Agua Caliente Park

A Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Facility(520) 749-3718

12325 E Roger Road
Tucson AZ 85749

                                          (View of Agua Caliente Park Pond 1) 

See below for:

     Pancakes in the Park Update
     National Registration Nomination Update
     Island Bridge Update
     Vending Machines
     Respect for Agua Caliente Park
     FOAC Charter/History
     FOAC Boarding Meeting Date

PANCAKES IN THE PARK

Our intent for the future is to pursue fundraising opportunities that provide increased potential for raising funds then we have received in the past with "Pancakes in the Park".  Future events will be posted on the website as they are developed.  We appreciate those that have supported our past "Pancakes in the Park" and we hope you will continue supporting our other events as well.  Please use the "Contact FOAC" link if you would like to contact the Board with other ideas.      

National Registration Nomination Update
(updated May 2009)

     Agua Caliente was one of four ranches nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.  The Agua Caliente nomination was completed in October 2003 and submitted by Pima County with the other three nominations to the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review.  All the nominations were reviewed and subsequently accepted by the Arizona SHPO and the Arizona Historic Sites Review Committee.  The nominations were then forwarded to the Keeper of the Register in Washington, D.C. for inclusion in the National Register.  Unexpectedly, all four nominations were returned by the Keeper requesting major changes.

     Following meetings with the Arizona SHPO and a representative from the National Park Service in 2006, a list of proposed changes was developed.

     Pima County resubmitted one of the ranch nominations (Canoa Ranch -- the most complex) as a test to see if the different approach was successful.  When it was successfully accepted in 2007, steps were implemented to resubmit the remaining three ranch nominations, including Agua Caliente.

     Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI) of Tucson was chosen to re-write the Agua Caliente nomination, a process that could take up to 12 months before resubmitting the nominations to the Arizona SHPO.  SRI began work in February 2008 and has been working steadily on the nomination.  During the coming months, SRI will visit the Park, gather additional information & photographs for the revised nominations. 

Oct 08 update:  The first draft was reviewed by Pima County staff and forwarded up to SHPO for their review.  Once returned, SRI began the process of making recommended changes and will be submitting the completed nomination to Pima County shortly (as of Oct 08).  Once the final version has been submitted and accepted by SHPO, it will be passed to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington DC.  Pima County is confident the revised nomination will be successful and Agua Caliente Park will soon be added to the National Register of Historic Places and preserved for future generations.  We will keep you updated as we progress toward Registration.

May 09 update:  The registration for Agua Caliente Park has been completed and forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).  SHPO subsequently forward the package to the Keeper of the Natoinal Register in Washington DC.  We are optimistic it will be approved.

New Island Bridge Update

     Jeff Kramer, the new Pima County Manager for the Bridge Project recently provided the FOAC Board of Directors an update for replacement of the Island Bridge.  Due to budget issues, the project has been delayed.  The County hopes to have these issues resolved soon.

     The new bridge will be ADA compliant and conform to environmental and historical preservation requirements.  The new bridge will be located just south of the current bridge.  It will be installed in stages, taking about two months to complete.  Extreme care will be exercised to ensure no contamination occurs to the pond or surrounding landscape.  Jeff was at the April 26th Pancakes in the Park to discuss the bridge and answer questions.  Stay tuned here for future updates as they become available.

As of Oct 08.  Unfortunately, the Project Manager for the Bridge has left and a new Manager has not been appointed.  There has not been any movement toward the installation of a bridge at the Park.  Funding remains a problem with the County.  FOAC will continue to push for the installation of a new Bridge and the opening of the island for all to enjoy.  We will also continue soliciting donations and accomplishing fundraising events to make this a reality.  If you would like to contribute to this project or support the Park in general, please visit the membership-donation part of our website.  We'd also like your feedback on the bridge or other aspects of the Park.  Please help us by providing feedback using the "contact FOAC" link on our website.

Vending Machines

Did you know there are vending machines at Agua Caliente Park?  They are located adjacent to the restroom facilities at the entrance to the Park.  FOAC receives a 25% donation of every sale.  We appreciate your support.

Respect for Agua Caliente Park

Please respect the "off-limits" areas of Agua Caliente Park.  They are "off-limits" in order to protect the delicate nature of our natural water source and the beauty of the Park.  Off-limits areas include: The area where the spring comes out of the ground; the west side of Pond One; and several other "open" areas that provide shelter for our abundant wildlife.  If you see someone in those areas, please ask them to respect the "off-limits" or advise one of the Agua Caliente Park employees.  We appreciate your support.

Friends of Agua Caliente, Inc.

On a late night in October 1993, the Friends of Agua Caliente, Inc. (FOAC) was formed in an effort to save a historic site in the Tanque Verde Valley.  The organization was successful in saving three of the park's original five buildings.

FOAC has been formally recognized twice by the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission for its involvement in the preservation of existing buildings and saving the pond site.  We were instrumental in securing a Heritage Fund Grant for the renovation of the Bunkhouse.  On Saturday, August 23rd, 1997, the newly renovated Historic Bunkhouse was officially opened to the public.  FOAC has since worked with the county on paved walking trails and signage at the park.  The Ranch House and Caretaker's Cottage renovations are complete.  The Ranch House opened to the public on April 17th, 2004.  Ranch House hours are 8 am to 4 pm (closed 12-1 pm) and is decorated with period furniture and a rotating art exhibit (see events link).

Although this grassroots organization remains small, the conviction of "The Friends" remains intact.  Today, FOAC is working to preserve the contemplative nature of this "oasis in the desert" along with its natural Sonoran desert plant and wildlife habitats.

The Friends of Agua Caliente, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.  Donations to FOAC are tax deductible to the fullest extend allowed by law.  

Help us preserve this beautiful oasis in the desert.  Select for more information and to see how you can make a difference in our own backyard!

Next Board Meeting
(location to be determined)

 Oct 5th, 2009   

7 p.m.

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Updated:   June 28th 2009