Tucson Mayor Regina Romero is proud to announce that the City of Tucson has been awarded $2,995,448 in funding for the revitalization and expansion of Jacobs Park, 3300 N. Fairview Ave. This grant is part of the $46.7 million allocated by the Department of the Interior through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, aimed at redeveloping 10 parks across the nation.
The Jacobs Park revitalization project, located in Ward 3, will transform the park into a premier recreational destination for the Tucson community. Key improvements include the creation of a softball complex, a new skate park, two additional tournament-standard soccer fields, and futsal and pickleball courts. The project also expands the dog park, eliminates a small parking lot, and introduces a family-use area with a playground, picnic, grill area, and a new restroom and concessions building. Additionally, the project will address stormwater infrastructure and plant 310 new shade trees.
This funding, in addition to the voter-approved Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 bond funds of approximately $3.6 million dedicated to improving the park, will help make great strides toward completing the master plan adopted by Mayor and Council in August 2022.
“Jacobs Park is an important gathering place for Tucsonans in Ward 3. Thank you to Secretary Haaland, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, and the Biden/Harris administration for making this funding available through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “We continue to compete successfully for federal funds to help us invest in making sure that all Tucsonans, especially in areas that have experienced historic disinvestment like the Thrive in the ‘05, have access to open space, nature and all of the benefits that come from access to those resources,” added the Mayor.
“This is such good news for neighbors and other Tucson residents who enjoy Jacob Park’s shady green spaces and sports fields,” said Ward 3 City Council Member Kevin Dahl. “It is a well-loved park that over the years has experienced some wear and tear on its infrastructure. I can’t wait to see the repairs, the improvements, and the new facilities better serve the needs of families, sports enthusiasts, picnickers, dog walkers, and others who use the park.”
Congressman Raul M. Grijalva said, “ I wish to extend my gratitude to the Department of the Interior for this generous grant, and I look forward to the positive impact these improvements will bring to Jacobs Park and the neighbors in the Thrive in the 05. These improvements are not only physical infrastructure, but an improvement of quality of life for the neighborhood and the city. I have historically supported open spaces, parks, and safe spaces for families in my district. This award by the Department of the Interior through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program will greatly enhance our mission and will continue to advocate for these resources in greatly needed neighborhoods.”
The City of Tucson extends its gratitude to the Department of the Interior for this generous grant and looks forward to the positive impact these improvements will bring to Jacobs Park and the neighbors in the Thrive in the 05 area.
For more information on the Jacobs Park revitalization project, visit the project website.
More Info:
Release from the U.S. Department of the Interior
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
Jacobs Park
Jacobs Park Project Page
Tucson Delivers Parks and Connections Page
Thrive in the '05