Santa Rita Park

401 E. 22nd St., Tucson AZ 85713
Community Park • 22.2 acres • Ward 5

Project Description

Santa Rita Park is undergoing a transformative renovation that will revitalize one of Tucson’s most historic and beloved neighborhood parks. The nearly $8 million project is funded through Tucson Delivers voter-approved Proposition 407 bond funds, General Fund Framework dollars, a Tohono O’odham Nation Gaming Grant, and Impact Fees.

The 22-acre park is being redesigned to better serve residents of all ages with new recreational amenities, improved accessibility, expanded green spaces, and upgraded infrastructure.

Planned improvements include:

• A new splash pad
• A new shaded playground
• New shade structures throughout the park
• A perimeter walking path consisting of asphalt and decomposed granite trails
• A new community plaza for events and gatherings
• More than 300 new trees and shrubs
• A new restroom building adjacent to the playground
• Two new multipurpose sports fields
• A new parking lot accessible from 22nd Street
• Modern irrigation improvements throughout the park

The project also incorporates public art that celebrates the history and culture of the Santa Rita neighborhood. Local students from Drachman and Borton schools designed tiles for mosaic benches that tell the story of the community.

What's the Latest

Construction on the Santa Rita Park Improvement Project began in April 2025 and is now nearing completion.
The park is scheduled to reopen to the public during a Grand Opening celebration on August 14, 2026.
As construction wraps up, crews are completing final landscaping, amenity installation, site improvements, and project inspections. Once reopened, residents will enjoy a revitalized park designed to support recreation, community gatherings, wellness, and neighborhood pride.

Next Steps

The final phase of the project includes:

• Completion of landscaping and tree planting
• Final inspections and safety reviews
• Installation of remaining park amenities and signage
• Preparation for the Grand Opening celebration

The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department will continue working with community members and partners to activate the park through recreation programs, cultural events, fitness opportunities, and community gatherings.

Residents are encouraged to attend the Grand Opening celebration on August 14, 2026, and experience the park’s new amenities firsthand.

Community Engagement & Project History

The Santa Rita Park Improvement Project was shaped by extensive community input gathered over several years. Residents, park users, neighborhood stakeholders, and community organizations participated in public meetings and surveys that helped establish priorities and guide the final master plan.

Public Meetings

• January 14, 2021 (Virtual)
• June 9, 2021 (Virtual)
• October 12 & 16, 2021 (In-Person Concept Plan Feedback)
• April 9, 2022 (In-Person Final Master Plan Presentation)
• April 14, 2022 (Virtual Final Master Plan Presentation)

Community Surveys

• May 2021: 270 respondents identified park amenity priorities
• November 2021: 375 respondents provided feedback on concept plans
• August 2023: 154 respondents selected preferred playground options

Community feedback directly influenced the design and amenities included in the project, ensuring the renovated park reflects the needs and vision of the surrounding neighborhood.

Public Art Project

The Santa Rita Park public art project is part of the City of Tucson's Proposition 407 Parks and Connections Bond initiative, which aims to enhance public spaces and strengthen community connections. Alongside the park's physical improvements, the project includes a permanent public art installation celebrating the history, culture, and people of the Santa Rita neighborhood.

In February 2024, the public art panel selected Tucson artist Oliverio Balcells to lead the project. The panel recognized Balcells' multidisciplinary artistic practice, which includes murals, metalwork, and mosaics, as well as his strong commitment to community engagement.

The public art panel included:

• Selina Barajas
• Bill Du Pont
• Angela Quiroz
• Heather Green
• Megan Noli
• Imelda Cortez
• John Moreno
• Kara Mills
• Penny Buckley
• Rick Schonfeld
• Matt Christman

Throughout the design process, the artist and public art panel met regularly to develop the final concept. The completed artwork includes a mosaic mural and two custom metal benches. Panel members provided feedback on themes, imagery, symbols, and text to help ensure the artwork reflects the stories, history, and values of the Santa Rita community.

A special feature of the mosaic mural includes contributions from students at Borton Elementary School. Fourth- through sixth-grade students, under the guidance of outdoor learning teacher Mikeala Jones, created 2-inch ceramic tiles that form the mural's border. Their participation adds a unique and personal connection between the artwork and the community's youth.

The public artwork complements the park's broader improvements, which include a new splash pad, renovated sports fields and lighting, an updated playground, new restrooms, ramadas, walking paths, and enhanced landscaping.

Project design services were provided by WestLand Resources, and construction is being completed by Durazo Construction.

For additional information about the public art project, visit the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona's Santa Rita Park project page.

Location

401 E. 22nd St., Tucson 85701  View Map

32.207557,-110.963085

401 E. 22nd St. , Tucson 85701

401 E. 22nd St. , Tucson 85701

Santa Rita Park