Agua Caliente

What a surprise was in store for me when the luscious silver fox in my life shared a little park here in town that I didn't know existed!


Agua Caliente Park - a 101-acre aquatic/riparian habitat in the Tucson high desert! Lush and green, an oasis!



An 87 degree hot spring has served as a prime attraction far back into history.




A number of ponds are linked together, supporting diverse wildlife and fish populations. And ducks!!





Lots and lots of ducks, eager to take any handouts from visitors, who of course pay no attention to the 'do not feed the ducks' signs everywhere!













The palm trees took me on a sentimental journey back to the Islands - they are obviously very content in this little corner of paradise!






The spring was the site of an army camp following the Gadsden Purchase in the mid 1800s. The "Agua Caliente Rancho" was established by James Fuller in 1875, running cattle and growing fruit trees.


In 1881, Fuller's Hot Springs was advertised as a medicinal and recreational destination. The property changed hands a number of times thru 1959, when an R&D company had plans to build a $15M, 300-home development, which thankfully never came to pass!


In 1984, local businessman Roy Drachman donated money toward the purchase of Agua Caliente, enabling Pima County to proceed with the acquisition of the site, and the Park opened in January 1985.


This is definitely a stop worth making, and I'll certainly go back for the peace and tranquility it offers!!