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 Danny Lopez with students. Courtesy of the Tucson Native Youth Council.
Ranaming Columbus Park
Tucson’s process for renaming city parks is straight forward. A person or group sends Parks & Recreation a letter to Parks & Recreation that explains why the park should be renamed, proposes a specific new name, provides information to justify the new name, and provides a $10,000 funding source that will cover the cost should the new name be chosen.
A group of Native American youth and their supporters submitted a letter to rename Columbus Park to Danny Lopez Park (see https://tinyurl.com/y9fnhh3u). That triggered a 45-day period when you can show support or oppose the proposal – just email your comments to parksandrecreation@tucsonaz.gov by November 25. After that, the Parks and Recreation Commission meets to discuss it and will send its recommendation to Mayor and Council for a final decision.
I am especially pleased that the group has proposed the park be named for the well-respected Tohono O’odham teacher and elder, Danny Lopez. I first heard Danny’s voice when we were both students at the University of Arizona. His 30-minute bilingual “Desert Voices” was something I tried to listen to every week because I was fascinated to hear the O’odham language and learn more about their rich heritage. Later I met Danny when he supported Native Seeds/SEARCH’s public events with a blessing or being involved in one way or another. The only time I ever saw my father dance was the time he was swept up into the round dance Danny organized at the opening of the group’s farm in Patagonia – a real testament to Danny’s ability to include everyone in what he was doing as my father was not someone who liked to dance!
You can learn about Danny by reading his own words in a short, interesting autobiography that was published by the UA’s American Indian Language Development Institute, https://tinyurl.com/2ezchbe7.
Columbus Park is located between Silverbell Road and the Santa Cruz just north of the Pima Animal Care Center. Park visitors walk dogs from the center there or enjoy a stroll around the lake. Others fish or boat in the lake, picnic, use special areas to fly model airplanes and run model boats, or let their dogs enjoy the off-leash area. A 2018 city bond will fund future parking lot repair, an ADA sidewalk, an additional restroom, a destination playground, and a splash pad.
Recently, a group has formed to support the park. If you would like to help, you can contact them at friendsofcolumbuspark@gmail.com (they expect to change their name if the renaming occurs).
 Originally called Silverbell Park, in 1990 the Knights of Columbus led an effort to establish the current name to help celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus reaching North America and paid for park improvements. Whether the name is changed or not their support of the park at that time will continue to be recognized in the park because their contribution was appreciated.
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Congratulations to The Salvation Army Amphi Corps Community Center on their new splash pad and play area! Located at 218 E. Prince Road in the Amphi neighborhood the newly activated area is designed for families with kids of all ages participating in Salvation Army programs.
 Everyone lined up for the ribbon cutting!
The ribbon cutting was attended by Salvation Army staff and officials, donors and supporters, and kids currently enrolled in the community center. After waiting patiently in 95 degree weather and through several speakers, including Vice Mayor Dahl, the children were finally allowed to break in the new splash pad.
 The inaugural splash!
The project broke ground in early June of 2024 and took six to eight years to plan, fundraise, and build out. The new splash pad and play area take up a large footprint on the south side of the lot that was being underutilized. The activation of this space will allow kids and their families more access to outdoor spaces.
The Ward 3 office strongly supports more splash pads and public pools for residents and families in Tucson. Thank you to the Salvation Army for providing more recreation spaces for our residents!
 Vice Mayor Dahl shares some opening remarks.
Ward 3 has some great pieces of public art scattered throughout it’s neighborhoods; from fun mural by the likes of Ignacio Garcia or Joe Pagac, some cool graffiti, and sculptures like the Wine bottle at Nancy's Boondocks. In the Samos Neighborhood near Grant and Campbell, I found myself face to face with an impressive chrome sculpture of two figures made completely out of car bumpers. So I pulled over and knocked on the door, wanting to take some pictures. I was greeted by the home's friendly owner, Diana Bailey. She was very eager to tell me about the house, gave me a tour and allowed me to snap some photos. There is the same amount of artistry and creativity all over the inside.
 Sculptures by Jerry Hall outside of Diane Baily's House.
Upon entering her home I felt like I was stepping into an art gallery. The bathroom shower includes tile-work that resembles a flowing river leading up to a toilet that looks like a lady wearing a bonnet. However, this did not prepare me for the wonderful work located in her backyard. Complete with an ornate pool with a waterfall, it also has a miniature frontier village made of scrap metal. Before Diana, the home was previously owned by local artist Jerry Hall. The backyard looks like it came straight out of a child's storybook, it's reminiscent of the local attraction Valley of the Moon. As it turns out, before Diana owned the house IT WAS a local attraction, called Jerry Hall's World of Imagination.
 Diane Baily in her home.
The home had been featured in books, travel websites, and even on the Discovery Channel. Unfortunately, Mr. Hall succumbed to colon cancer in 2010 and the attraction closed. The house was then sold to Diana and her husband and they kept what sculptures they could and tried to keep the integrity of the pieces. The couple even made photo albums of the house when they first moved in to try and document its progress and keep the whimsical history alive. This beautiful Home is located at 1402 E. Water St. For more images of Jerry Hall's fabulous work check out the following links.
https://www.facebook.com/JerryHallTucsonAZ/
http://www.roadsideresort.com/photos/jerry-halls-world-of-imagination
Last week in our Undisputed Gym article we mistakenly stated that it was located in the Sugar Hill Neighborhood, it is actually part of the Feldman's Neighborhood.
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 LUTHER/ #A835053
Age: 3 years
Qualities:
All-around VGB (that's Very Good Boy) Luther is a friendly, happy boy who loves his humans, other dogs, and taking dips in the doggy pool. He's described by volunteers as mellow and gentle (with the occasional spurt of the zoomies!) and a "complete sweet potato!"
Fee:
Luther has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
🐾 Foster for Five! 🐾 Starting Friday, October 18th through Sunday, November 3rd, foster a 40+ lb dog from Pima Animal Care Center for just 2 weeks and earn $5/day (up to $70)! 🐶 Plus, you’ll take home a FREE crate thanks to Petco Love . Help save a life today! ❤️
More info 👉 https://www.pima.gov/2233/Pima-Animal-Care-Center-PACC?contentId=4cd9d69e-b5d5-4a74-81f1-8a976afc4c1a [pima.gov]
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Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday 10/23, 6 - 7 pm
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Richland Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday 10/26, 3:30 - 5 pm
2240 E. Greenlee Rd.
The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am -1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
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Team Up To Clean Up Your Neighborhood
What is Team Up To Clean Up?
The City of Tucson, along with community partners, is organizing a citywide clean-up effort. Residents, families, students, community groups, and businesses are invited to join forces to clean and enhance our neighborhood.
For more details on events dates and times, visit: Team Up To Clean Up.
No Tools Needed!
The city provides all necessary materials and will handle trash disposal.
Want to Clean at Your Own Pace?
You can get recycled 55-gallon bags from your local ward office, courtesy of our local breweries.
For questions, email Steven at steven.laturco@tucsonaz.gov
SURVEY FOR 1ST AVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The City of Tucson, in partnership with Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority, is improving 1st Avenue from River Road to Grant Road. A survey is now available to gather community input on the priorities for this area. The public is invited to visit the project website to take the survey, leave a comment on the interactive map, or sign up for the email list.
The 1st Avenue Improvement Project will modernize the corridor using a Complete Streets framework to enhance safety for all users, improve roadway conditions, and provide greater comfort and accessibility for pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists. The project includes a new bridge over the Rillito River, pavement reconstruction, continuous and accessible sidewalks, enhanced bicycle facilities, safety improvements, drainage improvements, upgraded traffic signals, lighting, and landscaping.
 The 1st Avenue Project is very early in the development process. The project started with a Needs Assessment to better understand the existing conditions in the corridor. Based on community input and the findings of the Needs Assessment, the City of Tucson and the RTA decided to move forward with the four-lane improvement. The Needs Assessment and results of the community survey are available on the project website.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Fall Pool Schedules Available
Pool admission remains free.
To find a pool near you, visit the Parks and Recreation website.
Schedule for Tucson Home Sharing Events
Volunteers Wanted
Se Buscan Voluntarios
Pima ABECC Looking For Volunteers
 Email Montserrat Caballero for for more info: mcaballero1@pima.edu
Free Workshop!
Free Food Distribution October 19 Begininng at 8 AM
Pumpkins And Pistons Trunk or Treat October 19 From 1-5 PM
Homing Project Meet and Greet Sunday, October 20 From 12 - 2 PM
Homebuyer Workshop Series Tuesdays From 6:30-7:30 Through November
Free Halloween Party On October 25 From 5:30-7:30 PM
Team Up To Clean Up Community Celebration Saturday October 26 From 8-10 AM
Garden District Porchfest Sunday October 27 From 2:30-5:30 PM
Cyclovia Tucson on October 27th, From 9 AM - 3 PM
 Living Streets Alliance is delighted to announce their 21st event which will take place on Sunday, October 27th, from 9 AM to 3 PM!
The Fall route will bridge Downtown and the City of South Tucson along 2.25 miles of car-free, carefree streets. Walk, bike, play, connect—during Cyclovia, the streets are yours!
Ready, Set, REC! in October
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30 - 6 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30am. https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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