LOCATION: Tucson, Ariz.

SIZE: 5.5 acres

SITE BACKGROUND: Between 1873 and 1891, the site was a supply base for the U.S. Army “Apache Campaigns.” In 2006, the city of Tucson acquired the property through a land swap and is partnering with Pima County to use bond funds to implement historic preservation of the site. Following a master plan process, and upon completion of the required remediation, the property will be incorporated into the existing Fort Lowell Historic Park, which is owned and operated by the city of Tucson. The city acquired this site to preserve historic resources and incorporate it into the city’s existing Fort Lowell Historic Park.  

Site cleanup, environmental assessment, inventory and mapping work of the site’s archaeology, and emergency stabilization of the ruins have been completed since the city acquired the property. The city recently applied for an EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant of $200,000 to address the impacts of 70 years of manufacturing operations. Approximately two acres of soil on the site are impacted with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and metals above residential soil remediation levels, established by the state of Arizona.

FEATURES: As the property owner, the city will remediate the site to reduce risks to public health, and create a park unique for Tucson and the Southwestern U.S. The existing Fort Lowell Park is a large regional recreational center featuring swimming pools, ball fields, tennis and racquetball courts, picnic areas, pecan orchard, wetland, riparian areas, fitness trail and the Fort Lowell Museum, operated by the Arizona Historical Society. The master planning process includes opportunities for public participation, culminating in a plan to include interpretation of existing cultural resources, and maintain recreational opportunities for the entire 78-acre park

COST: Implementation costs range between $3 million and $25 million funded from a future Pima County bond. The master plan work is being funded by a 2004 bond of $2.5 million. All environmental work to date has been funded by the city. Environmental remediation will cost approximately $387,000 and will involve the removal of soil through a combination of vacuum, small equipment, and manual excavation methods.

PROJECT TEAM: Collaboration of two jurisdictions: the City of Tucson and Pima County, as well as key community based organizations committed to the final vision of the 78-acre historic park. SCS Engineers conducted the Environmental Site Assessments and Poster Frost Associates led the master planning process.

SYNOPSIS : Provides a unique redevelopment opportunity that will spur economic growth through tourism and community usage. It will enhance existing recreational and educational opportunities associated with the history of Native Americans settlers, Spanish and Mexican explorers and immigrants, and American soldiers. Site cleanup and restoration will enable the historic park to be used by local and national youth soccer leagues and the community at large.