PARKS
City Parks
Tucson has several attractive large parks within its city limits, and dozens of small neighborhood parks. The people at the Tucson Parks & Recreation Department provide more than park maintenance—including sports and aquatic programs, athletic leagues, and a wide variety of leisure education classes through recreation and neighborhood centers. Among these various centers is a therapeutic recreation center in Reid Park at 1000 S. Randolph Way. For more information on city-organized recreational activities, phone 791-4873. Reid Park Zoo (791-4022) includes more than 500 animals from all over the world. See the map on page NG46 for a list of major city and county parks near you.
| Aquatics programs | 791-4245 |
| Citywide sports | 791-4870 |
| Health & wellness programs | 791-4873 |
| Info, field & ramada reservations | 791-4873 |
| After-school recreation | 791-4873 |
| Performing arts classes | 791-4663 |
| Visual arts programs | 791-4063 |
County Parks & Recreation Facilities
A free map of metropolitan Tucson, identifying Pima County Park facilities, is available at local public libraries. The county parks offer fewer amenities than the city parks, and a different but equally enjoyable range of activities, including arts & crafts classes, summer children's programs, and more. 877-6000
Tohono Chul Park
Known for its demonstration and ethno-botanical gardens and wheelchair-accessible trails, as well as a retail greenhouse, this privately owned 48-acre natural desert park received a special citation from Mutual of Omaha's Wildlife Trust for dedication to conservation and education. It features changing exhibits and programs for adults and children. At 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, the park includes the Tohono Chul Tea Room. 742-6455
⇑ return to topState & Federal Parks
The Internet offers a fast introduction to Arizona's state parks (www.pr.state.az.us), to national forests (www.fs.fed.us), and to national parks (www.nps.gov). Many of these charge small entrance fees.
Catalina State Park, north of Tucson, off AZ Hwy. 77. Camping, hiking, picnicking, birding, equestrian area, souvenir shop, camping. 628-5798
Coronado National Forest, mountain ranges throughout Southern Arizona. Camping, hiking, birding, picnicking, and even some fishing. Phone 388-8300. A popular attraction near Tucson is the tram ride through Sabino Canyon. 749-2327
Patagonia Lake State Park, northeast of Nogales, off AZ Hwy. 82. Camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, and beach area. Thirty-four electric hookups. 520-287-6965
Picacho Peak State Park, north of Tucson off I-10. Camping, hiking, picnicking, and spring wildflowers. Civil War battle reenactment each spring. 520-466-3183
Saguaro National Park, east and west of Tucson. Hiking, visitor center exhibits. 733-5153 (east) or 733-5158 (west)
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, in Tombstone, at 3rd and Toughnut Streets. Victorian courthouse filled with Wild West exhibits and artifacts. Bookstore. 520-457-3311, www.pr.state.az.us
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, in Tubac, off I-19. Military site, schoolhouse, antique printing press, archaeological site, museum exhibits, and picnicking. Los Tubaqueños, late-1700s Spanish period village. 398-2252, www.tubacaz.com, or www.pr.state.az.us
Mt. Lemmon
Mt. Lemmon is an instructor's manual in vertical life zones. The narrow and winding Catalina Highway takes you from the saguaro-studded desert floor up to a real forest at the summit, with pines, aspens, and firs. Campgrounds, picnic areas, a lake at Rose Canyon, and a quaint village at the top, appropriately named Summerhaven, all serve as great rest stops. A $5 fee applies, unless you are visiting only Summerhaven or Ski Valley. Call ahead for road conditions and closures. 751-9405 or 547-7510 for a recording.
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