- Tucson unveils “Imagination Playground in a Box” thanks to Playful City USA recognition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – “We’re absolutely thrilled to recognize Tucson for their work to ensure that every child has a place to play,” said KaBOOM! CEO and co-founder Darell Hammond. “Play is not a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity – and we’re awarding this Imagination Playground in a Box to Tucson because the city’s leadership already understands that play is critical to the development of children. We look forward to seeing Tucson continue to serve as a role model for the rest of the nation as a Playful City USA community.”
Tucson won an “Imagination Playground in a Box” from KaBOOM!, the national non-profit making children and communities healthier by creating great places to play. Tucson is one of only five cities across the country being awarded with the Imagination Playground in a Box by KaBOOM! for its outstanding participation in the Playful City USA program. Tucson's Imagination Playground in a Box will be available through the KIDCO and Center Clubs programs, for age's 5-12 years old.
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Tucson Parks and Recreation announces 14 recreation or special interest centers will be closed at various times during the next several weeks for annual cleaning and maintenance.
Center maintenance schedules are as follows:
Carol West Senior Addition (Udall) 791-4121 - Aug. 23-26
Morris K. Udall Center 791-4931 - Aug. 23-28
(Udall's gym, dance room and racquetball courts will remain closed through Mon., Sept. 6)
Randolph Center 791-4560 - Aug. 30-Sept. 6
William M. Clements Fitness Center 791-5787 - Aug. 19-21
(Clements Fitness Center's basketball courts will remain closed through
Tues., Aug. 24.)
Center's passes and weight room certifications will be accepted at all other open Centers. Some programs at centers may not be affected by the closures. For more information patrons are urged to call the Center directly.
The department presents its annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at Reid Park, Saturday and Sunday, November 27-28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Over 125 artisans from throughout the western United States will be displaying their original, hand-made wares.
Applications are now availalbe for arts and crafts and food vendors to participate in the Holiday Fair. Registration by mail will be open for applications postmarked on or after October 1, and closed November 22, 2010.
The fee is $90 for a 10' x 10' arts and crafts vendor space for the two-day event and $130 for a customized (approx. 15' x 20') food vendor space.
ARTS AND CRAFT VENDOR APPLICATION AND INFORMATION
FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION AND INFORMATION
Contact: 791-4873
Tucson Parks and Recreation Department facilities will close on four additional days to accommodate Mayor and Council approved unpaid employee furloughs. All Parks and Recreation facilities, including administrative offices, centers, pools and the KIDCO program at center and school sites will be closed on these days for the remainder of the year: Fri., Sept. 3, Mon., Oct. 11, and Fri., Nov. 26. Closure notices will be posted at all Parks and Recreation facilities. Tucson City Golf and the Reid Park Zoo will remain open on scheduled furlough days. Users are alerted that some unpaid furlough days, instituted to address the City’s budget deficit, may differ for various City of Tucson departments. Visit the City of Tucson web site at www.tucsonaz.gov for additional furlough information.
New program and facility-use fees, along with changes to the discount program, are now in effect at Tucson Parks and Recreation. “Like so many other cities across the country, the effect of the economy on tax revenues has created the need to seek new non-tax revenues via increased program and service fees,” said Fred Gray, department director. Users will now pay more for sports leagues, aquatics, KIDCO, Reid Park Zoo, ramada rentals, permits, use of Reid Park’s DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center and teen and therapeutic programs. A new premium rental rate for ramadas and facilities is also in effect and will recoup more of the costs associated with peak-demand days, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter. Two changes to the discount program include the elimination of all discounts for fee-based leisure classes and, for those who qualify, the creation of a single 25% discount for KIDCO, learn-to-swim lessons and multiple-use passes for centers or pools. New income verification procedures will be implemented in the coming weeks. Mayor and Council approved a Parks and Recreation Revenue and Pricing policy at its Jan. 5 meeting. To view or print a complete listing of new fees go to www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/ and click on Rates and Fees.
April 19, 2010
Tucson Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of Agency Accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation for Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The required Self Assessment has been completed and submitted to CAPRA to initiate the review process which is scheduled to occur in May. We anticipate Agency Accreditation which will compare department practices with "Best Practices" as identified by nationally recognized experts in the field of recreation and parks. Please join us in our pursuit of national accreditation which will result in formal recognition of the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department for compliance with practices set by the National Recreation and Parks Association and will complement Reid Park Zoo’s accreditation.
Tucson Parks and Recreation enters the fall season with additional budget and financial challenges. Despite the loss of valuable resources, the department continues to offer a large number of programs such as KIDCO and Leisure/Fitness Classes.
Parks and Recreation staff continues to provide high quality programs, facilities and services for Tucsonans of all ages and abilities and looks forward to your continued participation throughout the school year.
Phone: (520) 791-4873
Class Registration: (520) 791-4877
Fax: (520) 791-4008