PARTNERS IN A HEALTH AND HERITAGE TRAIL
A partnership between City of Tucson, Tucson Transportation Department, RTA, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Tucson Parks and Recreation and the neighborhoods of the Grant Road Coalition is formed to create and maintain a Linear Park between Park and Santa Rita. In January 2019 plans began in earnest to complete the park. Funding is from a redirection of monies from the TDOT Basin (approximately $48K) project at Hampton and Grant and the Parks Bond 407 ($225K) passed in 2018. As plans move forward information will be posted here.
The Linear Park Steering Committee consists of:
Representing: 1000 block of Edison - B. Schlanger; 1100 block of Edison - D. Richmond; 1200 block of Edison --; JPNA Clean Committee - J. Osuna; JPNA Green Committee, David Frank; Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc - J. Daniels; JPNA, C. Nichols; SAMOS, B. Miller; Mtn/First, S. Studd; Campbell/Grant Neighborhood --; Catalina Vista Neighborhood, Anne Barrett
The Linear Park Steering Committee consists of:
Representing: 1000 block of Edison - B. Schlanger; 1100 block of Edison - D. Richmond; 1200 block of Edison --; JPNA Clean Committee - J. Osuna; JPNA Green Committee, David Frank; Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc - J. Daniels; JPNA, C. Nichols; SAMOS, B. Miller; Mtn/First, S. Studd; Campbell/Grant Neighborhood --; Catalina Vista Neighborhood, Anne Barrett
Neighbors will have opportunities to become involved and help maintain the park through the Tucson Clean and Beautiful "Adopt a Park " Program. This very exciting opportunity for Tucson's urban core will depend on everyone working together. It is a great gift to Tucson today and their children tomorrow.
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WHY NATIVE PLANTINGS?
...because they are sustainable Initial watering will be in place to nurture young plantings, but in a short time the Park will be self sustaining with native plants. WHY HEALTH? ...because humans must be sustained An early partnership with Banner Health and the proposed RX trail will connect the amenities of the Grant Road Linear Park with the Greenway at Lester. The resulting pathway from Lester to Mountain, North on Mountain to Grant Road and then west to the Linear Park is only impeded by one block of homes remaining from the Phase 2 Grant Road Construction. In phase 5/6TDOT will be lobbied to create some connection safe for bicycles and pedestrians. Thus forming the first urban core walk/bike way |
Proposed historic sign bases modeled on the signs along the Turquoise Trail in downtown Tucson.
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WHY HERITAGE?
...because knowledge of our past sustains us
The linear park will include signage which tells the story of Grant Road, Jefferson Park, Maps of early Tucson, 1940 photos of views across Grant Road where the view was desert until the horizon rose to the Catalina Mountains.
...because knowledge of our past sustains us
The linear park will include signage which tells the story of Grant Road, Jefferson Park, Maps of early Tucson, 1940 photos of views across Grant Road where the view was desert until the horizon rose to the Catalina Mountains.
Proposed History Signage:
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E-mail - March 5, 2020 - Bids come in Over Budget
" all proposals (6 requested and 4 received) unfortunately exceeded our budget and the Parks Department is re-evaluating the project. Parks staff will also be meeting with Wheat Design Group to see what can possibly be modified/revised/changed to make this a viable project. Once I have some possible ideas/solutions I will contact ... " Joe O'Neil Tucson Parks and Recreation
Nov 26, 2019 Meeting with Parks and Recreation
Meeting comments related to the Wheat Design created for the linear park:
We thank Mr O’Neil for his informative presentation and the neighborhoods and Ward III staff who attended the meeting on Nov 26, 2019. There were concerns voiced about the Wheat Design for the block Fremont to Santa Rita. These and subsequent thoughts are detailed here and reference the area above the dotted line on the Wheat design (above) , which is scheduled for demolition in 10 years. For clarity the berm areas are colored red and the basins blue:
BERMS and BASINS: Based on the presented design, In 10 years the park will lose 50% of the berms which are designed to mitigate the noise and visual distress of the encroaching road. If the design took that into consideration, the central berm, shown adjacent to the road, should be moved south. There is no guarantee that future TDOT construction would ameliorate the loss of that berm. One of the water basins will extend into the cut area
DG PATHWAY
Irrigation system locations might be designed to take into consideration the eventual cut off of the watering system north of the dotted line.
NOTE: At the Nov 7 meeting with Wheat Design present and only 3 members of the neighborhoods, 3 P&R staff and Joe O’Neill the demarcation line, was not noted nor discussed. Once noted, at the Nov 26 meeting, the discussion above focused on the complexity of “repairing” the park in Phase 5/6 of the Grant Road project. With all the concern about future $ and with no assurance that TDOT would have the funding, or the will, to “fix” the park we urge a proactive design now. If we now can, with simple design changes, accommodate the inevitable, create a permanent park with tree and berm placements that will last, we request that be considered.
Thank you for considering these comments
We thank Mr O’Neil for his informative presentation and the neighborhoods and Ward III staff who attended the meeting on Nov 26, 2019. There were concerns voiced about the Wheat Design for the block Fremont to Santa Rita. These and subsequent thoughts are detailed here and reference the area above the dotted line on the Wheat design (above) , which is scheduled for demolition in 10 years. For clarity the berm areas are colored red and the basins blue:
BERMS and BASINS: Based on the presented design, In 10 years the park will lose 50% of the berms which are designed to mitigate the noise and visual distress of the encroaching road. If the design took that into consideration, the central berm, shown adjacent to the road, should be moved south. There is no guarantee that future TDOT construction would ameliorate the loss of that berm. One of the water basins will extend into the cut area
DG PATHWAY
- A second diverging DG pathway extends up into the projected “take area”, unnecessarily. Note that the UA designs did not extend a pathway beyond the demarcation lines. Those plans were viewed and tentatively approved as concepts by the neighborhoods.
- About 30% of the expensive DG pathway will be demolished in 10 years
- Redesigning and eliminating the cost of the extra 30% of the pathway would help with the budget
- The pictured exercise station are in the “take” area and are next to Santa Rita Avenue
- Since we are considering them to be changed to seating/climbing possibly for youth, it is advisable that that entity be moved south and away from the streets
- Several of the trees in the “take area” are of the larger 25 gallon varieties.
- Moving the larger tree plantings south of the “take area” would be a better use of $. The triangle “take area” could be landscaped with the less expensive but drought tolerant plants.
Irrigation system locations might be designed to take into consideration the eventual cut off of the watering system north of the dotted line.
NOTE: At the Nov 7 meeting with Wheat Design present and only 3 members of the neighborhoods, 3 P&R staff and Joe O’Neill the demarcation line, was not noted nor discussed. Once noted, at the Nov 26 meeting, the discussion above focused on the complexity of “repairing” the park in Phase 5/6 of the Grant Road project. With all the concern about future $ and with no assurance that TDOT would have the funding, or the will, to “fix” the park we urge a proactive design now. If we now can, with simple design changes, accommodate the inevitable, create a permanent park with tree and berm placements that will last, we request that be considered.
Thank you for considering these comments
Grant Road Coalition, Central Segments * November 26, 2019 *Summary of Meeting with Joe O'Neil concerning the Health and Heritage Trail
Guest: Joe O’Neil, Parks and Recreation project manager Present: Ward III, Durham, Mahon, Kopek;
SAMOS- B. Miller
Jefferson Park-D. Frank, J. Osuna, R. Bolza, J. Daniels, Y. Lorch, C. Prey, S. Trappman, B. Schlanger, C. Nichols, D. Richmond
Sugar Hill – A. Vargas
TOPIC: Linear Park – Health and Heritage Trail – Jefferson Park
BUDGET: Greg Jackson will be in charge of grant budget. About $225,000 + $20,000 left in budget. Approximately $25,000 already spent on planning, designing, preliminary expenses.
SEATING/AMENITIES
Interpretative Signs (5)
NORTH SIDE OF FREMONT TO SANTA RITA DESIGN:
Regarding the area of the linear park which will be lost with Phase 5-6 of Grant road widening, it was distressing to see how much of the park would be lost. Bob was concerned about basically wasting money on design and construction if it would be lost in the future. Joe says that TDOT cannot leave the area as empty dirt, but any improvements would be on “TDOT’s dime”. The issue of losing part of the park has not really ever been under discussion it appears. The current design would cause a loss both berms and one section of the path. This hasn’t really been brought up with Joe previously, and he said that he will talk with TDOT about it. (See map above)
SCHEDULING:
November 2019 - Plans sent out for review and comments. Wheat designs will respond, and plans will be resubmitted for permitting next week.
December 2019 - Plans will go out to bid in late December. Once bids are in, we will be able to select colors for the seating. Nothing bright or neon!
Anticipate a contractor on board the end of January. Contractor selected will be able to do everything, including grading and water.
February 2020– Contractor on site
June 2020 - Project will take 3-4 months. Have to tap into water source, set up drip irrigation. Irrigation will be all “hard line” and on controllers. Parks and Rec will be in charge of watering and schedule.
Follow-up business Meeting
Guest: Joe O’Neil, Parks and Recreation project manager Present: Ward III, Durham, Mahon, Kopek;
SAMOS- B. Miller
Jefferson Park-D. Frank, J. Osuna, R. Bolza, J. Daniels, Y. Lorch, C. Prey, S. Trappman, B. Schlanger, C. Nichols, D. Richmond
Sugar Hill – A. Vargas
TOPIC: Linear Park – Health and Heritage Trail – Jefferson Park
BUDGET: Greg Jackson will be in charge of grant budget. About $225,000 + $20,000 left in budget. Approximately $25,000 already spent on planning, designing, preliminary expenses.
SEATING/AMENITIES
- Per our earlier discussion at our meeting with Joe, we asked that rather than exercise equipment, some research could be done about providing items that children could use for play or climbing. He included some possible choices of concrete animal and climbing structures. We liked them – he will do some more research to see what he can find.
- We had expressed desire to not have metal seating. Examples of reinforced concrete seating were shown, About 60” long, divided with a concrete divider so they are too short for sleeping! Joe will continue to do more research on what would be suitable.
- Berms will be 3-4 feet high.
- Path will be decomposed granite. Bob was concerned that there would be no steel edging, but Joe said it was quite expensive, and if the DG begins to shift or deteriorate with time, they will apply some new sealant. Remainder surfaces in park will be larger rocks, presumably to keep DG from dispersing.
- All vegetation will be preserved or moved if viable., as noted on the plans.
- The crosswalk at Fremont will have a colored asphalt overlay applied
- Any work or grading in the alley is not included, as the park goes only up to the property line
Interpretative Signs (5)
- Joe is going to see if their in-house sign people can duplicate what Fossil did on the La Pilita signs, and how costs would compare. If they can’t do it, it will be given to Fossil. Still some discussion about the location of sign/signs.
- Joan had concerns about the accuracy of historical signage, requesting a review of the draft versions. Joe says they can be sent to the Historical office to check for absolute accuracy.
- Bids on the metal bases for the signs have ranged from $750-$1500. Jason Butler, who did the metal work for the Banner parklet, is interested in bidding. Joe will be sending it to 5 contractors for bids.
NORTH SIDE OF FREMONT TO SANTA RITA DESIGN:
Regarding the area of the linear park which will be lost with Phase 5-6 of Grant road widening, it was distressing to see how much of the park would be lost. Bob was concerned about basically wasting money on design and construction if it would be lost in the future. Joe says that TDOT cannot leave the area as empty dirt, but any improvements would be on “TDOT’s dime”. The issue of losing part of the park has not really ever been under discussion it appears. The current design would cause a loss both berms and one section of the path. This hasn’t really been brought up with Joe previously, and he said that he will talk with TDOT about it. (See map above)
SCHEDULING:
November 2019 - Plans sent out for review and comments. Wheat designs will respond, and plans will be resubmitted for permitting next week.
December 2019 - Plans will go out to bid in late December. Once bids are in, we will be able to select colors for the seating. Nothing bright or neon!
Anticipate a contractor on board the end of January. Contractor selected will be able to do everything, including grading and water.
February 2020– Contractor on site
June 2020 - Project will take 3-4 months. Have to tap into water source, set up drip irrigation. Irrigation will be all “hard line” and on controllers. Parks and Rec will be in charge of watering and schedule.
Follow-up business Meeting
- Nick Mahon asked to investigate the possibility of erecting a city sign indicating park bonds at work
- Grant Rd Coalition to consider funding a banner thanking the entities
- Neighborhood Reports
- SAMOS planted 34 trees
- SAMOS reports that Mtn/First had successful Porch Fest
PARK VISION GROWS TO REALITY -2016 to present...and the work continues
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2019 - Bond Money released July 1..Going forward, the Grant Road Coalition and Jefferson Park Neighborhood have formed a Steering committee to review the details and make recommendations to the specifics of the proposed linear park. The committee is comprised of a member from each of the central segments neighborhoods-Mountain/First, SAMOS, Catalina Vista. Additionally, Jefferson Park has representatives from their Green Committee, JPNA board, Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc, and contiguous residences.
June 23, 2019 - Grant Road Coalition Meeting
Guest speaker Katie Gannon, Tucson Clean and Beautiful Director reported the status of the project and subsequent discussion with Wheat Design, Inc revealed the following:
June 23, 2019 - Grant Road Coalition Meeting
Guest speaker Katie Gannon, Tucson Clean and Beautiful Director reported the status of the project and subsequent discussion with Wheat Design, Inc revealed the following:
- Wheat Designs, Inc has completed the design. Meetings with TDOT have made the necessary changes to align with Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) and ADA requirements.
- The Design will include budget items for:
- Pathways to comply with TDOT regulations
- Seating-to comply with ADA regulations
- An enrichment option to provide for a "child friendly" exercise
- An option for an exercise station for adults
- A Park sign - Jefferson Park Health and Heritage Trail
- Six signs relating the heritage of the area
- The design is expected to be turned over to Parks and Rec in early August, and will then go out for bids.
- The neighborhoods will at some point begin working with Parks and Rec and Tucson Clean and Beautiful to complete the details of the budgeted items. i.e. type of exercise equipment, color of benches, content of the historic signage.
LATE 2018 - FUNDING IS HERE
November 2018 - Bond 407 passed
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Council person, Ward III, Paul Durham
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Ward III submitted the proposed linear park to the bond package. The allotted funding for the park was $225,000. This money was scheduled to be one of the first released in July 1. 2019.
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2016-2018 SEARCHING FOR FUNDING - Try, try, and try again
AUGUST 2018
These grants submitted-not awarded
Tohono O'odham Nation grant submitted by Center for Pima Basin Sustainability
Tucson Clean and Beautiful Storm Water Harvesting submitted by JPNA
These grants submitted-not awarded
Tohono O'odham Nation grant submitted by Center for Pima Basin Sustainability
Tucson Clean and Beautiful Storm Water Harvesting submitted by JPNA
SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
Grant application to the AZ State Forestry Division
This grant submitted - not awarded
September 1, 2017 the neighborhood partnered in the application to the State AZ Forestry Division.
Use the download option below to print a hard copy.
| tucson_forest_pathway-final.pdf |
JULY 16, 2017
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(July 16, 2017) Regarding our ongoing conversation and next steps for the park space along Grant road, I want to update you and confirm the City's support:
1) PAG is continuing to work with us on funds for the Heritage and Health trail (involving Banner, Jefferson Park and area neighborhoods; we need to sustain the City's commitment (already approved as an exception by RTA/PAG given City plans to keep it as Park) to HOLD AND NOT MARKET/SELL the remnants between 1st and Campbell (Tucson) as leverage for the project. While the National Parks grant did not come through, there are opportunities for funding (state and federal) that are being pursued. 2) see below; the State Dept of Forestry has encouraged applications from PAG/City/JP. The first small grant proposal is next FRIDAY under their TREES program and must be submitted under the auspices of the City. JP is drafting and we will get that to Mike's office to submit (I am assuming no other City proposals are in the queue; let me know) 3) PAG/Farhad has agreed to serve as lead and submitter of other proposals (with City as key supporter/collaborator. Could you please confirm through a reply to this email that this will be our plan moving forward? Through we did not secure the National Parks Grant we can also resubmit next year and it is clear we can identify other potential funding sources to fulfill the exciting and meaningful vision for this area. I know we share the desire to demonstrate that corridor redevelopment can be integrated with appropriate land use that preserves value and enhances quality of life for urban residents. This project is a valuable chance to enact that principle, in-keeping with both City and RTA goals. Karin |
MAY 2016
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Photos below: Banner Health, RTA, Ward III celebrate the proposal for a Health and Heritage Trail. On April 24, 2016 people gathered to celebrate National Park Rx Day and the presentation of the Tucson Heritage Park and Health Trail Proposal. Historic photos for the proposed Jefferson Park bike/walk Loops were on display. The Doc wrote a Rx for the 1.75 mile loop walk for those present. RX Day Celebration, photos by Natalie Mitchell |
As a result of the coalition paper entitled "Grant Road Heritage Landscape Corridor" (see above), the Ward III council person, Karin Uhlich, convened several entities to address the possibility suggested by the proposal. The result was the following federal grant. The city of Tucson in partnership with the RTA, PAG and the Grant Road Coalition-Central Segments submitted the following grant addressing the open lots from Park to Santa Rita on the south side of Grant Road. This grant was submitted at the state level on May 6 and received the highest scoring. It was forwarded to the federal level for consideration. There will be 15 proposals funded and the notification date is October 2016.
EXHIBIT a - Grant Road Improvement Plan
EXHIBIT b & c: Neighborhood Histories, Neighborhood Architecture
EXHIBIT d: Grant Road Project - Public Art Master Plan
EXHIBIT e: A proposed Walk/Ride Health Loop Hampton to Campbell Avenue
EXHIBIT f - Surgeon General's Call to Action
APRIL 2016 - The Coalition presents this vision to the RTA, PGA, City Staff, Ward III and work is begun on a National Park Service Rx Grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership.
2016 A VISION IS PROPOSED
MARCH 2016 - The Grant Road Coalition Central Segments completed its proposal to the city "The Grant Road Heritage Landscape Proposal" (below) . In that document the coalition suggests that the land not used by the roadway be re purposed as a landscaped corridor to complement many existing and evolving efforts to create open space for walking/biking through the neighborhoods.
This proposal does not address the alignment of the Grant Road Project. What it does is address are the pieces of land that are left after the roadway is created. It sites agreements between the city and various entities to protect and mitigate the affects of the 6-lane roadway on the historic neighborhoods which border it. These commitments are Neighborhood Plans developed with the City of Tucson and Vision statements created by the project that were made as long as 10 years ago.
This proposal gives the project the opportunity to honor those commitments by creating an historic landscape, a corridor for active transportation, and an opportunity to look at buffering and mitigation for the historic homes and neighborhoods which are impacted.
This proposal does not address the alignment of the Grant Road Project. What it does is address are the pieces of land that are left after the roadway is created. It sites agreements between the city and various entities to protect and mitigate the affects of the 6-lane roadway on the historic neighborhoods which border it. These commitments are Neighborhood Plans developed with the City of Tucson and Vision statements created by the project that were made as long as 10 years ago.
This proposal gives the project the opportunity to honor those commitments by creating an historic landscape, a corridor for active transportation, and an opportunity to look at buffering and mitigation for the historic homes and neighborhoods which are impacted.
MARCH 2016 - GRANT ROAD HERITAGE LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR WHITE PAPER
Repurpose the Remnants and Reallocate the Resources
Read the Landscape Corridor proposal above or click on the "download File" below to print a hard copy.
| a._grt_rd_heritage_landscape_corridor_pdf_3-24-2016.pdf |
WHAT IF? The central segments from Park to Campbell and from Campbell to Tucson Blvd included an open space design. What if that linear strip enhanced the urban core of Tucson with a bike and walking path that could be attached to loops within the adjacent neighborhoods? The Uof A students, Banner Health employees, dog walkers, and residents of several neighborhoods could walk, run, and bike their way to health in one of the sunniest cities in the country. What if doctors prescribed Parks instead of Prescriptions https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/parkrx.htm. and we created one right in the urban core?
WHO WILL SHARE THE VISION?
1- The residents of adjacent neighborhoods
2- U of A students walking/biking to classes
3-Banner employees walking for health
4-business at the Central Centers
5-Tucson residents who live in the urban centers
6-The elected officials of Tucson
1- The residents of adjacent neighborhoods
2- U of A students walking/biking to classes
3-Banner employees walking for health
4-business at the Central Centers
5-Tucson residents who live in the urban centers
6-The elected officials of Tucson
WHO WILL APPROVE THE PARK?
The park can be implemented only through the direction of Tucson City Mayor and Council. The remnant parcels from the Grant Road Project could be re-evaluated and sold by the city to developers. Or the council could decide to return open space to the urban core for the health and prosperity of the inner city residents. Only by a vote of the city council can this become a reality.
The park can be implemented only through the direction of Tucson City Mayor and Council. The remnant parcels from the Grant Road Project could be re-evaluated and sold by the city to developers. Or the council could decide to return open space to the urban core for the health and prosperity of the inner city residents. Only by a vote of the city council can this become a reality.