Columbus Park -- Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
(Responses as of 5/13/04)

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1. Regarding the name of the Park – Why is it Columbus if it’s located on Silverbell Road?

Parks and Recreation Department response: Christopher Columbus Park is located at 4600 N. Silverbell Rd. It is north of Sweetwater Drive and south of El Camino del Cerro. The park was named Christopher Columbus as part of the 500th anniversary of the landing of Columbus in the Americas. An interested group of Italian American citizens requested Mayor and Council to change the name from Silverbell Park, (established in 1979) to Christopher Columbus. The change was approved by Mayor and Council in November 1990.

2. Will there be lighting for the model airplane circles?

Parks and Recreation Department response: The Columbus Park planning process has not included lighting at the model airplane circles. The funding available is from 1997 Pima County bonds. The bond description calls for newly constructed park facilities within an existing 300-acre park, including lighted soccer field, little league fields, dog training area, river park staging area, family picnic areas, ramadas, rest rooms, parking and landscaping.

3. If you put in organized Little League here, will you be adding more facilities at Reid Park?

Parks and Recreation Department response: No additional Little League fields are planned for Reid Park. Popular Little League facilities are located nearby at Silverlake Park, where leagues utilize the "Field of Dreams" complex. Reid Park is very heavily used, and the addition of the Adaptive Recreation Center there this fall will add another element to the park.

4. Who is going to use the soccer fields?

Parks and Recreation Department response: Youth and adult soccer organizations will be the primary users of these fields. The fields will be open to reservations to the public, including other organizations, at other times.

5. Who is funding the 55 acres?

Parks and Recreation Department response: The 55 acres is currently City-owned property, but it is not designated for park use. The Mayor and Council must determine if the 55 acres is added to the park, thus making it available for inclusion in any park development plans.

6. How will the homeless problem be solved?

Parks and Recreation Department response: The City of Tucson has formal Homeless Camp Protocol. It is initiated “when a camp poses a threat to public safety, there is criminal activity, a citizen complaint or when there is camping in any City park, on the grounds of any City building, or in any City parking lot.” If on City land, the protocol includes notification of the City Community Services Department, Tucson Police, Outreach Provider(s), and Primavera Services, as appropriate.

In the past, this protocol has been used in Christopher Columbus Park and other City-owned land in the area. Following the complaints heard at the recent public meeting, Community Services was notified, and the protocol process will begin. This includes assessment, vacating camps, cleanup, and update to the City Manager’s office, affected Ward office, and to the complainant, if it applies.