of removing Barnum Hill’s vibrant trees.
What’s at Stake
Explore our Issues pages, starting with the Park’s history, to understand what drives our initiative. See how the zoo’s initial expansion plan would further reduce the park’s free-access space and degrade the environment by destroying flora and displacing fauna.
Our trees Need Help!
SHRP and Tucson Clean and Beautiful are working together on a project to improve the health of Barnum Hill’s majestic trees. We have $12,000 in funds but need an additional $3,500. Learn more by visiting our gofundme site and making a generous donation.
Our advocacy video
Watch a professional video that is the felicitous result of a collaborate effort between two sibling coalitions: Save the Heart of Reid Park and Expand Reid Park. It advocates not just to save the heart of Reid Park but also to expand its free-access public space.
What We’re Doing
Browse our Media pages to read our January Op-Ed, along with 100 other letters published in the Arizona Daily Star. Watch videos related to the park and our protests there. Examine many articles, editorials, special features and other resources related to our effort.
Our Stance on Options
Save the Heart of Reid Park believes All Reid Park green space is precious and is to be retained. Thus, on the City of Tucson survey concerning the best options in Reid Park with regard to the Reid Park Zoo, our preferences are Options A, G, & H.
South Pond’s Turtles
Elimination of the Reid Park’s lovely South Pond might spell disaster for its resident turtles. Resident turtle expert Pete Polley thinks elimination of the South Pond would have affected the turtles in many adverse ways and their prognosis would have been poor.
Salvemos el corazón de Reid Park: Información en español acerca de la campaña para salvar el parque.