Frequently Asked Questions

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?
Parks and Recreation offers a Discount Program for City of Tucson residents who might not be able to pay the full cost of the fee-based programs and services. It is based on annual income and household size, which will determine the range of assistance (25-90%).

Financial assisatnce is not available for supply fees. There is no limit to the dollar amount a family may receive. Address verification and photo ID are required. Conact 791-4877 for information.

How do I register for summer swim lessons?
When registration for summer swim lessons becomes available, you can (1) use EZEEreg on-line (link to ezeereg.com) or EZEEreg by Phone (573-3933) to sign-up or (2) call Registration Services at 791-4877. Information on swim class registration is also available in the summer edition of the Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog, which will be available for viewing on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec (link) late in April.

Due to their popularity, we recommend using EZEEreg.com to register for summer swim lessons.

Which pools are heated for the winter?
Archer, Catalina, Clements, El Pueblo, Ft. Lowell, Sunnyside, Udall and Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center Pools are heated year-round. Amphi pool has an extended season through the first week of November.

How do I rent a pool?
Call 791-4245 for information on availability of pools for rent, rules and guidelines for renting, and to make a reservation.

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 18 recreation centers including:

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

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:
(1) a reduced rate, while non-City residents are asked to pay a regular rate for programs and activities
(2) early registration privileges
(3) are eligible for a Discount Program for low income families.

Where are your District Offices?

Ramada/Park Reservations

What are the fees?
Ramadas are reserved in two daily sessions:
(1) 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
(2) 2-7:30 p.m. or for the full day from 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 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 p.m. (unlighted) and in two-hour increments in the evening from 6-8 p.m. and/or 8-10 p.m. (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 p.m.?
Ramadas are available on a first come, first served after 7:30 p.m. 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 Locations 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?
Financial assistance is available for City of Tucson residents only. It is based on annual income and household size, which will determine the range of the assistance (25-90%). Financial assistance is not available for supply fees. There is no limit to the dollar amount of discounts a family may receive. 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?
Five off-leash dog areas, located throughout the City, are maintained and operated by Parks and Recreation.

For more info visit our offleash webpage

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 – 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, 791-4873, Ext. 0; Southwest District Office, 4208 S. Santa Rita Ave., 791-5909 and our East District Office, 8257 E. Broadway, 791-5930. Weekends/holidays: Please call 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 – (1) EZEEreg On-Line (2) EZEEreg by Phone (3) Mail-in Registration (4) Walk-in Registration and (5) Live Phone-in Registration. You will need the following information prior to registration.

a. Client Code
b. Account PIN
c. Course Code
d. Visa/MasterCard/Discover credit or debit card
e. Prepaid account (if you do not have a credit or debit card)

To use:
1. EZEEreg Registration On-line at http://www.ezeereg.com/

2. EZEEreg Registration by Phone
Call our automated registration system at 573-EZEE (3933)

3. Mail-in Registration

Complete the Class Registration Form. Participant must meet age criteria.

Make sure Registration Services (791-4877) has your current mailing address and phone number.

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
Open: Monday-Friday,
8 a.m.-5 p.m.; begins 2 weeks after EZEEreg Registration.

5. Live Phone-in Registration
Call 791-4877. Available: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; begins 2 weeks after EZEEreg Registration. Payment by credit or debit card only.

Can I register online?
Yes, you can register online by going to http://www.ezeereg.com/.

How do I apply for a job?
To obtain information about employment opportunities, please visit our Employment Center, City of Tucson web site or by call our 24-hour Job Line. The Employment Center is located at 10 E. Broadway (southeast corner of Broadway Blvd. and Stone Ave., downtown); web site: http://www.tucsonaz.gov/ ; Job Line: (520) 791-5068.

To apply for non-permanent employment with the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, please fill out a job application (link). Applications are available at the Northwest District Office, 900 S. Randolph Way, 791-4873; Southwest District Office, 4208 S. Santa Rita Avenue, 791-5909 and our East District Office, 8257 E. Broadway, 791-5930.