Tucson’s Mayor and City Council and Tucson Parks and Recreation are thrilled to celebrate one year of “Ready, Set, Rec!,” providing mobile recreation in Tucson. This engaging program was made possible by a recommendation from Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres to use federal CARES Act funds to acquire six vans and equipment to bring recreation to the community. This effort was backed by the mayor and all city council members.

Tucson Parks and Recreation

“Congratulations to the Parks and Recreation’s ‘Ready, Set Rec!’ staff for their work and accomplishments during the first year, which helped the citizens of Tucson to relieve their stress and anxiety during this pandemic,” Fimbres said. “I look forward to the second year of this program providing mobile recreation to the good citizens of Tucson through Ready, Set Rec!”

The program began one year ago, on Feb. 25, 2021, and mobilized the six vans into the community at various park locations each week, ensuring that the entire community is served and has an opportunity to participate in recreation activities near where they live. Throughout the year, the vans had 682 park visits, with 8,068 youth and 2,743 adult participants. The vans have also been made available to bring the fun and games to more than 60 events throughout the city and KIDCO and Therapeutic Recreation sites throughout the summer.

“Tucson Parks and Recreation is proud of the opportunity to engage with our residents in such an innovative way despite the challenges that the pandemic posed,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Lara Hamwey. “It shows that despite obstacles, we are passionate about delivering amazing recreation experiences, and our staff has done a great job showing that through this program.”

Save the date for the Spring Launch Event on Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m.-noon, at Joaquin Murrieta Park, 1400 N. Silverbell Road. The community can enjoy coloring, origami, fitness, STEM, miniature golf, disc golf, gardening, yard games, and more. There will be raffle prizes, food trucks, and music.

To find out where and when each Ready, Set, Rec! vehicle will be and what activities will be happening throughout the months, visit Tucsonaz.gov/parks/ReadySetRec or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ReadySetRec. Check out the launch video here.

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