Chuck Ford Lakeside Park

Chuck Ford Lakeside Park web

8201 E. Stella Rd., Tucson AZ 85730
Metro Park • 49.8 acres • Ward 4


Chuck Ford

Dr. Charles "Chuck" Ford was a retired Tucson Unified School District elementary school principal and a former Tucson Vice Mayor having served on the Tucson City Council for eight years, from 1979-1987, representing Ward 4. Ford was the first (and only) Black person to be elected to the Tucson City Council. Ford was integral in developing and finding funding for parks on Tucson's east side. Lakeside Park was renamed Chuck Ford Lakeside Park after he retired from the council in 1987, honoring his work to save the park after its main feature, a dam, collapsed. Ford died Nov. 1, 2019, at the age of 83.

Lakeside Park Activity Court

AJ Rico's life's work was so that others could PLAY!

AJ was a superintendent and a long time City of Tucson Parks and Recreation employee. Throughout her life she was an avid athlete, but her true love was the game of golf. She worked for more then 30 years in recreation and her commitment to service and our community was clear to all those who encountered her.

This activity court was made possible thanks to the generosity of Citigroup and City of Tucson Ward 4 Council Office and the vision of AJ Rico. AJ’s life's work was so that others could PLAY!


HOW TO PLAY THE GAME?

Foursquare

Four square pieces

The object of the game of four square is to eliminate players in higher squares so that you can advance to the highest square yourself. Four square is played with a rubber playground ball on a square court with four players, each occupying a quarter of the court. The ball is bounced between players in squares until someone makes an error and is eliminated. Eliminated players leave the court, all players advance to fill the empty squares, and a new player joins at the lowest ranked square.

Maze

Maze pieces

The object of the game is to move from the entrance to the center.

Long Jump

Long jump pieces

To complete a standing long jump, place both feet parallel to the line and then leap forward. No steps backward or preparatory hops are allowed. To harness the power of your legs, squat deeply onto your heels while bringing your arms back.

Mirror Me

Mirror Me pieces

The object of this playground game is to mirror the person standing on the opposing set of feet, by placing your feet on the correctly colored circle. Playground markings make classic playground games fun!

Hopscotch

HopScotch pieces

Hop on one foot into the first empty square, and then every subsequent empty square. Be sure to skip the one your marker is on. At the pairs (4-5 and 7-8), jump with both feet. At 10, hop with both feet, turn around, and head back toward the start. When you reach the marked square again, pick up the marker -- still on one foot! -- and complete the course. If you finished without any mistakes, pass the marker to the next player. On your next turn, throw the marker to the next number. If you fall, jump outside the lines, or miss a square or the marker, you lose your turn and must repeat the same number on your next turn. Whoever reaches 10 first, wins.

Duck, Duck, Goose

Duck Duck Goose pieces

All the players, except the first person who is It, sit in a circle. It walks around the circle, tapping each player on the head, saying "duck" each time until he decides to tap someone and say "goose." That person becomes the goose and runs after It, trying to tag him before It can take his seat. If It successfully reaches the goose's seat without being tagged, the goose is the new It. If the goose tags It, then the goose keeps his spot in the circle and It must either continue to be It for another turn or sit in the middle of the circle until another Itis tagged.

Target Toss

Target Toss pieces

Taking turns, players select an object (beanbag, soft-skinned ball) and use an underhand throw to toss the object at the target from the designated throwing line.

Players determine a scoring system, assigning each area of the target a designated number of points.

Location

8201 E. Stella Rd, Tucson 85730  View Map

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