Catalina state park (Phoenix, Tucson, Casas Adobes: how much, neighborhood, buying)

[Jimrob1]

I went to this park yesterday with a friend, both of us are over 60. I've been to state parks in several states in my life, but this one I'm somewhat turned off to. I can only imagine how beautiful it is, but I never got to see it, and probably won't. The fee's compared to other state parks I find concerning. First of all there is no Senior Discount, There is no Veterans discount, unless one is active duty, or has a disability. I asked the volunteer if he gets a discount on the fee, on his off duty days. He said he didn't think so. If that's the case and I was volunteering, I'd quit the same day I started. The daily fee is $7. That's fine but if one lives near here, and would be going frequently. Then that would be very expensive especially for seniors. The Annual Pass is $200. I was just really shocked with this, and I have already wondered about the lack of senior discounts in Arizona. Is this a retiree friendly or unfriendly state, except for the high income retiree. The one's that don't really watch their bucks. I was at another park outside the Phoenix area, that even had a large sign that read No Senior Discounts. Yet all their volunteers were seniors. Just wondering

[beTucsonan]

Well - if you gave senior discounts, you'd essentially be giving everybody a discount ... I've never personally understood this type of discount, but that's just me. Also, the Arizona State Parks admission fees range from $2 to $30, so $7 isn't too bad - definitely not on the high side of the fee scale.

Sorry that you missed out on Catalina State Park, though, it's pretty fantastic, and if you can find a few extra bucks it is definitely worth it. I personally can't imagine living in Tucson without visiting there often.

[borregokid]

The standard annual pass is $75. The $200 pass allows daily use for parks along the Colorado River which might be handy if you lived in Parker or Lake Havasau. There is a veterans discount but its for retirees and they must be Arizona resident.

Arizona State Parks: Fee Schedule

The Cinemark Theaters have a pretty decent discount for seniors. The National Parks are of course a bargain and are free with a park pass for anyone over 62.

[azdr0710]

thanks for posting this, borrego.....the sense of entitlement in some people is overwhelming.....

if you live in the area and enjoy the desert, Catalina Park is worth springing for the annual pass....easy-to-hard trails, quiet picnic areas, spectacular views....voters in the 1970s approved buying up this land to keep it from being developed.....

[tumamoc]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

....voters in the 1970s approved buying up this land to keep it from being developed.....

The park is awesome, but that sprawling shopping center opposite the park is a real eyesore.

[Jimrob1]

I didn't explain it very well. I wasn't looking for a state park or a national park. I understand there are fees, though the setup here is different. I was looking for a neighborhood park to go to. Not so much a State Park. It just happened that the Catalina Park is the only park, that I have seen a sign that a park is nearby since I came here in August. . Just a neighborhood park, to get out and walk around. That's all I'm looking for. Where we don't pay everytime we go to a park. Or have to buy a pass. Surely there is some smaller type parks to go to, without having to drive all over Tucson. Such as on this NW side. I quite honestly do not know if the Catalina Park, is the neighborhood park for the area. Since the several people I have asked in the area, don't seem to know much about that park or any parks. Just Mt Lemmon.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

I didn't explain it very well. I wasn't looking for a state park or a national park. I understand there are fees, though the setup here is different. I was looking for a neighborhood park to go to. Not so much a State Park.

ohhhhhhhhhh.....

yes, Catalina State Park is more a destination park for visits of several hours or even days.....

here's one I found on the NW side doing a very quick google search:

Northwest Community Park - Casas Adobes - Tucson, AZ | Yelp

you may also want to visit the Marana-operated Tortolita Mountain "park" way out at Dove Mountain...it's mostly for hiking, but it's free!.....tell the gatehouse you're headed to the trailhead:

Trails | Marana, AZ - Official Website

I'm not really familiar with the NW side, but presume there are many little parks scattered about....since you're new here in Tucson, they may not all be grassy, you know!!

[gemstone1]

Tucson City Park locator....took me all of 2 minutes to find this...hope you find some that suit you. If you like wide open, solitary hiking look into Oracle State Park.

Regards
Gemstone1

[Bummer]

With all due respect, Jimrob . . . absolutely no sympathy from me.

I am a firm believer everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, should pay their fair share. If you use a service or eat the steak, then pay the going price. No discounts for employment, age, race and/or hair color.

Being over 55 or 60, which I am, should have no bearing on how much one pays. In this particular case, why should a 20 or a 40 year old pay more for visiting the same State Park as someone who is over 55?

Sorry if I offend but that is how I feel.

[Marcy1210]

Here is a list of parks in Oro Valley Scroll down the page for the list of parks and their amenities. Honey Bee Canyon Park off Rancho Vistoso Blvd is beautiful and is easy hiking. Fabulous cactus, especially saguaros, and nice amenities.

Parks and Facilities | Oro Valley