Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, and Tucson Parks and Recreation invite the community to celebrate a ribbon-cutting for major improvements at John F. Kennedy Park on Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Field #4, 2145 W. 44th St., and coincides with Tucson Mountain Little League opening ceremonies.

The improvements include new LED lighted ballfields, a new playground, a new dog park, and three new public art installations.

Ballfield Complex

Two baseball fields and one T-ball field were constructed with LED lighting, two lighted batting cages, a concession and restroom building, ADA-accessible parking and sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation, and associated amenities. Ballfield design was led by WestLand Resources, with construction completed by KappCon.

Playground

The new playground features a community-selected design with a large play structure offering multiple slides, a rock-climbing wall, monkey bars, swings, a merry-go-round, and sensory play elements. Rubberized surfacing, a large shade structure, an accessible concrete pathway from the parking lot, and a new drinking fountain near the adjacent ramada were incorporated to prioritize safety and accessibility. Altitude Recreation served as both designer and contractor for the playground.

Dog Park

The new dog park spans more than 2.5 acres of fenced, off-leash space with separate areas and entrances for large and small dogs. Amenities include shaded ramadas, picnic tables, two new drinking fountains with dog bowls, accessible walkways, and designated accessible parking. Twenty-three new trees were planted and supported by new drip irrigation. The park was designed using a passive approach to minimize disruption to the natural landscape. Wheat Design Group led the design, and KappCon served as the contractor.

Public Art

Three new mosaic murals created by artists Paloma Jaqueline and Carlos Valenzuela, with creative support from artist Jesus Robles and community members, are installed throughout the park. The works celebrate local athletes, community history, and shared activities including gardening, cooking, music, dancing, sports, and the desert landscape. Artists were selected by a community panel, which also informed the design process. The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona administered the project.