TUCSON, Ariz. - Tucson Parks would get major upgrades if voters let the city borrow money to pay for them.
The City of Tucson's been wanting to upgrade its parks but lack of money's been in the way.
Now through Prop 407 the city is asking voters to approve $225 Million in bonds for parks, plus pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Selling bonds usually means a tax hike but the city says will not happen with Prop 407 because other bonds sold years before are nearly paid off.
KGUN9 was able to get a copy of a city publication that gives you where the Prop 407 money will go and it also gives us a good estimate of what will be spent on which parks and exactly what that money will go for."
On the east side Udall Park will get the most money. Almost 14 Million dollars will buy a new splash pad, a new covered basketball court, two new lighted soccer fields upgraded lighting for two other soccer fields and more.
We found Mario Weihs practicing soccer at Udall in the late morning heat. He says, “I'm all for it. I'm always here. My buddies are always out here playing. It'd be nice if we get lights like that. At night time, more lights because coming out here in the hot sun, in Arizona is not so fun but it's like the only time one came come out and play because it's not taken up by club practice.."
Just the major projects involve fourteen parks and average $4.9 million per park.
On the West side, Murietta Park is tagged for complete reconstruction.
Park visitor Cheryl Hunt says, “It's not kept up great. It's kind of green but it could use some tender loving care."
If voters approve, Murietta Park would get close to $11 million for a new pool, two little league fields and an upgraded concessions stand.
There's more on the list but Cheryl Hunt and maybe Chewie are happy to hear Murietta Park is slated for a dog park where there was none before.
About a hundred city parks will get upgrades if voters approve Prop 407 in November. The document you can see here outlines some of the biggest park projects.
