Children’s Memorial Parks

Tucson Clean & Beautiful coordinates name engravings on the granite walls of the Children’s Memorial Park located on the Rillito River, as well as metal walls of the new Children’s Memorial Garden at Michael Perry Park on the Pantano Wash. These public memorials are places of peace and joy where we remember those children who have died, and draw hope for the future.

Name Engraving Requests

The parents/guardians of children who have died (regardless of age, place or circumstances) can request inscription of the child’s name at either or both locations. To have a child’s name engraved, please complete and return an Engraving Request Form (printable form available in English or Spanish, must be signed by a parent or legal guardian – return with check payable to Tucson Clean & Beautiful) or complete both an online form and parent/guardian signature and online payment through the TCB Store. Engraving fee is $80.00 for one location or $155.00 for both sites. Names may be up to 25 characters long including spacing (sorry, no dates, symbols, or other special dedication inscriptions are possible, to maintain the memorial format). Support groups, other family and friends are welcome to cover engraving costs, but a parent/guardian signature is still required on the engraving request.

Once a name has been submitted for engraving, it may take several months before showing on the wall. TCB cannot guarantee engraving will be done by a specific date, as engravings are done in groups each spring and fall. Requests for engraving at both locations may be completed at different times. The parents/guardians will receive notification once engraving is completed. Call (520) 837-6830 for assistance with engraving requests.

Locations

– Children’s Memorial Park at is located at 4851 North 15th Pl., Tucson, AZ 85704, on the north bank of the Rillito River Park, south of River Rd. 1/4 mile west of Oracle Rd. This original site opened in 1989.

– Children’s Memorial Garden at Michael Perry Park is located at 2755 S. Pantano Pkwy., Tucson, AZ 85730, on the east bank of Pantano River Park, at the end of Pantano Parkway south of Golf Links Rd. This site opened in 2012.

Park Amenities and Reservations

Children’s Memorial Park at the Rillito River Park is a Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation site. Reservations for ramadas and other special events may be made by calling (520) 724-5000. Site amenities include:

  • playground
  • multi-use path
  • exercise trail
  • basketball court
  • multi-use sports field
  • picnic areas
  • group ramadas

Children’s Memorial Garden at Michael Perry Memorial Park near the Pantano River Park is a City of Tucson Parks & Recreation site. Reservations for ramadas and other special events may be made by calling (520) 791-4873.

  • playground
  • picnic areas
  • multi-use path
  • little league fields
  • basketball court

History

The original Children’s Memorial Park was formerly known as Edgewater Park which was destroyed by the 1983 floods and rebuilt as part of the Rillito River Park improvements. Children’s Memorial Park was rededicated on November 14, 1987.

The Children’s Memorial Plaza, set off from the more active areas of the park, provides an opportunity for quiet reflection to remember the children who have died.

The memorial consists of granite tablets on which the names of children are engraved and is centered around a sculpture called “Omni,” which was created in 1978 by 700 boys & girls at a summer camp.

A large boulder with a poem is adjacent to the memorial: To All Parents, by Edgar Guest.

Improvements to Children’s Memorial Park have continued since the park was established, with many trees and other plants donated by community members to the park’s now-completed landscape.

In 2002, “The Magic Carpet” sculpture was added to the memorial plaza. Commissioned by the Thomason Family and created by artist Nick Burke, this sculpture is the centerpiece of an expanded memorial wall and garden.

In 2003, the Children’s Memorial Park playground was also renovated with the assistance of a grant from The Wolslager Foundation.

The Children’s Memorial Garden at Michael Perry Memorial Park was added on Tucson’s east side in 2012, in response to continued community interest and to provide additional geographic coverage. This special site and adjacent improvements to the Pantano River Park in anticipation of commemorative tree dedications were funded and implemented cooperatively by the City of Tucson, Ward 4 Council Office, Pima County, and Regional Transportation Authority.

Partnering support groups

Tucson Clean & Beautiful frequently collaborates with these and other local support groups who assist families with ongoing support services surrounding the loss of their loved ones. Some of these agencies also hold vigil or memorial services at Children’s Memorial Park and other area locations. Please contact these groups directly for additional information regarding their services and events:

For more information, call (520) 791-3109 or email tcb@tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org.