Save the Heart of Reid Park

Tucson, AZ · EIN 862069453 · Form 990EZ · FY2021 · Micro (<$100K) · savetheheartofreidpark.org

revenue

$11K

expenses

$10K

net assets

$399

employees

—

mission · from form 990

Save the Heart of Reid Park (SHRP) is a coalition of Tucson citizens and activists who came together to confront a threat to Reid Parks free-access public space. SHRP envisions Tucsons flagship park as integrating, by design of a carefully crafted Reid Park Master Plan, various venues for public activities, chief among them expansive free-access green space to promote the environmental, societal, economic and health benefits that a large, well-maintained urban park provides, its benefits to be enjoyed equitably by all.

profile · synthesized from sources

Save the Heart of Reid Park is a community advocacy group formed to oppose the expansion of the Reid Park Zoo into Barnum Hill and the south duck pond area of Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. The organization mobilizes public opinion through letter-writing campaigns, promotes alternative expansion plans that preserve green space, and advocates for transparency and inclusive decision-making by city officials. It emphasizes the ecological, cultural, and health value of preserving urban parkland for all residents.

named programs · 3 · from sources

what they call their work

Advocacy for Concept G

Promotes an alternative zoo expansion plan that uses existing hardscape north of the zoo instead of encroaching on Barnum Hill

Letters to the Editor Campaign

Collects and publishes public letters opposing the zoo's expansion and advocating for preservation of Reid Park’s green space

Public Awareness and Outreach

Highlights lack of transparency in zoo expansion planning and calls for inclusive community dialogue

activities · 1 group

what they do

Reid Park Expansion Opposition & Alternative Planning 17 activities
- Advocacy against Reid Park Zoo expansion into Barnum Hill and South Pond
  
  Organized public protests, press conferences, and awareness campaigns to oppose the expansion of the Reid Park Zoo into 3.5 acres of parkland, including Barnum Hill and the South Pond, emphasizing the preservation of green space, tree canopy, and public access.
- Advocacy against Reid Park Zoo expansion into Barnum Hill and South Pond
  
  Organized public protests, press conferences, and petition campaigns opposing the expansion of the Reid Park Zoo into 3.5 acres of parkland, specifically Barnum Hill and the South Duck Pond, emphasizing the preservation of tree canopy and public green space. Influenced the Mayor and Council to suspend the expansion through sustained activism.
- Advocating for the preservation of Reid Park green space
  
  Save the Heart of Reid Park advocates for the preservation of Barnum Hill, its tree canopy, the south pond, and existing public green space within Reid Park, particularly in response to proposed zoo expansion plans. This includes organizing protests, collecting petition signatures, and engaging with city officials and the public.
- Advocating for the preservation of Reid Park green space
  
  Save the Heart of Reid Park advocates for the preservation of Barnum Hill, its tree canopy, the south pond, and existing public green space within Reid Park, particularly in response to proposed zoo expansion plans. This includes organizing protests, collecting petition signatures, and engaging with city officials and the public.
- Collection and dissemination of public opposition materials
  
  Collected over 22,000 petition signatures and nearly 100 protest letters from community members opposing the zoo expansion, and published them to amplify public concern and encourage civic engagement.
- Community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in park planning
  
  Participated in Dialogue Circles and stakeholder meetings, advocated for inclusive planning processes, and collaborated with groups like Expand Reid Park to produce educational videos and promote community involvement in the Reid Park Master Plan.
- Developing alternative plans for Reid Park Zoo expansion
  
  The organization develops and promotes alternative concepts, such as "Option G-Minor," for the Reid Park Zoo expansion that aim to accommodate growth while preserving public green spaces and adhering to community input and established criteria.
- Developing and promoting alternative zoo expansion plans
  
  The organization develops and promotes alternative plans, such as the "G-Minor" concept, for the Reid Park Zoo expansion that aim to accommodate growth while preserving public green spaces. This involves participating in community dialogues, presenting plans to city officials, and publishing related materials.
- Development and promotion of the “G-Minor” zoo expansion alternative
  
  Developed and refined “Option G-Minor” as a community-driven alternative for the Reid Park Zoo expansion that preserves public green space by utilizing existing hardscape, and actively promoted it through presentations to city officials, press releases, white papers, and public events.
- Development and promotion of the “G-Minor” zoo expansion alternative
  
  Developed and advocated for “Option G-Minor,” an alternative master plan for the Reid Park Zoo expansion that preserves public green space by utilizing existing hardscape, and presented it to city officials through white papers, press releases, and direct engagement with the Mayor and City Council.
- Direct engagement with city officials and institutions
  
  Wrote to the Trust for Public Land to correct reporting inaccuracies, met with city and park officials on-site, and requested transparency and clarification from the City of Tucson regarding changes to the park’s Master Plan and expansion process.
- Engagement in community planning processes and dialogue with city officials
  
  Participated in formal community dialogue circles, met directly with city and park officials, and advocated for transparent, inclusive planning processes for the Reid Park Zoo expansion, including requesting corrections to official reports and ongoing clarification from the City of Tucson.
- Informing the public and clarifying information
  
  Save the Heart of Reid Park informs Tucson residents about issues affecting Reid Park, clarifies public understanding of ballot propositions, and publishes analyses and videos to raise awareness about discrepancies between voter expectations and proposed park changes.
- Informing the public and clarifying information regarding Reid Park
  
  Save the Heart of Reid Park publishes analyses, Op-Eds, press releases, and videos to inform Tucson residents about issues affecting Reid Park, including clarifying ballot language, addressing discrepancies in reports, and raising awareness about the implications of zoo expansion.
- Petition and letter-writing campaign against zoo expansion
  
  Collected over 22,000 petition signatures and published nearly 100 protest letters from community members opposing the zoo’s expansion into Barnum Hill and the South Pond to demonstrate public resistance and encourage civic engagement.
- Public education and awareness campaigns on Reid Park land use issues
  
  Produced and disseminated educational materials including videos (in English and Spanish), Op-Eds, and analyses to inform Tucson residents about the implications of Proposition 203, the proposed zoo expansion, and discrepancies between voter intent and city actions.
- Public education on Proposition 203 and its implications for Reid Park
  
  Published analyses, Op-Eds, and bilingual videos to inform the public about the discrepancy between voter intent in Proposition 203 and the proposed use of parkland for zoo expansion, clarifying that the ballot measure did not authorize conversion of green space.

financials · form 990EZ · fy2021

revenue

Total revenue$11K

Contributions & grants$11K100%

Program service revenue——

Investment income——

Other revenue—

expenses

Total expenses$10K

Program expenses—

Admin / overhead—

Fundraising—

Salaries & benefits—

Grants paid out—

balance sheet

Total assets$0

Cash—

Investments—

Liabilities—

Net assets$399

1 years on record · 2021–2021

relationships · 30

who they work with

Arizona Daily Star Partner — Published a special editorial by Save the Heart of Reid Park.
Arizona Daily Star Partner — Published an Op-Ed by Save the Heart of Reid Park.
Arizona Daily Star Partner — Published an op-ed by Save the Heart of Reid Park.
Arizona Daily Star Partner — Publishes letters to the editor that are then posted on Save the Heart of Reid Park's website.
Arizona Daily Star Partner — The initial threat to Reid Park was revealed in a letter published in this newspaper.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Partner — Bob Vint, an architect who assisted SHRP, is from this organization.
Avai Media Partner — Collaborated to create a video to help save the Reid Park south duck pond and Barnum Hill.
Bob Vint Partner — Nationally renowned Tucson architect who assisted in perfecting the "Option G Minor" plan.
City of Tucson Government — The City of Tucson is involved in the development of Reid Park’s Master Plan and hosted community meetings regarding the Reid Park Zoo expansion.
City of Tucson Government — The city that contracts the Reid Park Zoological Society to manage the zoo and is addressed in SHRP's advocacy.
City of Tucson Government — Works with the City of Tucson on zoo expansion alternatives and seeks clarification on their plans.
City of Tucson Partner — Entity with which the organization has a historical and ongoing relationship regarding the management and preservation of Reid Park.
City of Tucson Partner — Works with the city to find a solution regarding the future of Reid Park and its proposed construction plans.
Expand Reid Park Coalition — Collaborated on an informative video stressing the necessity to protect and preserve Barnum Hill and the South Pond.
Expand Reid Park (ERP) Partner — Worked alongside Save the Heart of Reid Park to rally families and explore alternatives to the zoo's expansion plans.
Friends of Himmel Park Partner — Co-founded by Molly McKasson, who signed an op-ed on behalf of Save the Heart of Reid Park.
Julia Keen Neighborhood Association Partner — Mark Mayer from the association presented the "G-Minor" concept at a press conference.
Mayor Regina Romero Government — Wrote a letter calling for a pause in the zoo's expansion.
Molly McKasson Partner — Former Tucson City Council member and co-founder of Friends of Himmel Park, signed an op-ed on behalf of Save the Heart of Reid Park.
News 4 Tuscon KVOA-TV Partner — Eric Fink of News 4 Tuscon KVOA-TV reported on the progress of the Gene C. Reid Park Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Government — Works with Parks and Recreation on zoo expansion alternatives.
Reid Park Zoo Partner — Works with Reid Park Zoo to propose viable alternatives for their expansion.
Reid Park Zoological Society Partner — Supports the G-Minor plan to allow the society to expand the zoo without encroaching on Reid Park.
Reid Park Zoological Society Partner — The organization whose expansion plans Save the Heart of Reid Park opposes.
Trust for Public Land Partner — Cited by Save the Heart of Reid Park regarding the need for more park space.
Trust for Public Land Partner — Requested that they edit their report on Reid Park's acreage.
Trust for Public Land (TPL) Partner — References TPL's assessment that Tucson ranks low in public park space and their insights on the importance of parks during the pandemic.
Tucson Audubon Partner — Received support from Tucson Audubon in preserving Reid Park, with Tucson Audubon sending a letter to the City of Tucson regarding the proposed zoo expansion.
Tucson Audubon Society Partner — Worked alongside Save the Heart of Reid Park to rally families and explore alternatives to the zoo's expansion plans.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Department Partner — Met with the Interim Director of the department to discuss Barnum Hill and the south duck pond.