Purple Heart Park

Purple Heart Park is a 35.8-acre community park located in Rita Ranch, Tucson, Arizona. Opened in the early 1990s, the park is dedicated to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, honoring men and women killed or injured during combat while serving in the Armed Forces.

The park features a variety of recreational facilities catering to different interests and age groups. It includes multiple sports fields, a skate park, and a seasonal swimming pool. For families with children, there are several playgrounds with play structures and swings. Dog owners can enjoy Ivan's Spot Dog Park, a fenced area dedicated to Police K-9 Ivan, who was killed in the line of duty.

Purple Heart Park serves as a hub for community events, including the annual "Worship in the Park" held by Christ Lutheran Vail church. The park's layout includes walking paths, grassy areas, and sheltered spaces, making it suitable for both active recreation and leisurely visits.

The park contains several memorials dedicated to Purple Heart recipients, including a memorial bench near the entrance with a quote from poet Thomas Moore. Other notable monuments include a tile mosaic with the phrase "All gave some, some gave all," and various smaller features throughout the park commemorating veterans and Purple Heart recipients.

Purple Heart Pool, located on the northwest end of the park, is open during summer months and offers aquatic programs, including competitive swim teams. The pool area includes a grassy space and shade structures for visitor comfort.

Purple Heart Skate Park, another popular feature, is an 8,000-square-foot in-ground facility with ramps and a small bowl. It is open daily from early morning until late evening and is considered one of the best skate parks in Tucson.