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Parks and Recreation - Frequently Asked Questions

Aquatics

Facilities

Ramada/Park Reservations

General Information

 

For your convenience we have listed commonly asked questions from the public about our various programs, facilities and services. These are divided by major categories to assist you.

 

Aquatics

Do you offer financial assistance?
Tucson Parks and Recreation Aquatics participates in the Discount Program for City of Tucson residents who might not be able to pay the full cost of fee-based programs and services. A 25% discount may be applied to the purchase of swimming passes and group swimming lessons for children. City of Tucson residents may apply for this discount at Class Registration Services or at most recreation centers.

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, you can (1) register using EZEEreg online or EZEEreg by phone (573-3933), or (2) call Registration Services at 520-791-4877.
Information on swim class registration is also available in the summer edition of the Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog, which is available for online viewing in late April.

Due to their popularity, we recommend registering online for summer swim lessions.

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.

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.
 

 

Facilities

How many recreation centers do you have?
There are 17 recreation centers including:

Armory Park Senior Center
Fred Archer Neighborhood Center
Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center
El Rio Neighborhood Center
Marty Birdman Recreation Center
Cherry Avenue Recreation Center
William Clements Recreation Center
El Pueblo Activity and Neighborhood Center
Freedom Recreation Center
Northwest Neighborhood Center
Oury Recreation Center
Pascua Neighborhood Center
Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center
Randolph Regional Center
Santa Rosa Neighborhood Center
Morris K. Udall Regional 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

Do I need to be a resident to use your facilities?
No, 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 Northwest District
    900 South Randolph Way 85716
    520-791-4873
  • East District
    8257 East Broadway 85710
    520-791-5930
  • Southwest District
    4208 South Santa Rita 85714
    520-791-5909
  • Zoo and Reid Park Operations
    1100 S. Randolph Way 85716
    520-791-3204

 

Ramada/Park Reservations

What are the fees?
Ramadas are reserved in two daily sessions:
1. 8:00 am-1:30 pm
2. 2:00 pm-7:30 pm
or for the full day from 8:00 am-7:30 pm

The regular rate to reserve a ramada is $18 per session, or $30 for the day.
The discounted rate (for City residents) is $14 per session, or $24 for the day.

All fields and courts are reserved in three-hour increments during the day and before 6:00 pm (unlighted) and in two-hour increments in the evening from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm and/or 8:00 pm-10:00 pm (lighted). 

The regular rate for non-City residents to reserve a Sports Field is $20 for a two-hour increment and $25 for a three-hour increment.
The reduced rate for City Residents to reserve a Sports Field is $16 for a three-hour increment and $19 for a two-hour increment.
The reduced rate for City residents to reserve a court $12; non-City residents pay $16 for a two-hour increment.

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.

What district are certain parks in?
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.

 

General 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?
127

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 Manner 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:

  • Northwest District Office, 900 S. Randolph Way, 520-791-4873, Ext. 0
  • Southwest District Office, 4208 S. Santa Rita Ave., 520-791-5909
  • East District Office, 8257 E. Broadway, 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)
* Participant must meet age criteria.
* Make sure Registration Services (520-791-4877) has your current mailing address and phone number.

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.
    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:
    Recreation Registration
    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 2 weeks after EZEEreg Registration
     
  5. Live Phone-in Registration
    Call 520-791-4877.
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
    * begins 2 weeks 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 located at 10 E Broadway (southeast corner of Broadway Blvd and Stone Ave) or call our 24-hour Job Line at 520-791-5068.

To apply for non-permanent employment with the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, please fill out a job application. Applications are available at:

  • Northwest District Office, 900 S. Randolph Way, 520-791-4873
  • Southwest District Office, 4208 S. Santa Rita Avenue, 520-791-5909
  • East District Office, 8257 E. Broadway, 520-791-5930