Ward 5 Update

By Council Member Richard Fimbres

Saturday, June 3 was a great day for Ward 5 and the South side with the ribbon cutting and reopening of Gunny Barreras Park, with the new amenities, including the new Splash Pad. This park was named in honor of Chief Master Sergeant Martin “Gunny” Barreras, who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, in 2014.

I want to thank Tucson Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamwey and her team for their work on this project.

The project was primarily funded by a $7.04 million budget allocated from the 2018 voter-approved general obligation bond dollars. In addition, the park is a recipient of a $500,000 Arizona State Parks American Rescue Plan Act Grant, $150,000 of American Rescue Plan Federal funding for fitness equipment, and $220,282 from

Tucson

Tucson Water’s “Storm 2 Shade” Green Infrastructure funding.

Gunny Barreras Park features a variety of new amenities, including a new playground with shade, a new ramada, and a splash pad; the renovation of the existing track surface, the addition of a new walking path, an exercise court and the renovation of the irrigation system ensure that the park is in excellent condition for all outdoor activities.

I want to thank all the neighbors, Sunnyside High School, the Sunnyside School District, and the stakeholders who took part in this process. I want to thank my colleagues on the Council for supporting my efforts for the park.

I want to thank everyone who came out for the dedication, as well as the Barreras family, Assistant City Manager Liz Morales, Tucson Water Director John Kmeic, as well as Edgar Soto, President of Pima College Desert Vista Campus for their presence at the dedication, work, and support for our park.

I want to thank Sunnyside School District Superintendent Jose Gastelum and SUSD Board Members, President Beki Quintero and Bobby Jaramillo for their work and Marcos Moreno for his advocacy for the park naming and helping to preserve Gunny Barreras’ memory and legacy.

I want to thank my staff, Lupita Robles, Mary Kuchar, and Mark Kerr for their work on this. It was a great day for Ward 5, for our neighborhoods, and for the south side.