From the Director's Desk
Summer has officially arrived, bringing with it the vibrant energy that fills our parks, ramadas, community centers, and aquatic centers. Whether you're joining us at one of our pools or splashpads, enrolling your kids in summer camp, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll along the Chuck Huckelberry loop, there's something for everyone in our summer lineup.
We’re excited to share that our quarterly newsletter officially has a name: Leisure Times. A friend once told me, “History makes us smarter and heritage makes us prouder.” We chose Leisure Times as the name of our Parks and Recreation newsletter in honor of its legacy. Leisure Times was the original name of the Parks and Recreation newsletter circa 1980s, and by bringing it back, we’re celebrating our department’s history by honoring previous Parks and Recreation Professionals who have paved the way for this generation, as we continue to inform and engage our community. The name reflects our ongoing mission to provide meaningful, enjoyable and accessible leisure opportunities for everyone.
July is Parks and Recreation month, a time to celebrate the essential role we all play in connecting communities to wellness, fun, learning, and the beauty of the Sonoran landscape. Our Parks and Recreation team is committed to creating trusted gathering places that connect every member of our community to essential programs, services and spaces that advance healthy outcomes and enhance quality of life. Parks and Recreation is more than just programs-we are in the “people business” building community, promoting wellness and creating places where everyone belongs. We’re proud to be a part of that story and grateful to serve such a vibrant, active, and supportive community.
We look forward to seeing you out and about in Pima County this summer, enjoying the sunshine, making memories, and discovering all that your local Parks and Recreation have to offer. Be safe this summer, drink plenty of water and most importantly-Leisure on!
Victor Pereira
Director, Pima County Parks and Recreation
Employee of the Quarter
 |
|
Congratulations to Troy French, Custodian, our Parks and Recreation Employee of the Quarter for April - June 2025!
Troy keeps our headquarters in great shape and is always ready with a friendly word,
This quarter, he went above and beyond reconfiguring cubicles, creating workstations, and fixing contractor issues, saving the department time and money.
|
Youth Recreation Programs for Kids & Teens
Registration is now open! Keep your kids and teens engaged, active, and inspired this school year with Pima County Parks and Recreation’s after-school programs.
After-School Program (Grades K-5)
Open to children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade, this program runs from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. on all in-person learning days.
Children will enjoy a mix of activities, including:
- Arts & crafts
- Sports & playground games
- Board games
- Special event days and more!
Two registration options are available:
- Standard rate $50
- Income-based rate $15 (must provide proof of eligibility by the first day)
Next Level Teen Program
This exciting after-school program is designed for teen ages 11-14 who are ready to explore new hobbies, stay active, and build friendships in a positive, supportive environment.
Activities include:
- Sports & team games
- Arts, crafts, & creative workshops
- Leadership skill-building
- Social hangouts in a supportive environment
Fall Session Fee: $30.
Led by experienced staff, Next Level helps teens build confidence, try new things, and make lasting memories.
Shooting Sports Honored by TUSD
 |
|
Pima County Shooting Sports received the Tucson Unified School District’s Superintendent’s Award of Excellence on May 27, 2025, in recognition of it's outstanding partnership and continued support of youth education and safety programs.
This award highlights the Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range's (SERP) commitment to providing safe, educational opportunities that promote responsible firearm use and outdoor recreation for students across the district.
|
Park Improvements at a Glance
Parks and Recreation has been hard at work revitalizing park amenities and infrastructure across Pima County. Recent and upcoming projects focus on asphalt preservation, lighting, recreational courts, structural improvements and safety upgrades:
Asphalt Preservation Projects
- Branding Iron Park (D5) – Removed, replaced, and re-striped asphalt
- Curtis Park, West (D3) – Asphalt overlay and striping
- Flowing Wells District Park (D3)– Crack fill, seal coat, and striping
- Lawrence Park (D5) – Overlay/stripe (West); crack fill/seal coat/stripe (East)
- Parks & Rec Admin Site (D3) – Crack fill, seal coat, and stripe
- Summit Park (D2) – Crack fill, seal coat, and path seal coat
- Thomas Jay Regional Park, North (D2) – Overlay/stripe and path removal/replacement
- Vesey Park (D3) – Crack fill, seal coat, striping, and path seal coat
Recreational Upgrades
- Casas Adobes Park (D1) – New playground installed
- Rillito Vista Park (D3) – Basketball court removed and replaced
- Continental Community Center (D3) – Sport court resurfaced with basketball and pickleball striping
Structural Enhancements
- Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (D1) – Column replacements at Ramadas #3 and #5
- Denny Dunn Park (D3) – Fencing removed and replaced at backstop, dugouts, and foul lines on Fields #1 and #2
Lighting Upgrades (Managed by Project Development)
-
Ann Day Park, Fields #1, #2, #3 (D1) – New LED lighting installed (first time lighting for these fields)
-
Rillito Regional Park, Field #9 (D1) – New LED lights installed
-
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, Field #1 (D1) – New LED lights installed
These improvements reflect our continued commitment to creating safe, accessible, and high-quality parks and recreation amenities for the entire community.
Summer Program Highlights: Drexel Heights & Littletown
 As our 2025 Summer Youth Programs wrap up, both Drexel Heights and Littletown Community Centers are celebrating a season filled with creativity, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
At Drexel Heights, kids looked forward to "Fun Food Wednesdays," trying new dishes and desserts from around the world. Each day brought music-filled games, splash pad fun, swim days, nature walks, and field trips creating lost of smiles and new friendships. Families (including teens) were proud to see their end-of-session art showcasing all the creativity from summer.
At Littletown, participants "traveled the globe" through hands-on projects like building pyramids, crafting Chichen Itza, and recreating the Great Wall of China. Weekly country themes inspired curiosity, and new games like Chinese and Mexican jump rope were instant hits. The highlight? Watching kids proudly present their creations and fun facts to their families
This summer brought not just fun but learning, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime!
Pupapoolooza Returns for 2025!
 Parks and Recreation is excited to welcome back Pupapoolooza, a free, dog-only swim event giving our four-legged residents a chance to spash and play before pool season ends. This annual tradition transforms public pools into canine-friendly swim zones and is held at two locations:
Kino Pool
2805 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Picture Rocks Pool
5615 N. Sanders Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Online registration opens July 15 at 6:00 a.m. and closes August 7 at 11:59 p.m.
All participating dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and well-behaved. Owners must remain on-site and are encouraged to bring leashes, towels, and waste bags.
Rediscovering Leisure Times (1986)
While cleaning out old files, Parks and Recreation staff uncovered a copy of Leisure Times, the department's printed newsletter first published in August 1986. It served as a one-stop source for special events, programs, and park updates.
The issue opened with a message from former Director Gene Laos, highlighting the newsletter's role in keeping the community connected and informed.
Also featured was a Parks Development and Recreation Bond, which helped preserve and expand open space and fund improvement to 35 parks countywide-a major milestone in shaping the park system we know today.
This find is a great reminder of our department's roots and continued dedication to parks, recreation, and community.
Park Spotlight: E.S. "Bud" Walker Park
 Located in the heart of Ajo, AZ, E.S. "Bud" Walker Park serves as a beloved gathering place for residents of all ages. With open green areas, shaded play spaces, and recreational amenities, it offers something for everyone, from young families to long-time residents.
COOLtainer
Unique to Bud Walker Park, the solar-powered, air-conditioned "COOLtainer" offers a safe and refreshing escape from the heat on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This mobile cooling unit provides cold water and IV hydration packets are available inside to help visitors stay safe and hydrated. Please note:
Service animals only are allowed in the COOLtainer.
Ajo Pool Gets a Refresh
As part of the upgrades, the Ajo Pool received a full overhaul of it's 25-year-old pump room, including:
- Energy-efficient Variable Frequency Drive pool pumps
- New electrical and plumbing systems
- A remote-controlled chemical controller
- Weather-resistant steel paneling to protect equipment
These improvements ensure better water quality, lower energy use, and long-term reliability.
With these recent upgrades, E.S. “Bud” Walker Park continues to grow as a vibrant, welcoming space that supports the health, safety, and enjoyment of the Ajo community. Whether you're cooling off in the upgraded pool, relaxing in the COOLtainer, or simply enjoying the open spaces, there's never been a better time to visit your neighborhood park!
- Beginners Handgun Course at Southeast Regional Park Rifle & Pistol Shooting Range (8 am - 10:30 am)
- July 26, August 16, September 14, & September 27, 2025
- Women's Beginner Handgun Course at Southeast Regional Park Rifle & Pistol Shooting Range (8 am - 10:30 am)
- August 9, August 17, September 7, & September 20, 2025
- Beginner Rifle Course at Southeast Regional Park Rifle & Pistol Shooting Range (8 am - 10:30 am)
- August 10, August 23, September 6, & September 21, 2025
- Vegan Night Market at Rillito Regional Park (6 pm - 10 pm)
- Free Drive Thru PACC Microchip Event at Flowing Wells Park
- Loop de Loop at Rillito Regional Park (6 am - 1 pm)
WE'RE HIRING!
Next Issue: October 15, 2025
|
