Brandi Fenton Memorial Park is a 56-acre park in North-Central Tucson. The park includes three soccer fields, two covered basketball courts, shaded ramadas, an equestrian arena, horse shoe pits, a playground, a splash park, an off-leash dog park, walking paths, and a memorial garden.
A soccer clubhouse – the Ann Kathryn Schmidt Kickin’ It Clubhouse – is also slated to open on the property at the end of 2013. The clubhouse will have a fitness center, lockers, conference room, computer room, kitchen, and offices.
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park also serves as a major recreation/open space node along the Rillito River corridor.
General Information
Where is Brandi Fenton Memorial Park located?
3482 E. River Road in North-Central Tucson.
When is the park open?
The park is open year-round, 7:00am – 10:00pm. The splash park is open from April 20 until October 31, 2013, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Why would I visit Brandi Fenton Memorial Park?
- To go for a walk, bike, or run on the wide path encircling the park
- To enjoy a picnic with family and friends
- To start up a game of basketball
- To participate in or cheer on a soccer team
- To let your dog play in the small and large dog parks
- To get wet at the free splash pad
- To slide and swing on the covered playgrounds
- To wander the garden and walk among the butterflies
- To attend a wedding, birthday party, or other event
Who was Brandi Fenton?
Taken from the bronze plaque in the Memorial Garden: Brandi Michelle Fenton was a very special young lady whose life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident on March 22, 2003, just prior to her 14th birthday. Her compassion, sense of humor and zest for life, were some of the attributes that created such lasting memories and deep friendships. Her free and gentle spirit, like that of the butterflies she loved, will live on through the happiness and beauty derived from this unique community facility.
How much does it cost to visit the park?
Admission to the park is free.
What is the parking situation at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park?
Free. Plentiful. Pull-in style parking.
What should I bring with me when I visit the park?
What is the best season for visiting the park?
PLAYGROUNDS
How many playgrounds are there at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park?
Two. The playgrounds feature slides, a climbing wall, and swings under a shaded structure.
What is the ground surface beneath the playgrounds?
Combination of dirt and rubber.
Are the playgrounds shaded?
Yes.
Is there an area for tots & babies?
The slides are on the smaller side – ideal for toddlers & preschoolers.
PICNIC AREA
How many tables are there at Brandi Fenton Park?
There are 5 ramadas with tables as well as several unshaded concrete tables.
Are trash cans available and easily accessible?
Yes.
Are there BBQ grills?
Yes.
Is power available at all of the ramadas?
Yes.
Is there an on-site restaurant or cafe?
No.
All this playing is making us hungry. What restaurants do you recommend in the area?
Our top picks within a 3-mile radius are:
- Ghini’s French Cafe, 1803 E. Prince Road (1.6 miles away) – breakfast, lunch, dinner, kid’s meals, gluten-free menu, year-round patio seating
- Union Public House, 4340 N. Campbell Avenue (1.7 miles away) – made-from-scratch American fare, lunch, dinner, happy hour, kid’s menu
- Beyond Bread, 3026 N. Campbell Avenue (1.7 miles away) – sandwiches, soups, salad, bakery
- Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Avenue (2 miles away) – breakfast, lunch, dinner, kid’s meals, year-round patio seating
- Lovin’ Spoonfuls, 2990 N. Campbell Avenue (1.7 miles away) – vegetarian & 100% vegan, breakfast, lunch, dinner, kid’s menu, gluten-free options
How close is the nearest grocery store?
Bashas’ at 3275 N. Swan Road is 1.5 miles away. Safeway at 1767 E. Prince Road is 1.6 miles away. Trader Joe’s at 4209 N. Campbell Avenue is 1.7 miles away.
How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?
Fresco Pizzeria (520-881-5555) at 3011 E. Speedway Blvd is 2.6 miles away. Oregano’s Pizza Bistro (520-327-8955) at 4900 E. Speedway Blvd is 3.1 miles away.
SPORTS FIELDS
How many sports fields are there?
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park has:
- 2 covered basketball courts
- 1 uncovered basketball half-court
- 3 lighted soccer fields
- equestrian area
Is the equestrian area open to the public?
The equestrian area has 2 arenas for horse shows and it has been used for equestrian fundraisers and by 4-H groups. The ramada at the equestrian area is a converted hay barn and can be rented for $50/full day. There is ample parking for horse trailers at the site with nearby access to the Rillito River Park multi-use paths.
RESTROOMS
Are restrooms available?
Yes.
Are toilet seat covers available?
No.
Is a family restroom available?
No.
EVENTS
Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event?
Yes. The fee is $25 for the full day. Call 520-877-6211. Note that the splash pad is not reservable.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
| Museum | NO |
| Cafe | NO |
| Public Pool | NO |
| Splash Pad | YES |
| Parks & Rec Facility | NO |
| Sports Fields | YES |
| Dog Park | YES |
| Walking/Biking Paths | YES |
| Lake | NO |
| Hiking Trails | NO |
| Art/Sculptures | YES |
| Garden | YES |
| Trees/Shade | YES |
| Lighting | YES |
Ratings
OVERALL: 5
PLAYGROUND RATING: 4
CLEANLINESS OF RESTROOMS: average
NOTES: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park is a large, well-maintained park in North Tucson with a host of wonderful amenities. Parents of young children flock to the splash pad and covered playground from all parts of town…and sports teams make good use of the soccer fields throughout the year. The memorial garden, created in memory of a 13-year-old Tucson resident, is a colorful and serene place for contemplation and events.
WE RECOMMEND…
- More parks like BFMP around Tucson – especially in Vail and in Downtown Tucson!
Check out our other Park Profiles!
