Silverlake Park

A Rich History

Nestled along S. Kino Parkway in Tucson, Arizona, Silverlake Park spreads across a generous 51.1 acres. This Ward 5 park is maintained by the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, and has an interesting history behind it.

The park takes its name from Silver Lake, an artificial lake that once existed south of Tucson. Just before the Civil War, brothers Captain Alfred M. Rowlett and William M. Rowlett created this lake by constructing an earthen dam on the Santa Cruz River - pretty impressive engineering for the time!

In its glory days, Silver Lake wasn't just pretty to look at - it was the place to be for swimming, boating, and bathing. It also served a practical purpose, powering the Rowletts' flour mill, which was the first of its kind in the Tucson village area.

Sadly, nature had other plans. Increased flooding and vegetation changes repeatedly damaged the lake throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and eventually, Silver Lake dried up completely.

Facilities and Amenities

Today, the park continues as a beloved recreational hub for Tucsonans. Thanks to funding from the Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 bond, Silverlake Park is getting some well-deserved upgrades to make it even more enjoyable.

A main feature of the park is the Quincie Douglas Pool - a welcome respite from the desert heat. The pool includes a 144-foot water slide, spray and splash features, a 25-yard competitive course, beach entry, a separate splash pad, and a shaded grassy area for relaxing between swims. Just note that the pool typically closes during the winter months, reopening in April when temperatures start climbing again.

You'll find several ramadas and picnic tables scattered throughout the park, with some thoughtfully covered to provide shade from the Arizona sun. Bringing the family? The available grills make this an ideal spot to flip some burgers while the kids play nearby.

Sports and Recreation

For sports enthusiasts, Silverlake Park offers several options. Well-maintained baseball fields host regular games, including T-ball for the little ones just learning the sport.

The soccer fields are particularly pleasant, surrounded by trees that provide natural shade for spectators - a real blessing during those hot Tucson afternoons. Basketball fans can shoot hoops on a court proudly adorned with the Phoenix Suns logo.

One of the park's most popular features is the 0.75-mile walking track that loops around the perimeter. If you're walking, jogging, or biking, this path offers a great way to exercise while enjoying the park's open atmosphere and greenery.

Natural Features and Open Spaces

Despite Tucson's desert location, Silverlake Park has open grassy areas suitable for relaxing or impromptu games of frisbee. Trees dotted throughout provide welcome shade during those infamous Tucson heat waves.

The park's pond attracts various bird species, making it a nice spot for some urban wildlife watching. You might spot locals fishing here - a relatively uncommon activity in desert-bound Tucson.

Playground and Family Activities

For the younger crowd, a playground area provides a place to climb, slide, and play. While it's not the largest or most elaborate playground in town, it offers enough equipment to keep kids entertained and happily tired out afterward.

The park's family-friendly layout includes ample open space where children can run freely. Parents will appreciate that parking is conveniently close to the playground - a small but meaningful detail when you're wrangling excited kids and their gear.

Pet-Friendly Environment

Dog owners, rejoice! Silverlake Park welcomes your four-legged friends. The spacious grounds offer plenty of room for leashed pets to explore and get their exercise.

An unofficial but appreciated perk: when not being used for organized sports, the gated playing fields sometimes become impromptu areas where dogs can play more freely. Many locals value the park as a social hub not just for themselves but for their pets too - a place where both can get some fresh air and make new friends.