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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
—
filing since
2021
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 · 14

what they do

advocacy · 14
  • Advocacy against Reid Park Zoo expansion into Barnum Hill and South Pond Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
  • Advocacy against Reid Park Zoo expansion into Barnum Hill and South Pond Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
  • Advocating for the preservation of Reid Park green space Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 and promoting alternative zoo expansion plans Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
  • Development and promotion of the “G-Minor” zoo expansion alternative Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
  • Direct engagement with city officials and institutions Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
  • Petition and letter-writing campaign against zoo expansion Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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 Urban Park Expansion Opposition
    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.
strategies · 13

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.

  • Advocacy for zoo relocation or paved-area expansion relocation_advocacy unique to this org
    Proposes that zoo expansion should occur on paved or non-green areas using designated funds (Propositions 202 & 203), or that the zoo should relocate entirely if it seeks world-class status, to avoid destruction of ecologically and socially valuable parkland.
  • Advocating for Transparent and Inclusive Public Planning public_participation_in_planning unique to this org
    The organization champions a public process for all changes to Reid Park's Master Plan, emphasizing the critical need for transparent communication, extensive community outreach, and meaningful public input. They advocate for considering alternatives to development that do not reduce public parkland and ensure equitable access and benefits for all park stakeholders.
  • Advocating for Transparent and Inclusive Public Planning Processes public_participation_in_planning unique to this org
    The organization champions transparent communication and robust community involvement in urban planning decisions, particularly concerning public park land. They advocate for pausing development to allow for public input, considering alternative solutions, and ensuring that changes to the park's Master Plan involve outreach to all stakeholders and do not reduce public parkland.
  • Community Mobilization and Education Against Zoo Expansion community_organizing unique to this org
    The organization actively mobilizes and educates the community about the negative impacts of the Reid Park Zoo's expansion on public green space, wildlife, and equitable park access. They provide information, encourage public action through letter writing and engagement with officials, and propose alternative solutions like utilizing paved areas for expansion or zoo relocation to protect the park's integrity.
  • Community Mobilization and Education for Advocacy community_organizing unique to this org
    The organization engages in public outreach and education to inform the community about threats to Reid Park's public space and mobilizes community members to take action. This includes encouraging letter writing, providing contact information for officials, and soliciting volunteers to support their advocacy efforts against the zoo's expansion.
  • Community mobilization and advocacy engagement community_organizing unique to this org
    Empowers community members to take action through public education, letter-writing campaigns, volunteer recruitment, and organized outreach to city officials, using accessible platforms like Facebook to amplify opposition and propose alternatives to zoo expansion.
  • Community-centered park planning with public participation public-participation-in-planning unique to this org
    Advocates for halting development until a transparent, inclusive public process is conducted to revise the Reid Park Master Plan, ensuring community stakeholders are engaged and alternative expansion options are considered that do not sacrifice green space.
  • Environmental justice through equitable tree canopy and park access environmental_justice unique to this org
    Advocates for tree canopy equity and accessible green space as essential components of environmental justice, particularly for low-income families facing climate and public health crises, opposing development that disproportionately harms vulnerable communities.
  • Preservation of green space for environmental, community, and wildlife benefits green_space_preservation unique to this org
    Works to protect existing green space in Reid Park—particularly Barnum Hill and the South Pond—from zoo expansion by emphasizing its ecological value, benefits to public health and equity, and importance as habitat for resident and migratory wildlife.
  • Preserving Public Green Space and Wildlife Habitat park_preservation unique to this org
    The organization advocates for the preservation of public green spaces, mature tree canopies, and wildlife habitats within Reid Park, recognizing their environmental, societal, economic, and health benefits for the community and local wildlife. They oppose any development that would reduce existing parkland or destroy natural ecosystems.
  • Preserving Public Green Space and Wildlife Habitat park_preservation unique to this org
    The organization advocates for the preservation of public green spaces, mature tree canopies, and wildlife habitats within Reid Park, recognizing their environmental, societal, economic, and health benefits for the community and local wildlife. This includes protecting specific areas like Barnum Hill and the South Pond, and opposing any development that would reduce existing parkland or destroy natural ecosystems.
  • Proposing Alternative Solutions for Zoo Expansion alternative_planning unique to this org
    The organization suggests alternative approaches to accommodate the zoo's expansion goals without encroaching on existing green space. This includes advocating for the conversion of paved areas for expansion or, if necessary, suggesting the zoo consider relocation if its current site is deemed too small for its ambitions.
  • Public education on park threats and planning issues public education unique to this org
    Provides accessible information about the history of Reid Park, the implications of Proposition 203, and the ecological and social impacts of zoo expansion to build informed public opposition and support for preservation.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2021

the money

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
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

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.