Author name: Kathleen Sinclair

Master Planning to Start Summer/Fall 2021The City will be creating a new Master Plan for the Park in the late Spring/early Summer 2021 which will be a “road map” moving forward. This Master Plan will provide the support we need to preserve and protect this special place. Members of our community have been working collaboratively to prepare a draft planning preparation document that identifies the problems in the Park and opportunities to be considered in the City’s new Master Plan.  We are now inviting the community to review the draft document and send suggestions in preparation with our upcoming meetings with City and its Master Planning Consultants. The core team so far has been:• Lindy Brigham, co-chair, is part-writer, plant person, and data specialist.• Mary Bird, co-chair, is part-writer/editor, designer, and photographer.• Catlow Shipek is focused on watershed issues.• Trica Oshant Hawkins specializes in conservation, natural history and environmental education.• Estelle Stern-Eilers is the lead point person on all things Park related.• Murray and Sue Dearmond are our sages, knowledgeable of the neighborhood history and people. They were instrumental in advocating for Rio Vista as a natural resource park back in the 90s. Now it is your turn!Review the document Rio Vista Natural Resource Park – A Plan for Its Future by clicking here:   Download Document   Please send your comments and suggestions to rbna@rillitobendna.org We will keep you updated on our progress over the summer.If you haven’t signed up for our email information list here is the form. American Kestrel nesting boxes in the park Mike Shaw of HawkWatch International has installed two American Kestrel nesting boxes in the tall eucalyptus trees. The smallest of our falcons, the kestrel population has been in decline. 

A natural resource is a naturally occurring substance or feature of the environment. Natural resources can be, and often are, exploited by humans. A park connotes a place that is protected and used for enjoyment. A “natural resource park” is thus a place that protects the health of its natural resources including the vegetation, wildlife, and landscape as well as its inherent hydrologic and ecologic functions, for the enjoyment of others. At Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, its natural resources—its open space, its vegetation, and its wildlife—are protected, while also being enjoyed by visitors through passive recreation. Park HistoryIn 1987, the City bought approximately 40 acres from residents of RIllitoBend to create a park. Initially called the North Central District Park, it was envisioned as a built-out amenity like most of Tucson’s public parks.  Neighbors rallied to protect the open desert land. The process was contentious and involved many public meetings where most neighbors argued for an open, natural desert park consistent with the history and values of the surrounding neighborhood. Finally, with testimony from numerous neighbors, local newspaper articles, and editorials supporting the neighbors’ position, the City Council approved what was to become one of Tucson’s first natural resource parks. The initial plan was implemented in 1999 and represented both built-out and natural areas within the Park, a compromise between the City and the residents. In 2008, Pima County’s General Obligation Bond money of approximately $1.5 million was used to enlarge the grassy area, install restrooms and shade structures, plant/irrigate trees, and improve the egress to the River Park Loop Trail. The Park was dedicated in 2010. Today, roughly a quarter of the Park has built-out amenities: a playground, picnic tables, grassy field, benches, drinking fountains, a bike rack, and restrooms. The remaining three quarters of the Park are undeveloped: walking paths among mesquite, creosote, and large eucalyptus trees. Recently, the Park has become prone to “embellishments” such as a Compassion Garden, several memorial benches and more recently a large sculpture—all of which is counter to the original concept. RillitoBend and its neighbors would like to protect the Park from seemingly random additions and miscellaneous built structures unless they speak to the inherent nature of the Park. How You Can Help Our ParkStay on the path.Keep your dog on a leash so it, too, stays on the path.And clean up after your pet. These actions will go a long way to preserving our natural resource park. This desert park is in crisis—rogue paths cut across the delicate landscape; the soil is degraded; irrigation lines are broken, and habitats are diminished. We are optimistic that the Master Plan that the City is producing in 2021 will start us on the right path (not rogue!) to protecting and revitalizing our park. If you want to support the park with weeding, cleaning and other improvements, please contact Estelle Stern-Eilers at rbna@rillitobendna.org. There are several organizations that support the park with educational programming so consider supporting them. Organizations Affiliated with Our Park Archaeology SouthwestAZ Native Plant SocietyDesert ArchaeologyHawkWatch InternationalHitching Post Ranch at Gentleman’s Acres Mattress Firm (Tucson Clean and Beautiful)Native Seeds/SEARCHNational Phenology NetworkRio Vista Conservation ProjectSouthwest Monarch StudyTucson AudubonTucson Village FarmWatershed Management Group