In addition to parks, recreation centers and pools, Tucson Parks and Recreation offers many sites that we call Special Places. These locations add to the Tucson experience and enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Make it a point to visit them for yourself.
To reserve one of these facilities, submit a letter of request to the District Office, attention District Administrator.
“A” Mountain (Sentinel Peak)
1000 S. Sentinel Peak Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday- Saturday
8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday
Contact: Southwest District
4208 S. Santa Rita Ave. (85714)
(520) 791-5909
FAX: (520) 791-5914
Want to get an eyeful of our beautiful city and its surrounding mountains? Just look for the large letter “A” on the mountain to the west of downtown. This open space, known as Sentinel Peak or “A” Mountain, is a popular lookout point for Tucsonans and visitors alike. It also hosts the City’s annual July 4 fireworks show.
A gazebo, which is sometimes used for small gatherings or weddings, is located on the west side of the mountain. Picnic tables and a grill are nearby.
Cancer Survivors Plaza
Located in Gene C. Reid Park
22nd Street and Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Parks Administration
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-4008
Located east of the 22nd Street and Country Club Road intersection. This $1.1 million plaza was donated to the City of Tucson by the R.A. Bloch Foundation.
The 1.22-acre site was built to serve as a symbol of inspiration, hope and the celebration of life for cancer survivors and patients. The colorful plaza features a “Cancer….There’s Hope” sculpture with seven cast bronze statues, 22 information pedestals and a beautiful multi-level fountain.
Demeester Outdoor Performance Center (OPC)
Gene C. Reid Park
22nd Street and Country Club Road
Hours: 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Parks Administration
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-4008
From blues to classical and summer Shakespeare in the Park to dance performances, the OPC is a focal point for the community and an expression of the diversity of Tucson. Fully equipped with an acoustically tuned amplification system and integral lighting, this facility is available for rent for a wide variety of events and can comfortably accommodate audiences up to 7,000. Located in the northwest corner of Reid Park, the area also includes areas for festival booths.
El Tiradito
400 S. Main Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Northwest District
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-5887
Also known as the Wishing Shrine, El Tiradito is a small site on dirt grounds, featuring a shrine dedicated to star-crossed lovers. There is an adobe wall with niches where people place small mandas (promises) or pray for successful ventures. The shrine holds a votive candle stand. There is also a drinking fountain.
El Tiradito is the site of small weddings and is frequently used for candlelight ceremonies. It is on the Historic Register and is a unique part of Tucson history.
Garden of Gethsemane
602 W. Congress Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85745
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Northwest District
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-5887
Located next to the Santa Cruz River on West Congress Street, this peaceful garden was created to house the religious sculptures of artist Felix Lucero. A path with beautiful potted plants and greenery winds through the park and passes hand-sculpted images of Christ at the Last Supper, the Holy Family and the Crucifixion.
The garden is popular for weddings, quinceañeras and small parties. The garden is lighted and features electrical outlets, water fountain, and kneeling bench.
No alcohol is permitted. Access keys are required. Keys are issued upon receipt of a refundable key and maintenance deposit.
Hi Corbett Field
Randolph Way and Camino Campestre
Hours: 6 a.m.-11:30 p.m., subject to scheduled games/events
Contact: Reid Park Operations Superintendent
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-4008
Located in the northeast corner of Reid Park, Hi Corbett Field is the March home of Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball spring training. With seating for 10,000, Hi Corbett Field features complete snack bar facilities.
Parking lot use is included with the rental of this facility.
La Pilita
400 S. Main Ave.
Tucson, AZ (85701)
Hours: Call: (520) 882-7454 for hours and information.
An adobe building constructed in the early 1900s, La Pilita is a wonderful example of an old property given new life. It served as a home and a small restaurant for a number of years, until the City acquired it.
Immediately to the south of the site are a sundial and an old fountain placed atop an abandoned well. The fountain is decorated with handmade tiles created by the children of Carillo School, who as adults still come to view the tiles they made. A mural on the south side of the building represents the legend surrounding the Wishing Shrine, El Tiradito, located to the north
The La Pilita Foundation offers educational programs on Tucson and southwestern history, as well as natural history. A small gift shop is located in the building.
La Placita
119 W. Broadway Blvd.
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Northwest District
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-5887
Located near the original San Augustin Church, La Placita contains a picturesque gazebo dating back to the 1800s. This historic gazebo has an adjacent grass area and is a very popular location for weddings, reunions, receptions and other small gatherings. The gazebo is located near the La Placita shops and the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and is a short distance from the Tucson Convention Center and a hotel.
An access key is required. Keys are issued upon receipt of a refundable key and maintenance deposit.
Kennedy Park Fiesta Area
3700 S. La Cholla Blvd. (at Ajo Way)
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Southwest District
4208 S. Santa Rita Ave. (85714)
(520) 791-5909
FAX: (520) 791-5914
The Fiesta Area, located in John F. Kennedy Park, features a grassy amphitheater surrounded by a stage and 18 permanent vendor booths. The venue has a capacity for 7,500 and features ample parking for large events.
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson
133 W. Washington St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
Contact: Northwest District
900 S. Randolph Way (85716)
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-5887
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson is a re-creation of the northeast corner of the original 1775 Spanish presidio. It is located in the heart of downtown on the corner of Washington and Church Streets.
The Presidio complex is a wonderful mix of Tucson’s many layers of history. Primarily, it is an interpretation of the presidio (fort) building and life during Spanish times. A self-guided tour explains features including a munitions room, torreón (tower), commissary, and living space for soldiers and their families. An open Hohokam pit house is found on site, along with an interpretation of features that came before the Hohokam period.
Along one wall is a beautiful mural depicting early residents of the Presidio. A Territorial era plaza, a zaguán (breezeway), and a Sonoran-style streetscape are also part of the site. Original period row houses along Court Street contain an exhibit space, gift shop, and small meeting area. Natural landscaping that reflects the period surrounds the outside walls, as well as a remnant of a boarding house that was located on the site. Finally, the visitor can trace the presidio wall as it existed downtown by following “adobes” set along the former wall path, to experience a sense of place regarding this remarkable Tucson treasure.
Reid Park Zoo
Off Randolph Way in Reid Park
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Contact: Reid Park Zoo
(520) 791-3204
FAX: (520) 791-5378
Travel from the mountains of South America, through the Asian rain forest and to the African savanna in one day. Reid Park Zoo allows visitors to explore naturalistic habitats housing more than 400 exotic animals from around the world.
Reid Park Zoo is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in nurturing wildlife through conservation, research, education and recreation. This 17-acre facility is involved in captive breeding programs for several threatened and endangered species. Zoo visitors and experts agree, it makes an enjoyable and educational place to spend leisure time. The Zoo entrance is located north of 22nd Street off Randolph Way, between Country Club Road and Alvernon Way.
For detailed information, hours and admission fees, call 791-4022 or visit www.tucsonzoo.org
Rodeo Grounds
4825 S. 6th Ave.
Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Contact: Southwest District
4208 S. Santa Rita Ave. (85714)
(520) 791-5909
FAX: (520) 791-5914
This 36-acre facility hosts the annual Tucson Rodeo and Parade. The Rodeo Grounds features a 175’ x 450’ arena with permanent grandstand seating, horse stalls and a museum. Although the facility is designed for equestrian use, musical concerts and auto derby bookings are regularly held there.
Rose Garden
Located in Gene C. Reid Park
22nd Street and Country Club Road (85716)
Hours: Open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Contact: Parks Administration
(520) 791-4873, Ext. 0
FAX: (520) 791-4008
The Reid Park Rose Garden boasts 1,080 different color rose beds, with more than 100 species of roses. The Rose Society of Tucson has been a partner with the City in the development and promotion of the garden for many years. A layout plan, available free at the garden, indicates the location of the various rose species in the garden and lists the best rose varieties for our desert climate. The garden also contains a large gazebo and is very popular for weddings, birthday parties and other special events by reservation.
The Rose Garden is always a special place to visit, but the most impressive display of roses in bloom occurs each March-April and October-November.
