 Council Member Dahl and Ward 3 staff joined in the groundbreaking ceremony for the improvements quickly underway for Jacobs Park and Nicolas P. Ochoa Soccer Complex, located just off of the Prince Rd. and Fairview Ave. intersection at 1020 W Lind St. It was a heartening event where many neighbors and decades long park goers were in attendance sharing their memories of multiple generations of their families using this park and pool for birthday parties, soccer and t-ball games, bird watching, and simply enjoying a green space while they engaged with their fellow neighbors.
 Left to Right: Director of Parks and Recreation Lara Hamwey, AZ State Parks’ Mickey Rogers, Tucson Water’s James MacAdam , Mr. Jacobs, Council Member Dahl, Mayor Romero, Congressional District 7’s District Director Ruben Reyes, Parks and Connections Bond Oversight Commission Member Dr. Ronald Spark.
During the event, Council Member Dahl shared his own memories as he has been an avid Jacobs Park user for almost four decades. He shared the time spent with his son playing pick-up softball games, becoming softball umpires together, and eventually Council Member Dahl moving on to the Senior softball league. It was a great reminder that investments in inclusive public spaces, like parks, have lasting benefits that evolve as we do.
 Council Member Kevin Dahl with Mr. Jacobs, son of Coach Bob Jacobs whom the park is named after.
Jacobs Park will receive millions of dollars in improvements due to the layering of funds from federal grants, impact fees, Prop 407, Storm to Shade, and Water Conservation funds. The improvements to the 48-acre park and soccer fields will include a new softball complex, restrooms, field lighting, pickleball and futsal courts, skate park, ramadas and family picnic area, implementation of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) with native trees and plants, expanded dog park, as well as enhancement of the park’s existing amenities. If you would like to view the Park’s master plan with more information on the planned improvements, please visit: bit.ly/JacobsPark.
 Gizmo with his owner Leslie listening to groundbreaking remarks.
During the construction, which is expected to begin mid-May lasting until summer of next year, the Jacobs Pool and Splash Pad will be open from June 1st to July 31st, as well as Jacobs/City YMCA. If you are wanting to see the park before its transformation or just want some free food and enjoy the warm weather, come join the Ward 3 Council Office for the Jacobs Pool party on Friday, June 6th from 4-7pm!
Earlier this month, I stopped by the Tucson Repair Cafe for the first time. I knew that they’re a volunteer group that helps people repair broken items for free, and that they’re motivated to reduce waste, decrease consumption, and teach community members how to repair their own things. Like many Tucsonans, I feel an obligation towards our environment, so I finally brought my accumulated broken things over to the Tucson Repair Cafe to see what could be spared from the landfill.
 A sign at the entrance reads: “Toss it? No Way!”
A volunteer greeted me, signed me in, and offered me snacks and drinks. Then, when there was space to accommodate me at the large communal worktable, I settled in.
All around me, people were at work. At one end of the table, a volunteer used a flashlight to peer into the innards of a expensive Kitchen Aide stand mixer. A microwave was being discussed by another pair - it had been evaluated thoroughly, and they were discussing the final diagnosis. Someone was disassembling water-damaged sanding tools across the table, and nearby, another couple leaned over an old alarm clock.
 People teaching, learning, and discussing how to repair everyday objects.
In the end, I worked with volunteers to fix the broken chain on a small ornament and the wiring on a set of saguaro-shaped battery-powered sting lights. The broken chain simply required a very small pair of pliers – we removed the broken link and joined the chain back together. The broken wiring on the string lights required some sanding, but they were operational again in no time. The volunteer who helped me with my string lights was a high-schooler who also takes manufacturing classes at Pima Community College’s Downtown campus, and he was telling me about the impressive equipment he gets to work with.
Although each of my items could have been cheaply replaced, it was nice to gain knowledge and skills instead of spending money on replacements. Plus it was a delight to repair these sentimental things. The string lights were a gift from a childhood friend back in Mississippi, and I’d taken them on numerous camping trips over the years, including the camping trip where my now- husband and I got engaged. And the newly-repaired ornament depicts my cats, who I love dearly.
 Saguaro-shaped string lights, working for the first time in at least 3 years
Maybe you have an item of your own you’d like to make whole again? Or something broken that you’d like to see usable again?
Consider trying the Tucson Repair Cafe - their next event is on Saturday June 14th at Xerocraft, 101 W. 6th St. #11 from 4-8 pm. Peruse their website here (https://www.tucsonrepaircafe.com/), or reach out to them directly at tucsonrepaircafe@gmail.com. They’re accepting volunteers, monetary donations, donated tools, and more.
|
