RESTORATION CELEBRATION OF RIO VISTA NATURAL RESOURCE PARK
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl, Tucson Parks and Recreation, RillitoBend Neighborhood Association, and the Friends of Rio Vista invite the community to celebrate recent improvements at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, 3974 N. Tucson Blvd., on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m.
“The residents of the RillitoBend neighborhood have been advocating and preserving the natural beauty of the Rio Vista Natural Resource Park for decades,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Thanks to Tucson voters who approved Prop 407, the City of Tucson in partnership with Watershed Management Group, is restoring the Rillito River’s floodplain, preserving its natural spaces and biodiversity. This is another example of what is possible when residents and the City of Tucson come together and invest in vibrant spaces such as these,” added the Mayor.
These enhancements are the result of a comprehensive master planning process, guided by extensive public input. The updates reflect the community’s priorities and aim to preserve the park’s natural beauty while improving its accessibility and sustainability.
Key improvements include:
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Water Harvesting: More than 45 water-harvesting basins have been created throughout the park to capture and retain rainwater, supporting native vegetation, and reducing erosion.
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Trail Enhancements: Non-designated trails have been closed, revegetated, and marked with new signage to protect sensitive areas. Designated trails have been stabilized, including the construction of a rock causeway to prevent flooding and erosion.
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Native Plant Restoration: A total of 365 native trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the park, while invasive tree species have been removed to promote a healthy ecosystem.
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Trail System Improvements: Rock nodes, trail maps (coming in February), and park rules signs to guide visitors and improve their experience.
Attendees will enjoy music from John and Jeanne Ronstadt, have the opportunity to explore the park’s updated trail system, and learn more about the ecological benefits of the improvements. The project was made possible through Tucson Delivers, funded by the 2018 voter-approved Proposition 407 bond funds. The park improvements were master planned by SmithGroup and implemented by a collaborative team that included Watershed Management Group as the design team and the contractors Dryland Design, Strategic Habitat Enhancements, Arizona Conservation Corps, Grasslands Reclamation and Seeding Inc., Biff Baker Fencing, and Tucson Audubon Society.
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