Public meetings set on proposed Tucson parks and rec fee increases | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The City of Tucson is proposing changes to Parks and Recreation fees as part of an effort to better recover the cost of delivering public services and maintain the quality of parks, pools and recreation programs.

The Mayor and City Council voted to issue a notice of intent for the proposed rate and fee changes during a meeting on April 7. The new fees, if approved by city leaders, would take effect July 1, with progressions each year for some.

Community members will have the chance to learn about the proposed changes as upcoming public meetings. Residents can also submit comments about the department fees through an online comment portal that will close on May 17.

The public meetings include: 

• April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
• April 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Fred Archer Center, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd.
• April 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
• April 15 at 6:30 p.m. – Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way
• April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Morris K. Udall Recreation Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
• April 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
• April 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Virtual Meeting on Zoom 

The department conducted an internal cost-of-service analysis and found that many current fees do not adequately cover the cost of providing programs and maintaining facilities. The proposed changes aim to close that gap, fund ongoing maintenance and introduce fees for newly offered services, while keeping programs accessible to residents who need financial assistance.

The department is also reaching out separately to specific user groups affected by some of the proposed fee changes. Those user groups are sports, aquatics, golf and youth programs including KIDCO, In-Betweener’s Club and School’s Out.

All fees listed are City of Tucson resident rates. Non-residents are subject to an increased fee.

The department is proposing to update its non-resident surcharge from 25% to 50% above the resident fee. This change would require a separate update to the city code and would be subject to additional approval by the Mayor and Council.

A public hearing for adoption of the proposed fee schedule is scheduled for June 9.

More information about the proposed fee changes can be found online.