Park Profile: Gene C. Reid Park

gene c reid park tucson

Gene C. Reid Park is a centrally located regional park that has a long history in serving the community.

Reid Park is home to the Reid Park Zoo, Edith Ball Adaptive Aquatics Center, Cancer Survivors Plaza, David Bell Bike/Walking path, Rose Garden, DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, two urban lakes, and Hi Corbett stadium. Because of the wide paths that encircle the park, Reid is often the site for 5ks on the weekend. The park is located on 131 acres, including 73 turfed acres.

CHANGES AT REID PARK: Reid Park has many updates on the way! In the coming years, there will be a new splash pad, improvements to walking paths, and updates to the DeMeester Outdoor Performing Arts Center.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is Gene C Reid Park located?

Reid Park is located in Central Tucson, along 22nd Street between Country Club and Alvernon. The address is: 900 S. Randolph Way 85716.

Who is/was Gene C. Reid?

In 1978, the western third of Randolph Park was renamed for the City of Tucson’s first parks director, Gene C. Reid, upon his retirement. In his over thirty years as director, Reid expanded Tucson's park system from 8 to 84 parks and made significant additions to Randolph Park. Reid oversaw the addition of the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, the zoo, the expansion and renovation of Randolf Golf Course, and the excavation of two lakes which doubled as irrigation reservoirs. The zoo and lakes also bear Reid's name. The recreation center and golf complex remain named after Randolph.

When is Gene C Reid Park open?

The hours are: 6:00am to 10:30pm (daily).

Why would I visit Gene C Reid Park?

  • To enjoy a picnic with family and friends
  • To cheer on a sports team
  • To go on a walk, bike ride, or run
  • To take your dog for a walk
  • To play on the playground
  • To swim at the public pool
  • To watch an outdoor play or concert
  • To take a class at the adjacent parks & rec facility
  • To ride the miniature train

How much does it cost to visit Gene C Reid Park?

Admission to the park is free.

Note that daily admission is charged for the following on-site facilities -

  • Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (ARC) *CURRENTLY FREE*
  • Reid Park Zoo
  • Reid Park Zoo Express Train. Located just outside the front gate of the Zoo. Each ride is $3. The train runs during most business hours, depending on visitation levels.
  • Tucson City Golf - Randolph North and Randolph Dell Urich

What is the parking situation at Gene C Reid Park?

Parking is free and plentiful at Reid Park.

What should I bring with me when I visit Gene C Reid Park?

Water and snacks. Sun safety is encouraged. Prepare for a perfect day at the park with a hat, drinking water, and sunscreen.

What is the best season for visiting Gene C Reid Park?

October thru April are ideal because the temperatures tend to be more moderate than in the summer months. That said, Reid Park can also be enjoyed in the summer months – especially in the early morning hours and at dusk.

Who should I contact if I have a question, comment, or idea related to Gene C Reid Park?

For reservations or more information, please call the Tucson Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 520-791-4873.

PLAYGROUNDS

Gene C. Reid Park debuted new playgrounds in September 2019. Reid Park also offers plentiful appeal for the whole family due to its two urban lakes, walking path, outdoor performance center, dog park, and rose garden!

PICNIC AREA

picnic ramada reid park tucson

How many tables are there at Gene C Reid Park?

Fifteen (15) ramadas. All are shaded. The tables show noticeable wear.

Are trash cans available and easily accessible?

Yes.

Are there BBQ grills?

Yes. Adjacent to each ramada.

Is power available at all of the ramadas?

Power is available at some ramadas, but is not guaranteed. Please contact Tucson Parks & Recreation with specific questions.

Is there an on-site restaurant or cafe?

No.

What restaurants do you recommend in the area?

No worries! There are plenty of dining options in the area. Our top picks within a 3-mile radius are:

  • In-N-Out Burger, 3711 E. Broadway Blvd. (0.6 miles away) - burgers, fries, shakes
  • Tucson Tamale Company, 2545 E. Broadway Blvd. (1.0 mile away) - tamales
  • Zemams, 2731 E. Broadway Blvd (1.2 miles away) - authentic Ethiopian cuisine
  • Rocco's Little Chicago, 2707 E. Broadway Blvd (1.2 miles away) - Chicago-style pizza, pasta, sandwiches
  • Chick-Fil-A, 3605 E. Broadway Blvd (1.7 miles away) - chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets
  • Cielos at Lodge on the Desert, 306 N. Alvernon Way (2.1 miles away) -  fine dining, regionally sourced foods, craft cocktails
  • Graze Premium Burgers, 2721 E. Speedway (2.2 miles away) - premium burgers, fresh cut fries

If it's hot outside and you're up for a cold slushee style drink, go to Eeegee's at 1875 S. Alvernon Way (1.1 miles away).

How close is the nearest grocery store?

Fry's Food (4150 E. 22nd Street), Flora's Market Run (2513 E. 6th Street), and Whole Foods Market (3360 E. Speedway Blvd) are all under 2 miles away.

How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria at 2707 E. Broadway Blvd is 1 mile away.

WALKING/RUNNING PATHS

walking running bike path reid park

What is the distance of the walking/running paths?

There are two connecting walking paths. One goes around the golf course and covers 2.8 miles. The other encircles the park and covers 1.95 miles.

Are there mile markers?

Yes.

CELE PETERSON ROSE GARDEN

What hours is the rose garden open?

The rose garden at Reid Park is open the same hours as the park: 6:00am to 10:30pm (daily).

Note that the rose garden is closed annually from December 1 through March 31 for pruning and cleaning.

What is the rose garden like? Can I rent it for my wedding or event?

A beautiful rose garden is centrally located in Reid Park with a large gazebo with six benches and electrical outlets. It is surrounded by 101 species of roses and more than 800 individual plants. The roses and plants typically bloom in the spring (March-May) and the fall (September-November). It is a very popular wedding site.

How many people can the rose garden accommodate?

200.

Can I bring in a caterer?

Yes.

How much does it cost to rent the rose garden?

$50 per hour for city residents; $65 per hour for non-city residents. 2-hour minimum. There is also a refundable $100 cleaning deposit and $10 key deposit.

DEMEESTER PERFORMANCE CENTER

demeester outdoor performance center reid park tucson

How much does it cost to rent the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center?

$100 per hour for non-profits; $120 for for-profits. There are also additional fees associated with the use of audio equipment.

URBAN LAKES

lake reid park tucson

How many lakes are there?

Two.

Is swimming allowed?

No. The water is reclaimed water, used for irrigating the park.

Is fishing allowed?

No.

Can I feed the ducks?

No - but you can study them, photograph them, and let your toddler run around with them.

DOG PARK

Is there a dog park at Reid Park?

Yes! Miko's Corner Playground is named after Miko, a TPD police dog that lost its life in the line of duty. The dog park features three double entry gates, lights, a divided two-acre site for large and small dogs, dog-friendly potable water fountains, and a ramada with tables.

TENNIS COURTS

Are the tennis courts open to the public? Is there a fee to use them?

The tennis courts are contracted out to Reffkin Tennis Center. Please contact Reffkin directly for information about classes, clinics, tournaments, and court use.

RESTROOMS

Are restrooms available? Where are they located?

Yes. The restrooms at Reid Park are very old and in dire need of an update. Paint is peeling. No soap. No paper towels. Foggy mirrors.

Is a family restroom available?

No.

EVENTS

Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event? What is the cost?

Yes. You can rent a ramada at Gene C. Reid Park for a birthday party or special event.

  • 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

MuseumNO
CafeNO
Public PoolYES
Splash PadNO
Parks & Rec FacilityYES
Sports FieldsYES
Dog ParkYES
Walking/Biking PathsYES
LakeYES
Hiking TrailsNO
Art/SculpturesYES
GardenYES
Trees/ShadeYES
LightingYES

SUMMARY

Reid Park is one of the oldest, biggest, and best parks in Tucson. It is huge with mature trees, grassy fields, ducks galore, a lovely rose garden, a fantastic path for walkers and runners, and more! The developers of this park are to be commended for their foresight and dedication to the community. Reid Park is a true asset to Tucson. More regional parks of this same caliber are needed throughout Tucson. They provide a safe, healthy, and fun gathering place for community members - including our children.

Check out our other Park Profiles!

Check out the complete list of Tucson Parks.

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