700 W. Cushing Street, Tucson AZ 85701
Mini Park
0.41 acres, Ward 1
Project Description
The Cushing Street Skate Park is a community-driven project that will create Tucson's newest skateboarding destination beneath the Interstate 10 underpass at Cushing Street. Designed through years of advocacy, fundraising, and public support, the skate park will provide a dedicated space for skateboarders of all skill levels while activating an underutilized urban space.
The project represents a significant investment in recreation, youth engagement, and community development. Total project funding of $2,648,258.67 was secured through a combination of public funding, tribal partnerships, community donations, and local advocacy efforts.
Funding contributions include:
- $1.5 million from City Framework and the City Investment Plan
- $300,000 from the Tohono O'odham Nation
- $250,000 from the Mayor's Office
- $250,000 through Ward 1's Budget de la Gente participatory budgeting process
- $200,000 from Rio Nuevo
- $100,000 from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
- $40,258.67 in community donations
The project was spearheaded by founder Caleb Gutierrez and supported by Tucson's skateboarding community, local organizations, and public partners.
What's the Latest
Construction is officially underway on the Cushing Street Skate Park.
After years of planning, fundraising, permitting, and coordination between the City of Tucson, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), contractor mobilization began on June 1, 2026.
Recent construction activity includes:
Week of June 1, 2026
- Temporary fencing installed
- Contractor staging and site mobilization
Week of June 8, 2026
- Electrical and lighting demolition
Week of June 15, 2026
- Installation of new electrical conduit
- New lighting installation
Week of June 22, 2026
- Above ground electrical conduit installation complete
- Rock removed from park area and place on S side underpass
- ADOT coordination for power connection
Week of June 29
- Groundbreaking Event
- Trenching for underground electrical connection
Next Steps
Construction is expected to continue throughout 2026, with completion anticipated in December 2026.
Upcoming work includes:
- Site preparation and grading
- Skate feature construction
- Concrete installation
- Electrical and lighting improvements
- Final landscaping and site amenities
- Project inspections and closeout
The City of Tucson will continue providing updates as construction progresses.
Project Timeline
- June 1, 2026 – Contractor mobilization begins
- June 30, 2026 – Groundbreaking ceremony
- Summer/Fall 2026 – Construction activities
- December 2026 – Estimated project completion
Community Engagement & Project History
The Cushing Street Skate Park is the result of years of community advocacy, fundraising, and collaboration.
Local skateboarders, community members, businesses, and supporters worked alongside project founder Caleb Gutierrez to champion the vision of a dedicated skate park in downtown Tucson. Their efforts helped generate public support, secure funding, and advance the project through years of planning and approvals.
Project Milestones
End of 2024
The project became fully funded, with all public and donated funds secured by the City of Tucson.
February 2025
The Mayor and Council unanimously approved an agreement with ADOT authorizing the City to construct and maintain the skate park on ADOT right-of-way.
March 2025
ADOT informed the City that additional legal review was required before the agreement could be finalized.
April 2025
ADOT notified the City that approval from the Federal Highway Administration would be required before construction could begin.
Summer–Fall 2025
The City worked with ADOT to address FHWA requirements and prepare project documentation.
December 2025
ADOT submitted the formal application to FHWA.
January 2026
FHWA requested revisions to project agreements governing construction and maintenance of the facility.
March 24, 2026
The Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Tucson, ADOT, and FHWA was fully executed. Construction solicitation was also released on the same day, allowing the project to move into the construction phase.
June 2026
Construction activities officially began, bringing the community's long-held vision one step closer to reality.
The Cushing Street Skate Park stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy, partnerships, and persistence. Once completed, it will provide a unique recreational destination and gathering place for Tucson's skateboarding community for years to come.