Slide 1 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCDSlide 2 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCDSlide 3 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCDSlide 4 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCDSlide 5 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCDSlide 6 of 6.
Widening and repaving The Loop near Flowing Wells Park.
Source: Pima County RFCD

Pima County and its subcontractor will complete paving today on the south bank of the Rillito River between Camino de la Tierra and La Cholla Boulevard. Earlier this month, handrails and gates were adjusted for easier navigation on this section of The Loop. Center and edge striping will be added in the near future.

The 16-foot-wide path will make it easier to walk, run, push a stroller, ride a bike or rollerblade on this section. Path users can enjoy unobstructed views of the Catalina Mountains, the Tucson Mountains and the Rincon Mountains.

This section of The Loop is a great way to access ball fields at Curtis Park and Flowing Wells Park. Thrill-seeking bicyclists can check out the pump track at Kory Laos BMX Park.

Starting Feb. 18, on the north bank of the Rillito River between Alvernon Way and Craycroft Road, Pima County and its subcontractor will move sections of handrail and remove gate protrusions. Next, this north bank path will be widened and repaved.

Also in February, a dirt and cement portion of the south bank between Dodge Boulevard and Alvernon Way Bridge underpass will be paved and striped.

The Loop path encompasses both banks of four major river systems or waterways. Pima County residents and visitors can enjoy biking, walking, or running along the Rillito River, the Santa Cruz River, the Pantano Wash, the Julian Wash and the Harrison Greenway. More than one-third of the metropolitan population lives within a half mile of The Loop or Loop extended paths.

For more information about The Loop, visit: www.pima.gov/TheLoop.

The festivities coincide with the FWNACC monthly general meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road. Dr. Nic Clement, Superintendent of the Flowing Wells School District, will be the featured speaker.

The community center is just one of the projects that have grown from the efforts of local residents who banded together in 1995 to address common concerns about the safety and quality of life in their neighborhood. The Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, named for the dynamic leader of the coalition, is also the home of a health center, and the Flowing Wells Branch Library is located across the street from the community center.

Both Flowing Wells District Park and Curtis Park were developed in partnership with Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation to provide sports opportunities and outdoor enjoyment to local residents.

Sharon Bronson, Pima County Supervisor for District 3, has been a strong ally of FWNACC and has supported their efforts to add valuable amenities to the community. Building close working relationships with other partners, including the Flowing Wells Unified School District, social service agencies, faith-based entities, and the local government, has resulted in over $75 million in goods and services for the people that FWNACC serves.

The FWNACC has worked hard for over 17 years to make a real difference in the quality of life of its residents. You and a neighbor are welcome to join them for complimentary food and beverages as they celebrate the results of their efforts.

For more information about the Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center and other County community centers, please visit http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/centers/index.htm.

Keep up with Pima County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pimacountyarizona.