Nestled in the Rita Ranch subdivision, Purple Heart Park is one of the few parks in the far southeast side of Tucson.
The park opened in the early 90’s and is “dedicated to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, men and women killed or injured during combat while members of the Armed Services.”
At 37.2 acres, Purple Heart Park offers 3 little league fields, 1 softball field, 1 sand volleyball (bring your own net), a skate park, a dog park, 3 playgrounds, and 3 ramadas.
Note that improvements are coming to Purple Heart Park due to the successful passage of Proposition 407. Projects will include: a new splash pad, a new basketball court, a new ramada, a new parking lot, and renovations to the pool & skate park.
GENERAL INFORMATION
When is Purple Heart Park open?
The hours are 6:00am to 10:30pm.
Why would I visit Purple Heart Park?
- To enjoy a picnic with family and friends
- To cheer on a sports team
- To go on a walk
- To take your dog for a walk
- To play on the playground
- To swim at the public pool
- To pull together a game of sand volleyball
- To do tricks at the skate park
How much does it cost to visit Purple Heart Park?
Free. Daily admission to the Purple Heart Park Pool, which is open seasonally from June to August, is $2 for adults (18+) and FREE for youths (17 and under).
What is the parking situation at Purple Heart Park?
Free. There are three parking lots – one on the east side, one on the west side (near the dog park), and one on the north side. Pull-in style parking.
What should I bring with me when I visit Purple Heart 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 Purple Heart Park?
October thru April are ideal because the temperatures tend to be more moderate than in the summer months. That said, the park can also be enjoyed in the summer months – especially in the early morning hours and at dusk.
PLAYGROUNDS
How many playgrounds are there at Purple Heart Park?
Two. The playground on the east side of the park has two regular swings, two baby swings, and two slides. The playground on the west side of the park has three slides and no swings.
What is the ground surface beneath the playgrounds?
The east playground has a dirt surface. The west playground has a rubber surface.
Are the playgrounds shaded?
The playground on the east side is not shaded. The playground on the west side has some shade.
Is there an area for tots & babies?
No. That being said, little ones will likely still enjoy running through the grass, going on walks, having a picnic, or trying the “big slides” with assistance from parents.
PURPLE HEART POOL
Purple Heart Pool is a summer season facility, which means it is only open between June and August of each year.
The 7-lane pool has a stair entry leading to a shallow water area. The depth gradually increases to 6 feet in the 25-yard lap swim area. There is a small shade structure and grassy area adjacent to the pool.
During the summer months, Purple Heart Pool offers affordable swim lesson, synchronized swim team, and competitive swim team options through Tucson Parks and Recreation.
DOG PARK
Named after Ivan, a TPD police dog lost in the line of duty, this one-acre facility features two separate areas for large and small dogs. The site is fenced with a concrete inner walking path, dog-friendly drinking fountains, benches, trees and shrubs, landscape irrigation, decomposed granite surface, boulders, and solar lights.
PICNIC AREA
How many tables are there at Purple Heart Park?
There are three ramadas at Purple Heart Park – one on the east side, one on the west side, and one near the sports fields. There are also several other tables with BBQ grills that are unshaded.
Are trash cans available and easily accessible?
Yes.
Are there BBQ grills?
Yes. Adjacent to each table/ramada.
Is there an on-site restaurant or cafe?
No.
What restaurants do you recommend in the area?
Our top picks within a 5-mile radius are:
- Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine, 9136 E. Valencia (1.6 miles away) – lunch, dinner, traditional Thai
- Luckie’s Thai Asian Cuisine, 8110 S. Houghton Rd (0.7 miles away) – familiar Thai & Chinese plates
- Rancho Rustico, 10275 E. Old Vail Rd (1.6 miles away) – authentic Mexican food
- Happy Wok, 9040 E. Valencia Rd (1.7 miles away) – Chinese take-out (no delivery)
- ***BONUS! Saguaro Corners, 3750 S. Old Spanish (7.8 miles away) – comfort food, patio dining, indoor/outdoor bar, live music, happy hour
How close is the nearest grocery store?
Fry’s Food is less than a mile away.
How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?
Papa John’s and Pizza Hut are both nearby.
RESTROOMS
There are two unisex bathrooms, centrally located in the park. There are also two porta-potties near the sports fields.
EVENTS
Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event? What is the cost?
Yes. The rent is $15-$20 for a half-day or $25-$30 for a full day.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
| Museum | NO |
| Cafe | NO |
| Public Pool | YES |
| Splash Pad | NO |
| Parks & Rec Facility | NO |
| Sports Fields | YES – four baseball/softball fields and one sand volleyball court |
| Dog Park | YES |
| Skate Park | YES |
| Walking/Biking Paths | YES – the walking path covers 1-mile |
| Hiking Trails | NO |
| Art/Sculptures | NO |
| Garden | NO |
| Trees/Shade | Minimal |
| Lighting | YES |
Check out our other Park Profiles!
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***Moving TO or WITHIN Rita Ranch? We highly recommend Realtor TIM SHEAFFER. As a Tucson native, he knows the ins and outs of the city. Call or text him today at 520-305-9005!