Operational Adjustments due to COVID-19 Spike
The City of Tucson continues to actively work with local, state, and federal partners to mitigate the presence of COVID-19 in our region, which is currently experiencing an increase in positivity rates. Pima County recently released data that says the County’s test positivity rate, which had plateaued at 3%, now exceeds 10 %. As of Nov. 19, we have recorded 5,599 cases for the month. That's more than those recorded in July for the same period. For these reasons, in consultation with City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and City Manager Michael Ortega, Tucson Parks and Recreation will be taking the steps below to protect employees and the public.
Effective immediately, all ramadas will be closed through the end of December. All ramada reservations from Nov. 25-Dec. 31 will be canceled, and customers will be contacted about their options for a credit or refund.
At this time, we will not be scheduling fields for any new games or tournaments. We will allow the few local games currently scheduled to continue, provided they follow their COVID-19 action plans previously submitted to the department. No spectators at events or events involving interstate travel will be allowed.
In addition, Sentinel Peak Park (“A” Mountain) has seen an influx in visitors and large gatherings on the mountain in the evenings. Effective immediately, the park will now close 30 minutes after sunset. Previously, the park hours were sunrise-8 p.m.
Playgrounds/Outdoor Fitness Stations and Equipment
- Safety signage is in place.
- Playgrounds/Outdoor fitness equipment will be cleaned and inspected periodically.
- It is strongly advised that users exercise caution and self‐sanitize before and after use
Extended Season Swimming Pools:
- Extended season swimming pools for adult lap swim only
- Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center will open its outdoor pool for lap swim only at reduced capacity
- Reservations will be required to best manage the expected high demand for use
- For more details and instructions for making a reservation, visit the Edith Ball ARC website
- All other pools and splash pads remain closed
Park restrooms, horseshoe pits, and outdoor sports courts, including tennis, racquetball, handball, bocce, badminton, and sand volleyball opened in August and will remain open.
We strongly advise:
- All groups keep to 10 individuals or fewer
- Parks amenities users maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance from anyone they do not live with
- Stay home if feeling sick
- Follow all other CDC guidelines to keep safe.
Every person in the City of Tucson over the age of 5 is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public setting where continuous physical distancing is difficult or impossible. Signage is in place at all playgrounds and ramadas reminding the community of the CDC guidelines they should follow when visiting the park.
Senior Programming:
- All senior programming will be be suspended at Parks facilities until further notice due to increased risk our senior community members face from COVID-19. The department is committed to ensuring that all Senior Meal Program Participants will continue to receive meals during this time and is working in partnership with Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) to make that happen.
- Frozen meals will be provided to seniors enrolled in the congregate meals program. Pickup times will be scheduled at all eight of our meal sites. There will be no change for the program's home delivery participants.
- For those individuals who received SunVan vouchers for transportation to and from the meal sites, home delivery accomodations are being made.
Follow Us!
For recreation, fitness, and fun activities, follow the Tucson Parks and Recreation Facebook page and the City of Tucson Instagram.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Cancels Fall Events
Tucson Parks and Recreation has canceled the department's annual fall events, including Boo Bash at Lincoln Park, Family Festival in the Park at Reid Park, and the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair held over Thanksgiving weekend at Reid Park. Out of an abundance of caution, the department made the difficult decision to cancel these events for the safety of the community due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on gatherings of large groups.
Tucson Delivers: Parks + Connections
In November 2018, the voters approved Proposition 407, a $225 million bond package to improve park amenities and connections throughought the City of Tucson. Parks projects include improvements at 100 of our city’s 128 parks and focus on existing facilities and amenities as well as adding new amenities and three new parks. Projects include improvements to pools and splash pads, sports fields and courts, playgrounds, and more. Bond funds will also improve connections with greenways, shared-use paths, pedestrian safety features, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes.