Reid Park History

“The primary purpose of the parks and recreation department is to provide a city and it's people opportunities for beauty, relaxation and activity. As the city’s people have more free time, providing these opportunities becomes more important if a city is to be livable." — Gene C. Reid

History

In 1925 the city of Tucson wanted a park but lacked the funds. Mr. Willis Barnum paid $14,896 for a 480-acre parcel of land to create a park in what is now central Tucson, deeding it to the city on a long-term purchase agreement. In 1993 the much loved hill in the park, the heart of Tucson, where a waterfall flows, tall trees reside and wildlife abounds, was named for Mr. Barnum, who financed the original purchase of the land. Now, the city of Tucson has imminent plans to destroy Barnum Hill, the only thing in the park that honors his legacy. From a historical and moral standpoint this is just wrong.

timeline and Image below Indicate areas To be lost to zoo expansion