City of Tucson Set to Break Ground on Mission Manor Park Aquatic Center

“For decades, Mission Manor Pool has been the only pool and park serving the residents of Ward 1 and Ward 5. A beloved gathering space, it was here that children learned to swim, and families enjoyed access to cool down in the summer,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Thanks to Tucson voters who passed Prop 407, and the vision and help of late Congressman Raúl Grijalva we finally have the funds to re-envision this space into an Aquatic Center that will provide high-quality infrastructure to the neighbors. It is important that southside residents have access to the same high-quality amenities and recreation spaces as Tucsonans living in other areas of our City,” said the Mayor.   

The project includes the demolition of the current pool house, swimming pool, and wading pool, and construction of an all-new aquatic center featuring: 

• A zero-entry recreation pool 

• A heated therapy pool 

• A splash pad 

• A new pool house 

• Shade structures throughout the site 

• Green stormwater infrastructure and native landscaping in two parking lots 

“As a lifelong Southsider and now Vice Mayor, it brings me so much joy to see this long-overdue investment finally coming to Mission Manor Park. The transformation of this site into a state-of-the-art aquatic center is a powerful example of what’s possible when our community dreams big and our elected leaders deliver,” said Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz. “I am eternally grateful to the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva for believing in and fighting for our neighborhoods. This project is a tribute to his legacy and a promise to future generations on the Southside.” 

The Mission Manor Park pool has been closed since 2008. It was among several city pools shut down during that time due to budget constraints and the need for significant upgrades. The facility has remained unused for over 16 years. Thanks to robust community engagement in 2021-2022, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility was developed. This $6.2 million investment is funded by a combination of Proposition 407 ($1.64 million), Impact Fees ($530,000), Framework funding ($950,000), Community Project Funding ($2.9million), Tohono O’Odham Gaming Grant ($150,000), Tucson Water GSI ($281,000). 

Community members are invited to share their memories of Mission Manor Pool by submitting historical photos of themselves or their families enjoying the pool over the years. As we prepare to close and rebuild the facility, we hope to honor its legacy by collecting images that showcase its importance to the community. Photos may be featured in future storytelling efforts. Submissions can be made through the online form.  

The project design was led by Kimley-Horn, and KappCon has been selected as the contractor. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026.