Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, and Tucson Parks and Recreation invite the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Joaquin Murrieta Park, 1400 N. Silverbell Road, on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Joaquin Murrieta Park has a long history in the west side community. This groundbreaking is the result of years of work invested by families, community members, Council Member Santa Cruz and myself. As Council Member, I worked tirelessly to create a Master Plan with community input advocating for Joaquin Murrieta Park to receive $14.1 million in voter-approved Prop 407 funds and layering nearly $1 million in federal dollars championed by the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Today, we are fulfilling an important promise to the residents of Ward 1," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
The event will feature free food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy the park’s new splash pad, the first ever in Ward 1, and the city's 11th splash pad overall.
“The re-opening of Joaquin Murrieta Park is a hard-won victory for the westside,” said Vice Mayor Santa Cruz. “What started as a fight to replace the El Rio Golf Course turned into a vision for something better - El Rio Center and this park. Joaquin Murrieta has long been a hub for little league games, birthday parties, carne asadas, and our elders staying active. With brand new ball fields, shaded ramadas, and a splash pad built for our desert heat, we’re investing in a space where families can gather, play and thrive. Big thanks to Parks staff, Mayor Romero, Congressman Grijalva, and Tucson voters for making it happen.”
Thanks to major investments from multiple funding sources, including $12.18 million from Proposition 407, $1.23 million from impact fees, and nearly $1 million from the Arizona State Parks and Trails Land and Water Conservation Fund, Joaquin Murrieta Park has undergone a significant transformation. Key improvements include:
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New four-field baseball and softball complex with lighting and shade
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New concession building with restrooms
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New irrigation for existing softball fields and throughout the upgraded areas
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New splash pad and restrooms
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Demolition of the outdated pool
