Parks and Recreation Overview
Fiscal Year 2022/23
Mission Statement
To provide a park system offering safe and high-quality recreational programs and services for Tucsonans of all ages and abilities.
Programs
The following programs are included in this department:
Staffing By Program
*Full Time Equivalent Employee (FTE)
Budget By Program
Department Expenses
Budget By Expense Category
Budget By Funding Source
Significant Changes
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23 of $100,665,580 reflects an increase of $19,025,230 from the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Adopted Budget. Major changes include the following:
- Increase in salary and employee related expenses* by $506,190
- Decrease in supplies and commodities costs of $7,408,920 due to increase of Prop 407 projects
- Increase in capital projects of $18,787,960
Trends
Ready, Set, Rec was successfully embraced by the Tucson community, boasting over 10K participants in the initial year. The program validated that desire of park users to enjoy an enhanced recreation experience in their local park. Community response to surveys on master plans and programming feedback has continued to increase. Credit in part due to the additional modes of communication and engagement tools being used, but also due to an observation that post pandemic, the community values even more their parks and wanting to have a voice in improvements and long-range planning. Leisure classes enrollment continues to be robust and in demand for the opportunity to learn, experience, and participate in programs offered. This has inspired the department to hire new instructors to allow even more diversity in classes available for participant enjoyment.
Accomplishments
Tucson Delivers Prop 407 Investment in parks has continued to enhance the user experience exemplified thru opening of two new Splash playgrounds (Udall and Purple Heart Parks); the opening of the De Anza Dog Park; and commencement of the renovation of CSM Gunny Barreras Park which upon completion will deliver a new outdoor fitness court, splash playground, walking path, sports field and lighting improvements. Reid Park Reimagined Master Plan commenced in May of 2022 and is anticipated to be completed at the end of the calendar year and to date has garnered significant public participation. Three ballfield maintenance crews were created to allow for an increased level of maintenance of sports fields, positive feedback from sports group have been received as the crews have completed their initial scheduled seasonal turf care. Due to the successfulness of the Ready, Set, Rec program, staff have been invited to present at the 2022 National Parks and Recreation Association Conference in Phoenix, allowing recreation professionals to learn about how to build a successful mobile recreation program. Successfully secured grants for CSM Gunny Barreras Park and Ft. Lowell Park from Arizona State Parks in support of capital improvement projects at each park. Launched an employee driven Strategic Plan development focused on a 3-5 year roadmap for TPRD.
Future Objectives
TPRD plans to implement year one of the new Strategic Plan in FY23, with an annual report on accomplishments tied to the identified goals to be delivered in fall of 2023. Assessment and improvement of the current sports field allocation process to allow efficient assignment, use of fields and opportunity for more public benefit from existing inventory of fields in the system. Increased aquatic public use thru programs, events and classes at city pools to allow a wider impact and benefit from participating in water-based activities. Continued improved sports turf conditions and rebuilding of aged fields to improve playable conditions for the benefit of youth and adult sports. Focus on professional development to empower staff with the knowledge and skill sets to deliver the highest level of parks and recreation services to residents.