Tucson is getting its first shaded skate park after the city council voted unanimously last week to move ahead with construction.

The Cushing Street Skate Park, which has been a years-long process, will be located beneath the Interstate 10 overpass at Cushing Street, just west of downtown.

The project has been a testament to the skating community’s perseverance and dedication. Local skateboarder Caleb Gutierrez began advocating for the park in 2016 and has remained a driving force behind the project.

Mayor Regina Romero said Gutierrez's relentless efforts, which have included numerous presentations to the mayor and city council over the years, have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

“We've been working on this for almost 10 years,” said Romero. “I was on the council representing Ward One, and a bunch of kids and their parents walked in one night at a council meeting and said, ‘We don't have access to skate parks. We deserve one, and let's use the space on Cushing Street Bridge below I-10 to take advantage of that space.’ And here we are today.”

In 2023, the city began hosting public events to seek community feedback on the design of the park. Spotlight deputy editor Susan reported for The Daily Wildcat that the city was working closely with the Tucson Skatepark Alliance to bring the plans into motion and provide feedback.

The alliance advocates for the development of skate parks in Tucson and the enrichment of the lives of the Tucson skateboarding community.

The alliance pointed out during the planning process that Tucson was falling behind in the skate park game, noting that smaller cities like Safford, which has a population of only about 9,000, have three skateparks — about the same number as Tucson.

The city also conducted a survey to seek input on desired features, with popular responses including lights, a water fountain, restrooms, vending machines, and parking.

The chosen site under the I-10 overpass offers a rare advantage: natural shade provided by the highway structure. It also falls along the same Sun Link streetcar route that travels through downtown Tucson and to the University of Arizona campus, making it accessible for students.

This feature addresses a critical need for skateboarders in Tucson, where high temperatures can make outdoor activities challenging.

The park's design will cater to various skill levels, ensuring inclusivity for beginners and seasoned skateboarders alike. Features are expected to include ramps, rails, and other elements that align with modern skate park standards.

The project is being funded through a combination of public and private money. In 2021, the mayor and council approved funding for a feasibility study, signaling the city's initial commitment to the project.

The city has also been accepting donations to support the park's construction, allowing community members to contribute directly to the realization of this long-awaited facility. Additional funding has come through the American Rescue Plan Act and grants from the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and Rio Nuevo.

“I want to thank Vice Mayor (Lane) Santa Cruz, who continued with the effort in Ward One,” Romero said. “All in all, this $2.6 million project will transform an underutilized space under I-10 and Cushing Street into a world-class skate park for all skill levels.”

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 21, with the park's grand opening anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026.

“This is what happens when we put together our heads and our funds to make something as creative and as wonderful as the Cushing Street Skate Park,” Romero said. “Let's roll, Tucson, and let's have fun!”

Samantha Callicutt is a Tucson Spotlight reporter and graduate student at the University of Arizona. Contact her at Scallicutt@arizona.edu.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please support our work with a paid subscription.