Brandi Fenton Memorial Park is a 56-acre park in North-Central Tucson. The park includes three soccer fields, two covered basketball courts, five ramadas, an equestrian arena, horse shoe pits, two playgrounds, 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 available for reservations through the FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club. The clubhouse has 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 – which means it’s a prime spot for walking, jogging, and biking!
General Information
Where is Brandi Fenton Memorial Park located?
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park can be found at 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 the third Saturday in April through October 31, 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?
Parking is free and plentiful.
What should I bring with me when I visit the park?
Sun safety is encouraged. Prepare for a perfect day at the park with a hat, drinking water, snacks, and sunscreen.
What is the best season for visiting the park?
October thru April are ideal because the temperatures tend to be more moderate than in the summer months. That said, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park can definitely be enjoyed in the summer months – especially because there is a free splash pad on the premises!
SPLASH PAD
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park is home to a very popular splash pad, which is open seasonally from the third Saturday in April through October 31st. Hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm.
The splash pad rules are as follows:
- The splash pad is open to children 12 and under, and to those who accompany them.
- Use of the splash pad is at your own risk.
- Have children use the restroom before going into the splash pad.
- Do not allow children who are ill into the splash pad.
- Do not change diapers in the splash pad.
- All children must be supervised at all times while in the splash pad.
- No running and no climbing on the spray equipment.
- No pets, glass, rocks, bottles, or other foreign objects are allowed in the splash pad.
- No skateboards, rollerblades, or bicycles allowed.
If there are any problems with the splash pad system, please contact 520-419-1481.
Contact Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation for ramada reservations at 520-724-5000. Note that ramadas near the splash pad may be reserved, but the splash pad itself may not be reserved at any time.
PLAYGROUNDS
How many playgrounds are there at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park?
The two playgrounds feature slides, a climbing wall, and swings under a shaded structure.
What is the ground surface beneath the playgrounds?
The ground surface is made up of Fibar or wood chips and rubber surfacing or Tot-turf.
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.
What restaurants do you recommend in the area?
Try one of the below highly-rated restaurants, all within a 3-mile radius of the park:
- 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’ (3275 N. Swan Rd) is 1.5 miles away, Safeway (1767 E. Prince Rd) is 1.6 miles away, and Trader Joe’s (4209 N. Campbell Ave) is 1.7 miles away.
How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?
Fresco Pizzeria (3011 E. Speedway Blvd) is 2.6 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 $25/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.
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 |
In summary, 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.
Check out our other Park Profiles!