Park Profile: Purple Heart Park

Purple Heart Park Tucson

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, a skate park, a dog park, 3 playgrounds, 1 splash pad, and 3 ramadas.

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 do tricks at the skate park
  • To cool off at the splash pad

How much does it cost to visit Purple Heart Park?

As is the case with all City of Tucson parks, it is free to visit. 

What is the parking situation at Purple Heart Park?

Parking is 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.

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?

There are two playgrounds at Purple Heart Park. 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 lessons, a synchronized swim team, and competitive swim team options through Tucson Parks and Recreation.

PURPLE HEART SPLASH PAD

The Purple Heart Park splash pad opened in 2022 and is a popular spot for residents of Vail, SE Tucson, and Corona de Tucson. The splash pad is open seasonally, April through October, from 8:00am to sunset, daily.

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?

Try one of these restaurants, which are within a 8-mile radius of Purple Heart Park:

  • 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
  • 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

restrooms Purple Heart Park | Park Profile: Purple Heart Park

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. You can rent a ramada at Purple Heart 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 PadYES
Parks & Rec FacilityNO
Sports FieldsYES – four baseball/softball fields
Dog ParkYES
Skate ParkYES
Walking/Biking PathsYES - the walking path covers 1-mile
Hiking TrailsNO
Art/SculpturesNO
GardenNO
Trees/ShadeMinimal
LightingYES

READ ABOUT OTHER TUCSON PARKS.

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