Rio Nuevo Downtown Walking Tour Tuesday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. Group size 20.
Rio Nuevo is an urban renewal project that began in Tucson in 2003 and continues today. Funds from local sales tax revenues have been designated to support downtown improvement projects. Among these are: the Fox Theater, the Rialto Theater, the Presidio reconstruction, the Convention Center, three new hotels, added businesses and corporate centers like Caterpillar. Participants will walk the downtown area, hear about and see many Rio Nuevo projects. We will meet outside the Joel Valdez Library at 101 Stone Avenue. Parking is available underground at that site. We will walk approximately 2 miles with an elevation change of 200 feet. Driving directions and carpooling suggestions will be supplied to all confirmed participants. Tour leader: Jim Williams (jaswilliams128@msn.com).
Tucson International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Tuesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. Group size: 12
A special tour conducted by the tower manager will provide participants an inside look at the airport’s traffic control operation. These traffic control towers are tall, windowed structures, to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft to prevent collisions, manage the flow of traffic in the air and provide information and support for pilots. Responsibilities include: flight authorization, ground control, separation, information and control transfers. Participants must be able to climb three flights of stairs and produce proof of U.S. citizenship (Arizona driver’s license or passport). No photos inside tower. Location: 1865 E. Aero Park Blvd on southside of Tucson’s airport. Detailed map will be sent showing the route and tower access information. Meet in the tower parking lot no later than 8:45 a.m.
Tour leader: Chuck Stump (ccstump47@gmail.com; 316-461-3493).
Tree-Ring Research Laboratory Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. Group size: 14
Established in 1937, this University of Arizona facility is the world’s premier and largest center devoted to dendrochronology. This is the science of using trees and their annual growth rings to examine events and processes, both cultural and natural, with absolute time. Today the Laboratory contributes to many powerful insights into the long-term dynamics and history of the Earth and human societies. The research provides: climate history from tree rings; forest fire history from tree rings; history of environmental pollution recorded in tree rings as well as cultural history and information about geologic events. This tour will last 60 to 90 minutes. We are working on lining up a Sun Shuttle van for a free to/from ride that would leave from the Welcome Center at 9:00 a.m. Final transportation logistics will be provided to registrants closer to the date of the tour. Tour Leaders: Dave and Karen Washabau (kfwash@aol.com)
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Tuesday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. Group size 20.
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun celebrates both the life of Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia and his art. Established in 1950 by DeGrazia, his Gallery is a Tucson tradition that is favorite among visitors and local Tucsonans alike. DeGrazia and his work are characterized by their rebellious approach and passionate depiction of Southwest life. The tour includes a 30 minute documentary film about the artist, a gallery tour, and visits to the Chapel, the DeGrazia residence, the gift shop and grounds. More information (https://degrazia.org) Closed-toed walking shoes are advised as some paths are cobblestone or unpaved. Free parking is on site. Several restaurants are nearby for those who want to get lunch following the tour. Meet at the gallery @ 11 am. Address: 6300 N. Swan Road. Tour leader: Mary Sherwood (mary@marysherwood.com)