Councilmember Regina Romero would also like to invite the public to a volunteer day on Saturday May 1 on Sentinel Peak Park/”A” Mountain. The event will be a bufflegrass removal/trail building project with the Southwest Conservation Corps youth. Just show up at 9 a.m. (to 12 noon) at the parking lot on top of “A” Mountain. Please RSVP first to Jean Hickman, Community Outreach Coordinator of the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) at 520-884-5550, 8 # (Sonoran Desert Office). SCC is a non-profit organization with regional offices in Durango and Salida, Colorado and Tucson that “employs and trains a diverse group of young women and men” and “completes conservation work on public lands.” Bottled water will be provided.

From Mac Hudson, aide to Councilmember Romero:

“We understand that you may have concerns that have come about via an
erroneous email about plans to close down “A” Mountain. This is not true.
Please feel free to call me (Mac) at 520-837-4262 and discuss the improvements
once you’ve had a chance to see them for yourself.

Councilor Romero is very excited about ongoing improvements to Sentinel
Peak Park and “A” Mountain. A community led and public process over the
past few years has created a phase 1 plan for Sentinel Peak Park to
increase safe access and promote nature, culture and history.

It is important to note that under phase 1 there will still be parking
on the east overlook near the “A”. The plans are to have both a pedestrian
area with benches and shade and parking spaces near the “A”.

Phase 1 Improvements include:

Wheelchair Accessible Pathway from top parking lot to East Overlook
(under the “A”)
● Path will be 8′ wide stabilized decomposed granite with
accessible grades
● Two overlook rest areas with seating are included

East Overlook
● Guardrail at existing retaining wall

● Post & Cable Pedestrian Safety Barrier
● Benches (3)
● (2) Crosswalks, painted
● Speed table
● Vehicular signage
● New pavement striping

Shade Structure
● Located near existing parking lot at beginning of new park
pathway

Landscape Improvements
● Passive water harvesting, seeding and buffelgrass removal plan

Interpretative Signage
● Quantity dependent on cost”

For further info or concerns, call the Ward 1 Council Office at 520-791-4040, Council administrative assistant Mac Hudson at 520-837-4262, or read the SENTINEL PEAK REGIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE PARK MASTER PLAN REPORT dated June 2009 here:

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/pdf/sppp09.pdf

See you on top of the mountain!