Aquatics

Facilities

Reservations

General Information

For further information check the Program Guide and Class Catalog or call 520-791-4877.

How do I register for summer swim lessons?
When registration for summer swim lessons becomes available, please follow these steps:

• Step 1: Register using EZEEreg online (make sure to print your receipt) or EZEEreg by phone (573-3933), or call Registration Services at 520-791-4877
• Step 2: Take your confirmation receipt to the pool of your choice during recreation and family swim times.  Refer to the program guide for times

Which pools are heated in the winter?
The pools listed below are heated to 82 degrees during the months they are open. Temperatures may vary due to changes in the weather.

• Year-round pools: Catalina, Clements (closed Dec. 19 – Jan. 17), Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, and Sunnyside
• Extended season pools: Archer, El Pueblo, Ft. Lowell, Quincie Douglas, and Udall (all closed Nov. 15 – March 31) and Amphitheater (closed mid-November – mid-May)

How do I rent a pool?
The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (520-791-5643) is the only pool that rents for social functions such as parties. For information about pool use by community groups, call 520-791-4245.

How do I become a lifeguard?
All classes - Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR/FPR, and WSI (for instructors) - are scheduled through the American Red Cross.  City of Tucson screenings for applicants with current certification are held in December, March, April, and May.  Find specific information in the fall and spring Program Guide & Class Catalog or call 791-4245.

Which pool is closest to my house?
Pool addresses and seasonal schedules are posted on the Aquatics map and are printed in the Program Guide & Class Catalog. 

What is the lap swimming schedule at a specific pool?
Pool addresses and seasonal schedules are posted on the Aquatics web page and are printed in the Program Guide & Class Catalog.

What is the Adaptive Recreation Center?
The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (ARC) is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility that offers both specialized and inclusive programs for persons with disabilities as well as general use participants. The facility contains two pools.

The heated outdoor recreational pool, covered by a large shade structure, has a zero-depth entry, a “sprayground” water feature, four lap lanes, and a walking channel with a current to provide resistance during water walking exercise. The heated indoor therapy pool is used exclusively by persons with disabilities, and a variety of classes are offered. This pool is also available for rental to certified therapists to provide rehabilitative services to their private clients.

What training does the ARC staff have?
All ARC staff have training as lifeguards, and most of the staff have training above and beyond lifeguarding as Water Safety Instructors (WSIs). ARC staff includes positions for two Recreational Therapists and a Recreation Specialist, all of which require a Bachelor's degree and training specific to working with people with disabilities. Most of our WSIs and lifeguards have a credential in “Teacher of Adaptive Aquatics,” which is an intensive, three-day training involving instruction and hands-on experience with persons with disabilities.

After the training, students must pass a written test to receive their credential in Adaptive Aquatics. We value training and education and are very proud of our staff and their accomplishments. 

Regional Centers serve a wide geographic area of the City of Tucson, and these facilities are larger than other centers. Amenities include indoor gymnasiums, indoor or outdoor walking tracks, fitness centers and/or adjacent service/program buildings. 

• El Pueblo Activity Center/El Pueblo Senior Center
• Morris K. Udall Regional Center/Carol West Senior Addition 
• Randolph Regional Center
• William M. Clements Regional Center   

Neighborhood Centers serve a smaller geographic area of the community and are distinguished by offering a variety of community/human services, which include wellness, nutrition and/or education.

• Armory Senior Center
• El Pueblo Neighborhood Center 
• El Rio Neighborhood Center
• Fred Archer Neighborhood Center  
• Donna Liggins Recreation Center
• Pascua Neighborhood Center
• Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center
• Santa Rosa Neighborhood Center

Recreation Centers serve a small geographic area of the community and offer limited programs and services.  Special interest centers serve the needs of a specific community audience, usually with special needs. 

• Cherry Avenue Recreation Center
• Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center
• Freedom Recreation Center
• Marty Birdman Recreation Center
• Oury Recreation Center
• Therapeutic Recreation Center 

How many tennis courts does the city have and where are they?
The City actively maintains 53 tennis courts; they are located at:

• Randolph Tennis Center – 25
• Himmel Tennis Center- 8
• Ft. Lowell Tennis Center – 8
• Udall Park – 4
• Gollob Park – 4
• Kennedy Park – 2

What benefits are there for City residents using your facilities?
While you do not need to be a resident of the City of Tucson to use our facilities, City of Tucson residents do receive these benefits:

• A reduced rate, while non-City residents are asked to pay a regular rate for programs and activities
• Early registration privileges
• Are eligible for a Discount Program for low income families

Where are your District Offices?

• Parks Administration and Specialized Services Division
  900 South Randolph Way 85716
  520-791-4873
• East District
  7575 E. Speedway Blvd. 85710
  520-791-5930
• West District
  1575 E. 36th St. 85713
  520-791-5909
• Zoo and Reid Park Operations
  1100 S. Randolph Way 85716
  520-791-3204

What are the times and fees?
Ramadas are reserved in two daily session options:

• Half day rental 8:00 am-1:30 pm or 2:00 pm-7:30 pm
• Full day rental 8:00 am-7:30 pm
• Ramada reservation rates

Fields are reserved in:

• Three-hour increments during the day and before 6:00 pm (unlighted)
• Two-hour increments in the evening from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm and/or 8:00 pm-10:00 pm (lighted)
• Field reservation rates

Do I have to leave a reserved ramada at 7:30 pm?
Ramadas are available on a first come, first served after 7:30 pm. If you have the ramada reserved until 7:30 p.m., you may stay until the park closes.

Can I have a jumping castle?
Most inflatables are permitted in the parks; however, district approval is required. The vendor you select must have a permit on file with Parks and Recreation prior to your event and have current insurance.

Can I have a DJ?
Amplified music is permitted in most parks; however, district approval is required. Unless in an amphitheater, all amplified music must be shut off by sundown.

When do I have to pay for my ramada?
Payment is due within a week from the date that you make the reservation. If you make a reservation for the coming weekend, payment will be due by Thursday.

How far in advance can I reserve a ramada?
Ramadas can be reserved up to one year in advance.

Do we have to reserve picnic tables in the park also?
The picnic tables in the park are first come, first served.

Can someone else come in and pay for a ramada?
Yes, but whomever comes to pay for the ramada must bring the rental number with them. Remember, if you are also purchasing a beer permit, whomever signs the beer permit must be at least 21 years of age and is responsible for all drinkers associated with the party.

Where can I find the closest park to me?
Please refer to the Parks Location Map section of our web site for this information.

Can I pay for a ramada at any Parks and Recreation office?
Yes, just bring your rental number.

Do I need any permits?
A beer permit is required to legally consume beer in any City of Tucson park, and you must be 21 years of age to obtain a beer permit. Remember that the person who signs for a beer permit is responsible for the conduct of those who consume beer in the group. A vendor permit is required for any activity involving an exchange of money.  See the Park Reservation page for more information.

Do you offer financial assistance?
The Discount Program is available for City of Tucson residents only. It is based on annual income and household size. The Discount Program is available for certain programs and classes. Address verification and photo ID are required.

As a resident and a taxpayer, why do I have to pay fees?
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department offers diversified leisure services to its residents. Historically, these services have been financed by appropriation of tax dollars from the City's General Fund and from general obligation bonds. Generally speaking, City of Tucson residents have previously paid for their parks, programs and facilities primarily through taxation.

Tucson's growing population has increased demand for new, expanded and even more diversified facilities and services. Costs for land and capital projects have also increased, as have operational expenses. These trends coupled with increased competition for City tax dollars by other departments have resulted in a greater emphasis on generating non-tax revenues. Alternative sources of revenue are becoming more critical for the operation of parks and facilities.

Present day economic reality and limited funding make it necessary to recover at least a portion of the costs incurred in the provision of parks and recreation services. While all City of Tucson residents pay various taxes to support the General Fund, individual taxpayers may benefit in varying degrees from the services provided.

The department attempts to balance the cost-to-benefit ratio by providing certain basic facilities and services without a fee for participation or use while charging user/participant fees and charges for those facilities and services offering extended or specialized services.

How many parks does the City have?
The City of Tucson has 127 parks.

Where are your dog parks?
Six off-leash dog areas, located throughout the City, are maintained and operated by Parks and Recreation.

Where can I go fishing?
Three Urban Fishing Program lakes are located within the City of Tucson – Silverbell (northwest area), Kennedy (southeast area) and Lakeside (east area). The Program is operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department – 520-628-5376.

Which parks have walking trails?

• Abraham Lincoln Park
• Case park
• Greasewood Park
• Rio Vista Natural Resources Park
• San Gabriel Park

Multi-use Path:

• Abraham Lincoln Park
• Bravo Park
• Dunbar Park
• Gene C. Reid Park
• Golf Links Sports Complex
• Greasewood Park
• Iron Horse Park
• Jacobs Park
• Jefferson Park Elementary School
• Mariposa Park
• Mission Manor Park
• Morris K. Udall Park
• Richey Elementary School
• Rodeo Wash Park
• Rudy Garcia Park
• San Juan Park
• Santa Cruz River Park
• Santa Rosa Park
• Silverlake Park
• Lakeside Park
• Ft. Lowell Park
• Purple Heart Park

Who can I call if something needs to be fixed at a park?
During the week, you can call any of the District Offices:

• West District Office, 1575 E 36th St., 520-791-5909
• East District Office, 7575 E. Speedway Blvd., 520-791-5930

Weekends/holidays: Please call 520-791-4144

Who enforces park rules, especially on weekends?
Rules are enforced by Park Monitors in designated parks and the Tucson Police Department.

How do I register for programs?
There are 5 easy ways to register for leisure classes and programs:

You will need the following information before you  register:

• Client Code
• Account PIN
• Course Code
• Visa/MasterCard/Discover credit or debit card or prepaid account (if you do not have a credit or debit card)

To use:

1. EZEEreg Online Registration


2. EZEEreg Registration by Phone
   Call our automated registration system at 520-573-EZEE or 520-791-3933.


3. Mail-in Registration
   Complete the Class Registration Form.
   * begins Monday after EZEEreg Registration.
   Make checks or money order payable to 'City of Tucson'.
   * No out-of-state checks accepted.
   MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards are also accepted.
   
   Mail Class Registration Form with a business size, self-addressed stamped envelope to:
   Registration Services
   900 S. Randolph Way
   Tucson, AZ 85716


4. Walk-in Registration
   Visit the Registration Services Office at
   900 S. Randolph Way
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
   * begins Wednesday after EZEEreg Registration


5. Live Phone-in Registration
   Call 520-791-4877.
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
   * begins Wednesday after EZEEreg Registration.
   * Payment by credit or debit card only.

Can I register online?
Yes, you can register online using the EZEEreg Online Registration system.

How do I apply for a job?
To obtain information about employment opportunities, please visit the City of Tucson Employment Center online. 

Where are public computers available?

Tucson Parks and Recreation has public computers available at these Centers:

• El Pueblo Activity Center/El Pueblo Senior Center
• Morris K. Udall Regional Center/Carol West Senior Addition 
• William M. Clements Regional Center   
• Armory Senior Center
• El Pueblo Neighborhood Center 
• El Rio Neighborhood Center
• Fred Archer Neighborhood Center  
• Northwest Neighborhood Center
• Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center
• Santa Rosa Neighborhood Center
• Freedom Recreation Center
• Oury Recreation Center

*Computer lab rules and times available vary by center.