WhatTucson Has Done • The City of Tucson placed Proposition 407: Parks + Connections Bond on the November 2018 ballot, identifying key investments in parks infrastructure and connections, many of which will improve the comfort and accessibility of facilities with amenities such as benches and shade. • City voters approved Proposition 407, which includes over 50 projects that build new walking paths or renovate existing walking paths. The bond project also calls for improved lighting and park amenities. • The City of Tucson implemented a maintenance fund to provide critical funding for parks and connectivity in the future to meet the projected modest increase in maintenance requirements that will result from completion of Proposition 407: Parks + Connections Bond projects. • There have been several parks projects outside the scope of Proposition 407, including renovations of Jessie Owens and Himmel Parks. These projects have been funded through impact
fees, Service LineWarranty fees, andWard office budgets. All new projects included ADA compliance. • Tucson Clean and Beautiful continues to provide shade trees through their Trees for Tucson program and has become a close partner with the Parks and Recreation Department to increase tree shade in City parks. • Mayor and Council adopted a pilot Park Ranger program under the Tucson Police Department which employs Community Service Officers to address public safety concerns in City parks. While the primary responsibility of Park Ranger teams is ambassadorship, Rangers also have the authority to issue civil citations for violations of park codes, rules, and regulations. In addition to their duties within the parks, they serve as liaisons to adjacent neighborhoods to help create ParkWatch programs. These programs build community ownership of parks, reduce crime, and lessen maintenance and repair expenses due to graffiti, vandalism, and other negative behaviors.
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