Reid Park Zoo and Park Amenities Phased Reopening

The City of Tucson will begin the reopening phases for Reid Park Zoo and some Parks and Recreation outdoor amenities that were closed in April 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Safety is our priority as we begin to reopen playgrounds, small ramadas, and other park amenities,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “Our Parks and Recreation facilities are spaces where working families can go to exercise, get out of the house, and enjoy the outdoors. While we want to make sure that our community has a safe space to enjoy, I encourage Tucsonans to use extra caution while at our parks to protect the health and well-being of our families and neighbors. The sanitizing plan and cleaning resources devoted to maintaining park areas will allow Tucsonans to enjoy the amenities safely, even though at limited capacity.” 

Reid Park Zoo will reopen to the public on Aug. 28 for “Wildlife Walks,” a modified viewing experience with enhanced health and safety measures for guests, staff, and the animals. The Zoo will be open daily for special summer viewing hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Sept. 30. Guests should be prepared for changes to their visit. All tickets, including Zoo Member reservations, must be purchased online and in advance. The number of guests inside the Zoo will be limited each day and no tickets or memberships will be sold at the gate for touchless entry.

Guests are required to wear face coverings and to maintain social distancing of six feet between other parties utilizing guided Zoo signage and sidewalk animal prints. Guests should also note that water fountains in the Zoo are closed at this time. To stay hydrated in the summer heat, visitors should bring water or may purchase food and beverages at retail carts located throughout the Zoo. For more information about the Zoo reopening or to reserve tickets, visit Reidparkzoo.org.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the City will begin removing the caution tape and putting up signage at small ramadas only. New reservations and beer and wine permits for small ramadas (for groups of 10 or fewer) will be accepted beginning Friday, Aug. 28, by calling 520-791-4873 or through the new online reservation system at EZEEreg.com. Small ramadas that are not reserved will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All medium and large ramadas will remain closed. 

In addition, all park restrooms, horseshoe pits, and outdoor sports courts, including tennis, racquetball, handball, bocce, badminton, and sand volleyball will be open beginning Friday, Aug. 21. Tennis and pickleball will be limited to four participants per court. All others will be limited to 10 participants per court. Basketball courts will remain closed. 

Sports fields have remained open during this time, however reservations have not been permitted. Beginning Friday, Aug. 21, all existing sports field reservations for practices will be honored. New field reservations will be open to user groups for league practices only with a maximum of 10 people. No games or tournaments will be allowed at this time.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the City will begin removing the caution tape and putting up signage at playgrounds. Playgrounds will be cleaned and inspected daily. We ask for the community’s help in ensuring that our playgrounds stay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Some facilities and amenities remained open during the pandemic, including dog parks, skate parks, some restrooms, and drinking fountains. Recreation centers, lobbies, basketball courts, and pools will remain closed at this time. 

We strongly advise that all groups keep to 10 or fewer people, stay 6 feet away from anyone they do not live with, stay home if feeling sick, and follow all other CDC guidelines to keep safe. Every person in the City of Tucson over the age of five is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public setting where continuous physical distancing is difficult or impossible. Signage will be in place at all playgrounds and ramadas reminding the community of the CDC guidelines they should follow when visiting the park.

We will communicate any changes to this plan as information becomes available. For up-to-date information on the status of parks and recreation facilities, classes, and programs, please follow us on social media or visit our website Tucsonaz.gov/parks.