City of Tucson to Break Ground on Major Improvements at Jacobs Park

“Jacobs Park is an important gathering place for Tucsonans in culturally significant and historic neighborhoods in Ward 3,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Last August, the City of Tucson was only one of 10 communities across the country to compete and win a $3 million federal grant to help us transform this park into a beautiful, natural space for families and residents to enjoy for generations. Thank you to the voters of Tucson for passing Prop 407. This project is another example of what a safe, thriving, prosperous community looks like.” 

Beginning in mid-May—on or around the date of the groundbreaking—the park will be closed and fenced off to allow construction to begin. While the park is closed, several key services and amenities will remain open: 

• Jacobs Pool and Splash Pad will be open from June 1 to July 31. Visit tucsonaz.gov/parks for public swim hours. 

• The Jacobs/City YMCA will remain open during construction. 

• The Household Hazardous Waste program will continue operating from the south parking lot of Jacobs Park. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. 

Construction at the Nicolas P. Ochoa Soccer Complex is expected to be completed by fall 2025, while work on Jacobs Park is scheduled for completion by summer 2026. 

The improvements include: 

• New playground surfacing 

• New and renovated ramadas 

• New softball complex 

• New restroom facilities 

• New sports field lighting 

• Refurbished sports courts 

• New pickleball and futsal courts 

• Family picnic area 

• New skate park 

• Expanded and relocated dog park 

• Green Stormwater Infrastructure features 

• Irrigation system replacement 

• Pool and splash pad enhancements 

"Over the years, my family has enjoyed many memorable times at Jacobs Park, from picnics to birthday parties," said council member Dahl. "We’ve played softball pickup games. On soccer league teams, both my son and I endured whatever the season offered, such as slipping in the cold mud from a winter cloudburst or making sure teammates didn’t pass out on hot summer afternoons. The park is well-loved and well-used. Many thanks to City staff who worked hard to find the funds to make these needed improvements!" 

 Funding Sources: 

• Proposition 407: Parks + Connections Bond – $3,960,300 

• Impact Fees – $800,000 

• Storm to Shade Funds – $300,000 

• City Framework Funds – $1,100,000 

• Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Land and Water Conservation Fund grant – $2,995,500 

Project Team: 

• Design Team: Norris Design 

• Contractor: Sellers and Sons 

To view the final master plan adopted by Mayor and Council on Aug. 9, 2022, for more information, or to stay updated on construction progress, visit the project website at bit.ly/JacobsPark.