A Note from the Director
Welcome to the second issue of the Parks and Recreation Newsletter!
As the seasons shift and nature calls us outdoors, we’re excited to bring you fresh updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay engaged in your local parks and recreation community spaces. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a weekend picnic enthusiast, or someone just looking to explore new recreational opportunities, we've got plenty in store to make your Parks and Recreation experience even more enjoyable.
In this edition, we’ll spotlight our Employee of the Quarter, highlight another successful Ted Walker Youth Day event and share insider tips on making the most of your outside time in the Old Pueblo! Plus, we’ll introduce exciting recreation programs designed to bring neighbors together through sports, fitness, and family-friendly activities.
There’s something for everyone, so lace up your sneakers, pack a picnic, and get ready to discover what’s new in your community from a Parks and Recreation lens!
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Employee of the Quarter
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Congratulations to Martin Fernandez, our Parks and Recreation Employee of the Quarter for January-March 2025!
Martin exemplifies Pima County's Core Values-Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical-and consistently goes above and beyond his regular duties with exceptional performance.
Thank you, Martin, for your hard work and for being a shining example of what it means to be a Parks and Recreation professional!
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Get Ready for Summer Programs!
 Summer is right around the corner, and we're excited to offer you and your family activities that will make the most of the season! From swim lessons to team activities and upcoming camps, there's something for everyone to enjoy with Pima County Parks and Recreation.
Swim Team Registration Opens April 29
Get ready to make some waves and rock the pool this season! Our swim team is back with a fun "Rock 'n Roll All Summer Long" theme-perfect for young swimmers looking to train, compete, and have a blast with teammates. You won't want to miss out!
Swim Lesson Registration Opens May 13
Whether your child is just starting out or ready to refine their strokes, our swim lessons are a great way to build confidence in the water. Classes fill up quickly-be sure to sign up early!
Summer Camp Registration - Coming Soon!
Join us this summer on an exciting journey Around the World! Campers will explore different countries and cultures through engaging activities like crafts, cooking, games and sports, music, field trips, water play, and so much more. It's the perfect mix of fun and learning!
Registration date TBD - visit our website for updates.
Summer Teen Leadership Recreation Program - Coming Soon!
Our Teen Leadership Program offers a unique and rewarding summer experience. Participants will assist Pima County staff with recreation programs, take part in team-building challenges, and develop essential leadership and communication skills.
Registration date TBD - visit our website for updates.
We Want Your Feedback!
As part of our Parks and Recreation Master Plan, we're gathering community input to help guide future improvements to our facilities, programs, and services.
If you've visited a Community Center, reserved a Sports Field, or used our Aquatics Facilities, we'd love to hear from you!
Please take a few minutes to complete the following short surveys:
Your feedback plays a key role in shaping the next phase of Parks and Recreation in Pima County!
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Shooting Sports Program Switching to Cashless Payments
Beginning May 1, 2025, the Southeast Regional Park (SERP), Clay Target Center (CTC), Tucson Mountain Park (TMP) will transition to a cashless payment system. To enhance security and improve efficiency, we will only accept the following payment methods:
→ Credit & Debit Cards
→ Apple Pay
→ Google Pay
Please plan accordingly and bring your preferred cashless payment method for a seamless experience at the range.
For more information, visit our website or contact us at 520-724-5750.
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the range soon!
Splash Pads & Pools Opening Soon!
We’re excited to announce the opening dates for our beloved Splash Pads and County Pools-your favorite spots to cool off as the temps heat up!
Splash Pads Open April 19
the perfect way for everyone to cool off and have fun as the weather warms up.
County Pools Open May 24
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, our pools are opening for the season! Come swim, relax, and make the most of those long summer days.
Visit our Pools & Splash Pads website for more details, locations, and hours.
Summer Party Zone & Private Pool Rentals
⇒ Reservations open May 8 - limited dates available, so don't wait!⇐
Celebrate birthdays, team parties, or family fun at our Summer Party Zone-your go-to spot for poolside gatherings!
Looking for something private? Private Pool Rentals are available for exclusive events.
Visit our Summer Party Zone & Private Rental Website or call 520-724-5189 for details and reservations.
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Turf Management Program and Upcoming Field Closures
At Parks and Recreation we are committed to enhancing the quality of our playing fields to ensure the best possible experience for our park patrons. As part of our ongoing Turf Management Program, staff have undertaken a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the turf quality on our most heavily used fields.
The goal of this program is to improve soil health, reduce water usage, and enhance staff expertise, ensuring that we provide the best possible turf for our park patrons across 66 sites and over 125 acres.
Check out our Field Closure Schedule for specific dates when fields will be temporarily unavailable.
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Ted Walker Youth Day Celebrates 33 Years
 This year's Ted Walker Youth Day was a tremendous success, attracting over 2,100 kids for a day filled with fun, learning, and community celebration. The event, organized by Parks and Recreation, took place on January 23, 2025, at Old Tucson Studios. This year marked the 33rd anniversary of Ted Walker Youth Day, a tradition for our schools in our community.
We would like to express our gratitude to the dedicated Parks and Recreation staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly. Their hard work and commitment were vital to making the day a success!
 After receiving some fantastic suggestions in our first round, we're reaching out for one last time to help us name our new Parks and Recreation newsletter.
How to Submit Your Ideas:
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Think of a creative, fun, and catchy name.
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Submit your idea by June 15 via email to our Community Engagement Coordinator, Anissa Ramirez at anissa.ramirez2@pima.gov or via our feedback website.
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Be sure to include your contact details so we can reach out to you if your name is chosen!
Park Rules: A Friendly Reminder
As we continue to enjoy our beautiful parks, here’s a quick reminder of some key rules to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Off-Leash Areas: Dogs are permitted off-leash within designated dog runs, either temporary or permanent, located in county parks.
Clean Up: Please use park trash bins for waste, and avoid littering or disposing of residential trash. Let’s keep our parks clean for everyone!
Noise: Be mindful of noise by keeping noise levels down, avoiding disruptions, and treating everyone with respect.
By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to keeping our parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for all!
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 Tuesday, April 15
Senior BBQ - Ellie Towne Community Center
Saturday, April 19
Eggstravaganza & Movie in the Park - Ajo Community Center
Saturday, May 10
Movie in the Park - Winston Reynolds, Manzanita Park
Saturday, May 31
Canine Resource Fair - Ellie Towne Community Center
WE'RE HIRING!
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