CITY OF TUCSON TO CELEBRATE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS AT JOHN F. KENNEDY PARK ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, and Tucson Parks and Recreation invite the community to celebrate a ribbon-cutting for major improvements at John F. Kennedy Park on Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Field #4, 2145 W. 44th St., and coincides with Tucson Mountain Little League opening ceremonies.
The improvements include new LED lighted ballfields, a new playground, a new dog park, and three new public art installations.
"This is public investment done the right way: public art designed with neighbors' input, sports structures that respond to community needs, and a dog park built at residents' request,” said Mayor Romero. “New features should make a neighborhood feel vibrant, fun, and livable, and that's what we're building at Kennedy Park. It's a testament to what we can accomplish when we listen and work together."
Ballfield Complex
Two baseball fields and one T-ball field were constructed with LED lighting, two lighted batting cages, a concession and restroom building, ADA-accessible parking and sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation, and associated amenities. Ballfield design was led by WestLand Resources, with construction completed by KappCon.
Playground
The new playground features a community-selected design with a large play structure offering multiple slides, a rock-climbing wall, monkey bars, swings, a merry-go-round, and sensory play elements. Rubberized surfacing, a large shade structure, an accessible concrete pathway from the parking lot, and a new drinking fountain near the adjacent ramada were incorporated to prioritize safety and accessibility. Altitude Recreation served as both designer and contractor for the playground.
Dog Park
The new dog park spans more than 2.5 acres of fenced, off-leash space with separate areas and entrances for large and small dogs. Amenities include shaded ramadas, picnic tables, two new drinking fountains with dog bowls, accessible walkways, and designated accessible parking. Twenty-three new trees were planted and supported by new drip irrigation. The park was designed using a passive approach to minimize disruption to the natural landscape. Wheat Design Group led the design, and KappCon served as the contractor.
Public Art
Three new mosaic murals created by artists Paloma Jaqueline and Carlos Valenzuela, with creative support from artist Jesus Robles and community members, are installed throughout the park. The works celebrate local athletes, community history, and shared activities including gardening, cooking, music, dancing, sports, and the desert landscape. Artists were selected by a community panel, which also informed the design process. The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona administered the project.
Funding
The ballfield and playground improvements were funded in part by $5,269,674 in voter-approved Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 bond funds. The playground also received support from a PlayCore grant. The dog park was funded through City impact fees.
“It’s so rewarding to see funds from Proposition 407 continue to deliver improvements to Tucson’s green spaces and pedestrian safety infrastructure,” said Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz. “Westside neighborhoods now have a new space to get outside, gather, and make memories together. The new splash pad and shade structures will help families stay active even in the summer heat, while upgraded recreation areas create more opportunities for youth sports and community activities. Ward 1 voters clearly value investments that bring people together, and we should keep fighting for this kind of funding in the future.”
Remaining Proposition 407 investments planned for John F. Kennedy Park include two additional playgrounds with shade, shade structures at the KaBOOM! playground, a new splash pad, electrical upgrades, renovation of basketball and tennis courts, a new walking path, pool renovation, a new restroom, and LED lighting upgrades at Softball Field 1.
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 Colorful flyer for the Kennedy Park Ribbon Cutting event hosted by City of Tucson Parks & Recreation. Event takes place March 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. at 2145 W. 44th St., Tucson, AZ 85713 (Northwest Sports Fields). New improvements include a 2.5+ acre off-leash dog park, inclusive shaded playground, public art, and 3 new lighted ballfields. Funded by Tucson Delivers Prop 407 and Impact Fees.
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