Tucson residents have successfully funded new playground equipment for Himmel Park.. By partnering with the city, the Sam Hughes Neighborhood Association secured specialized swings designed for older children and adults.
The 1935 legacy of Alvina Himmel Edmondson
Himmel Park has been a cornerstone of the Tucson community since the mid-1930s. The park's origins date back to 1935 when the city acquired the original property from Alvina Himmel Edmondson,who stipulated that the space be named in honor of her parents.
Following that initial acquisition, construction began in 1936, and the city expanded the area in 1944 to further support its primary mission of providing a children's playground. This long history of community stewardship explains why local residents remain so deeply invested in the park's ongoing maintenance and evolution .
A $4,005 fix for the missing 'big kid' swings
A lack of equipment for older children and adults prompted the recent fundraising drive. For several years, the playground at 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. laacked age-appropriate options after an older slide and swing set were removed, leaving only equipment designed for toddlers.
The Sam Hughes Neighborhood Association successfully raised $4,005 to address this gap. as KGUN reported, the city agreed to split the costs of the project with the association. According to John Blackwell, the association's treasurer, the funds were collected through a community newsletter and allowed the group to meet their half of the financial obligation.
Gayle Hartmann, president of the Sam Hughes Neighborhood Association, noted that the association approached the City of Tucson's Parks and Recreation Department specifically because the neighborhood felt it was vital to restore swing access for older users. The city then handled the technical requirements, including site preparation and pouring a concrete base for the new installation.
The 25.4-acre amenities at 1000 N. Tucson Blvd
Himmel Park offers a wide range of amenities across its 25.4 acres, serving much more than just the immediate Sam Hughes neighborhood. The facility includes a swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce courts, and multipurpose fields.
The park also features a fitness area and various play structures, making it a central hub for diverse recreational activities. To accommodate the high volume of visitors, the park remains open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Will the city match more funds after September 19?
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, to celebrate the completion of the swing project. While the immediate goal has been met, the source does not clarify if this 50/50 cost-sharing model between the city and neighborhood associations will be applied to future park upgrades.
It remains to be seen whether other community groups will attempt to replicate this fundraising success for different amenities, such as the pool or tennis courts. Additionally, it is unclear if the City of Tucson has a formal budget set aside for matching neighborhood-led initiatives or if each project must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
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