New Reid Park Playground Gives Tucson Families ADA-Friendly Fun

TUCSON, AZ – The old playground tucked inside the 156-acre Gene C. Reid Park in Tucson recently got an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makeover, with the park’s playground area reopening Tuesday as two new playgrounds. “The playground there before was very old, and the community has been asking for a more accessible and inclusive playground where all ages and abilities can play,” explained Sierra Boyer, Tucson Parks and Recreation community promotions and marketing manager.

Both playgrounds are ADA-accessible and have shade. One playground is designated for 2- to 5-year-olds, while the other is geared toward ages 5-12. Disability-friendly features include platforms with ramps, wider paths and a cruiser that can be used by a wheelchair-bound child as they play with others. Music components can be easily accessed along playground sidewalks, and handicap swings are also provided.

The playground area additionally has a rope climber, a pet fountain and humans’ drinking fountain, a new concrete walkway between ramadas, new turf areas with shrubs and trees, and new benches and grills. The smaller of the two new playgrounds has perimeter fencing, and the area has a new irrigation system. The City of Tucson’s impact fees covered the project’s $700,000 price tag for the playground area, which started construction March 6.

A Reid Park playground grand opening will be hosted by the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation on Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Daily admission to the playground is free, and the park, located at 900 S. Randolph Way, is open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m.