Rillito River Park

The path runs from I-10 to Craycroft Road on the north and south banks of the Rillito River.

ADA accessible facilities

bicycling

drinking water

equestrian access

exercise stations

hiking/walking

restrooms

wildlife viewing

Rillito River Park 2004 Master Plan Update

Rillito River Park Development Project – South Bank, Campbell Avenue to Mountain Avenue and Mountain Avenue to First Avenue

The Rillito River Park between Campbell Avenue and Mountain Avenue is funded through the voter approved 1997 Pima County Bond program for river park development along the Rillito River corridor. The project scope includes construction of a paved path and a decomposed granite natural path adding enhanced landscaping and irrigation, which includes the planting of additional native trees. Construction on the First to Mountain segment will be complete in September 2011 and the Mountain to Campbell segment will be complete in October 2011. The design scope of work includes a biological assessment, and is intend to require consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The County shall include the contract services of a consulting Landscape Architecture firm with the purpose of optimizing sensitivity to the existing landscape trees and the location of the two paths.

The Rillito River Park between Mountain Avenue and First Avenue is funded through an Arizona State Transportation Enhancement grant. The project scope includes construction of an 11’ paved path, renovation of the existing decomposed granite path, and installation of a second pedestrian bridge over the Mountain Avenue Wash, together with enhanced landscape and irrigation. The project shall include the planting of additional native trees.

These two individually funded projects along the Rillito River Park are part of a Pima County regional plan to develop alternate routes and modes of transportation along four major river courses, presently referred to as “The Loop System”.  (Rillito River Park, Santa Cruz River Park, Pantano River Park and the Julian Wash Linear Park)  The Loop will provide approximately 55-miles of continuous off-street pathways for a variety of users.  Once complete, the river parks will form a system of lush native vegetation around the Tucson metropolitan area.

The two Rillito River Park projects address an enhancement of an already built environment developed in the mid 1980s. The photos provided offer understanding of a previously undeveloped area with limited user opportunities, in contrast to the existing development which provides greater alternate modes of transportation and recreational use.  The Rillito River Park system is also an environmental restoration area, where Pima County planted the majority of the existing vegetation as the bank protection was constructed. The Pima County Regional Flood Control District and Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department continues to maintain and monitor the ecosystem and wildlife habitat. 

With increasing population and the expressed need to accommodate a broad range of potential user groups, pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists, joggers, walkers and physically handicapped, etc. it is essential that we develop a Divided Urban Pathway along both sides of our major River Parks as well as ancillary pathways accessing these major circulation courses.  The Divided Urban Pathway (DUP) is comprised of an asphalt paved path and a soft decomposed granite natural path. The DUP provides opportunity for multiple users to choose the path which best suits their individual needs, while providing increased safety in an environment where different user types exist. The goal is to address the varying needs of our growing community, offer alternate modes of transportation, and enhance the natural beauty of our urban environment, while providing safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities to the broadest range of users.

Mountain Avenue to Campbell Avenue Map 1
Mountain Avenue to Campbell Avenue Map 2
Mountain Avenue to Campbell Avenue Map 3
Mountain Avenue to Campbell Avenue Map 4
Mountain Avenue to Campbell Avenue Map 5
Divided Urban Pathway Detail