Tucson Sought Feedback for Arroyo Chico Greenway Expansion

The city is gathering public input on plans to connect Reid Park to downtown via a new three-mile trail network.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hiking

Bold vector editorial illustration of a desert greenway trail winding past native cacti, depicting community infrastructure development. — Tucson officials are currently seeking public input to finalize the proposed three-mile Arroyo Chico Greenway expansion connecting Reid Park and downtown. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support prioritizing local government spending on new walking and biking trails in your area?

The Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility has launched a series of public meetings to collect community feedback for the Arroyo Chico Greenway expansion. This project aims to establish a three-mile off-street connection linking Reid Park to downtown Tucson.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to provide residents with a safer, comfortable alternative to traveling along busy streets. By creating dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, the city intends to improve accessibility and safety across the urban corridor.

The proposed infrastructure includes a 3-mile asphalt shared-use path designed for users aged 8 to 80. The project is funded by the voter-approved Proposition 407 Tucson Delivers bond program.

The players

Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility

This municipal agency manages the planning, development, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure throughout the city of Tucson.

The details

The design plan features landscaping, shade trees, lighting, and benches to create a user-friendly environment. City officials are currently collaborating with residents to finalize the route through the Arroyo Chico and Citation washes.

October 1, 2026: The city held an initial public meeting at Robison Elementary School.
October 3, 2026: An additional public meeting is scheduled to take place at 12th St and Santa Rita Ave.

Culture Shift

The project follows the investment mandate established by the voter-approved Proposition 407 Tucson Delivers bond program. This reflects a broader trend of cities prioritizing active transportation infrastructure over traditional vehicle-centric planning.

Residents can influence the design and specific routing of the trail by attending upcoming city meetings. Once completed, the project will offer a new, shaded route for daily commutes and recreational activities between Reid Park and downtown.

The takeaway

The expansion reflects a growing urban focus on creating safe, accessible corridors for non-motorized travel. Residents should participate in the public comment process to ensure the path alignment matches local community needs.