A “pop-up beach” full of sand, green space, music, volleyball, and summertime fun is about to transform a previously idle space in Downtown Tucson. The beach will be a family-friendly attraction for Tucsonans during the hot summer days, and will morph into a grown-up playground at night.
The Downtown Tucson Partnership, a non-profit, 501(c)(6) corporation committed to making Downtown Tucson the most dynamic urban center in the Southwest, is crafting the pop-up beach on the vacant MLK lot, 45 N. 5th Ave., to celebrate the launch of the much-anticipated SunLink Streetcar on July 25th through Labor Day weekend. Around 200 tons of sand were trucked in by Staker Parson, creating seven inches of soft sand over a 7,500 square foot area. Surrounding the sand, AstroTurf provides a cooling effect, and volleyball, ping-pong, tables, chairs, and palm trees dot the landscape.
“A movement has been underway in cities across the country to activate previously unused public spaces,” said Michael Keith, CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. “This beach takes an asphalt lot in a prime location that used to only attract the heat, and turns it into a vibrant, programmable space that’s available for the entire community.”
The popup beach is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Communications, and generous support from Staker Parson, Friends of the Tucson Streetcar, Bourn Companies, Madden Media, Crest Insurance, One East Broadway, Jan Cervelli, Clear Channel Outdoor, Michael Keith, The Garden Gate, Moon Valley Nursery, and Norris Design.
The party kicks off on Friday, July 25th at 5 p.m. as the Downtown Tucson Partnership hosts a summer beach party with live music from No Reply and The Modeens, draft beer, a Sonoran Hotdog Smackdown with Tucson Food Truck Roundup, dancing, limbo contests, vendors, and more. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Council Member Steve Kozachik will speak at 7 p.m.
Families can bring a beach blanket and play in the sand, or get in on a pick-up volleyball game. Tables, chairs, and games will be available to help visitors create their fun in the sun. Downtown businesses Club Congress and Playground are getting in on the action, throwing themed beach parties on several Friday and Saturday nights. Activities for all ages with local community groups will run throughout the week, and Saturdays will feature a farmers market by Food in Root and an EcoGro weird plant show.
A calendar of beach events is at: https://www.downtowntucson.org/events/category/streetcar-event. Community members can reserve the beach for their own event, subject to approval, at: https://www.downtowntucson.org/downtown-events/host-streetcar-launch-event/.