A grand opening will be held for this outdoor educational patio at Saguaro National Park on October 14/NPS
It took a few years to accomplish, but a 2,500-square-foot outdoor facility for interpretive programs, special events, and other programs has been built at Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.
This "outdoor classroom" also will offer visitors with spectacular views of the Rincon Mountains that are not visible from any other location within the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center building.
The history of this space dates to 2015 when, with the help of $180,000 in support from Friends of Saguaro National Park, Saguaro National Park replaced the 55-year-old interpretive exhibits in the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center with new, bilingual exhibits to help visitors understand the story of Saguaro and appreciate the connection between people and place. But unlike the (newer) Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District, the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center had no outdoor interpretive space where rangers could provide talks to visitors and school groups.
In 2017, with the help of $65,000 in support from Friends of Saguaro National Park, national park staff began designing the 2,500-square-foot, year-round, fully accessible, outdoor program space next the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. The space was designed to include a hardened surface, accessible benches, a shade structure, and an educational donor mural created by local artist Gail T. Roberts.
The grand opening ceremony for this space is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, October 14, at Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730). The ceremony will include the debut performance of “Among the Saguaros” composed by Katy Webster and performed by the Southwest String Quartet.
“This project would not have been possible without the support from our donors, notably; TEP, Diamond Ventures, Southwest Gas, Richard Schoen, Virginia Van Der Veer, The Spears Family, Friends of Volunteer Al Solomon and Western National Parks Association (WNPA)” said Fred Stula, executive director of the friends group.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
