Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tucson Parks and Recreation
The city of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department has always tried to be a good neighbor. So when area residents approached department officials about making improvements to Catalina Park, they were happy to oblige.
Built in 1906, prior to Arizona’s statehood, the park is located in the city’s West University neighborhood near the University of Arizona. Although residents wanted to pursue a Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant, they quickly realized there was not enough funding for street improvements. With a desire to have a larger community impact, residents decided instead to focus on improvements to the playground and add a splash park. After repurposing a wading pool that had been showing its age and adding interactive play equipment that does not require on-site staff, the facility is now experiencing a rebirth that draws people to it.
Giving The Park An Identity
Because of the historic designation of the neighborhood and the park being a contributing asset, the plan review included approval by the Tucson-Pima County Historic Commission, as well as the neighborhood’s West University Historical Zoning Advisory Board. Sensitivity regarding what is considered historical, and what modern elements contribute to—or take away from—the history, led to many vocal meetings, requiring the diplomacy of all.