Park Profile: Fort Lowell Park

Fort Lowell Park is a 59-acre park, located near Glenn and Craycroft Road, in North-Central Tucson.

People from all over Tucson meet up at Fort Lowell Park because of its mature trees, plentiful green grass, and convenient central location.

The park is home to a swimming pool ($), pond, history museum, one-mile walking path, pecan grove, sports fields, tennis courts, ramadas, two playgrounds, and a sand volleyball court.

A splash pad is in the planning stages for Fort Lowell Park. Currently expected to debut at the end of the summer (2023).

General Information

Where is Fort Lowell Park located?

Fort Lowell Park is in North-Central Tucson. The address is 2900 N. Craycroft Rd.

When is the park open?

The park is open daily, 6:00am – 10:30pm.

The pool is open seasonally, from April through November.

Why would I visit Fort Lowell Park?

• To play a round of tennis
• To enjoy a picnic with family and friends
• To participate in or cheer on a soccer/baseball/softball team
• To swim at the public pool (open seasonally)
• To slide and swing on the playgrounds
• To start a volleyball game
• To visit the museum
• To look for turtles, fish, and other wildlife

What is the history of Fort Lowell Park?

Fort Lowell was a supply base for the United States Army “Apache Campaigns” between 1873 and 1891. Following abandonment of the fort in 1891, settlers moved in and used some fort buildings as residences, or stripped the buildings of useful materials. By the 1930s, much of the fort had fallen into disrepair or had been sold off. After World War II, this area became known as “El Fuerte”.

How much does it cost to visit the park?

Admission to the park is free.

Admission to the pool is $1 for kids, $2 for adults. Punch passes, summer passes, and annual passes are also available.

Admission to the Fort Lowell Museum is free, but donations are welcome.

What is the parking situation at Fort Lowell Park?

Non-covered 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, Ft. Lowell Park can definitely be enjoyed in the summer months – especially because there is a swimming pool.

SWIMMING POOL

What are the features of the Fort Lowell Pool?

The Fort Lowell Pool has a diving bay with 1- and 3-meter diving boards, lap lanes in the 25-yard area, and a separate wading pool. Pool depth in the 50-meter pool ranges from 3.5-12 feet.

Does Fort Lowell Pool have swim lessons or a swim team?

Yes - both (plus a synchronized swimming team in the summer)! Check the Tucson Parks & Rec website for more information.

Is Fort Lowell Pool open year round?

The Ft. Lowell Pool is an extended season pool. Check the Tucson Parks & Rec website to confirm opening and closing dates for each year, but the pool is typically open from April to November.

MUSEUM

The Fort Lowell Museum is part of the Arizona Historical Society's Family of Museums. As a nonprofit and state agency, their mission is to "connect people through the power of Arizona's history."

The 1600-sq-ft Fort Lowell Museum offers unique exhibits and hands-on activities for adults, families, and children...and is pet-friendly too! Located in a 1880s reproduction of adobe officers quarters, visitors can explore Army life during the Apache wars and try their hand at crafts such as soap making and candle making.

What are the museum's hours?

The Fort Lowell Museum is currently closed for renovation.

Are there special programs or classes at the museum?

Yes. The Fort Lowell Museum routinely offers calvary crafts, soap making, and candle making for an additional fee.

PLAYGROUNDS

How many playgrounds are there at Fort Lowell Park?

Two. The playgrounds feature slides and swings with minimal shade.

Are the playgrounds shaded?

Yes.

Is there an area for tots & babies?

Some of the slides are on the smaller side – ideal for toddlers & preschoolers. Infant swings are also available.

POND

Is feeding the ducks permitted?

No. Please do not feed any animals at the park or in the pond.

PECAN TREES

Are the pecan trees harvested?

The pecans are harvested by a volunteer group.

PICNIC AREA

How many tables are there at Fort Lowell Park?

There are twelve regular picnic tables and one extra-long picnic table.

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?

There are lots of restaurants in the vicinity. Try one of the following, which are under 2 miles away:

• La Placita Cafe, 2950 N. Swan Rd (1.2 miles away) - authentic Mexican, lunch & dinner
• Vero Amore, 2920 N. Swan Rd (1.3 miles away) - Neapolitan pizza, pasta
• Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd (1.7 miles away) - pizza, wraps, frozen yogurt
• Zinburger, 6390 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) - burgers, fries, milkshakes, kids menu
• Prep & Pastry, 6450 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) - locally sourced ingredients, breakfast & lunch, pastries
• Sauce Pizza & Wine, 6450 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) - pizza, paninis, wine

How close is the nearest grocery store?

Pick up picnic supplies before heading to the park! Costco, Fry's, and Trader Joe’s are less than two miles away.

How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?

Costco is less than 2 miles away. (A large pizza at Costco is only $10!).

SPORTS FIELDS

How many sports fields are there?

Fort Lowell Park has:

• 1 baseball field
• 3 softball fields
• 4 little league fields
• 8 lighted tennis courts
• 1 lighted racquetball court
• 1 sand volleyball court
• 1 swimming pool

VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball court is two poles and some sand, located at the back of the park (NE corner).

Does the volleyball court have a net?

No. Interested players will need to bring and set up their own net.

TENNIS

Are the tennis courts free to use?  If not, what is the fee?

The tennis courts at Fort Lowell Park are managed by Reffkin Tennis Center.

Court Fees (Day Rates - Before 5:00pm)

• $2.50/Person/1.5 Hrs Day
• $2.00/Person/1.5 Hrs Day (Active Military)
• $2.00/Person/1.5 Hrs Day (Sr. – Over 60)
• $2.00/Person/1.5 Hrs Day (College Student)
• $1.00/Person/1.5 Hrs Day (Jr. – Under 18)

Court Fee (Evening Rate - After 5:00pm)
$10.00/Court/1.5 Hrs Evening

Monthly passes are also available.

What are the hours for the tennis courts?

Winter Hours
(December – March)

Monday – Thursday
8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Friday
8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Christmas Eve 12/24, open from 8am-1pm)

Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm (Christmas Day 12/25, open from 8am-1pm)

Sunday
9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Summer Hours
(April – October)

Monday – Thursday
7:00 am – 9:00 pm

Friday
7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday
7:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sunday
8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Are the courts first-come, first-served or do they require reservations?

Advanced court reservations are subject to availability. Please call 520-791-4896.

ACCESS TO CHUCK HUCKELBERRY LOOP

You can access the Chuck Huckelberry Loop on the northeast side of the park.

RESTROOMS

Are restrooms available?

Yes.

EVENTS

Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event?

Yes. You can rent one of the seven ramadas at Fort Lowell Park.

• Full-day ramada reservation is $25 for City residents and $30 for non-City residents.
• Holiday rates are $45 for City residents and $55 for non-City residents.
• Beer/Wine permits are $25 for City residents and $30 for non-City residents.
• Proof of address will be required to confirm you are a City of Tucson resident.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

Check out the complete list of Tucson Parks.