On the corner of Park Avenue and 2nd Street, hidden in plain sight is the “President’s Pond” - where a water feature from the original University President’s Queen Anne style campus home has been preserved. The pond has historically been planted with palms and other lush-looking species to give the impression of an oasis. Turtles and blue herons have frequented the pond as have many students, faculty, staff, and community neighbors seeking a quiet spot for rejuvenation. Over time, intensive use of the space has taken a toll. Thanks to the support of generous donors, this beloved campus and community gathering spot has a new lease - a bronze interpretive plaque was installed, the patio was expanded and improved, mulched planting beds with trees and shrubs were installed around the perimeter and irrigation reconfigured to reduce damage to the hardscapes. We are delighted with the fresh feel of the space and will offer bench sponsorships to enhance the use of this campus gem in the 2023-2024 year. . For detailed information on Pond Naming Opportunties visit this page. For more information on other ways to support the Campus Arboretum visit this page.
See photos below showing the renovation over time and the progress on the pond improvements through July 2023.
Photo of the pond from ~1990 - 2000
Photo of the pond from ~1990 - 2000
Photo of the pond from ~1990 - 2000
The revised plant list and planting plan finalized by Landscape Architect Mark Novak May 2023.
Work in progress on the pond by the UA Grounds Services Staff.
Work in progress on the pond by the UA Grounds Services Staff.
Work in progress on the pond by the UA Grounds Services Staff.
Work in progress on the pond by the UA Grounds Services Staff.
Work in progress on the pond by the UA Grounds Services Staff.
The bronze interpretive plaque installed at the top of the entry path Summer 2023.
Representative hand-forged iron sponsorship benches for a gift of $20,000. Five bench sponsorship locations surrounding the pond are available. Each bench sponsorship includes a 3" x 5" brass plaque with a custom inscription of approx. 100 characters on 3 lines.
Botanical signage installed around the pond to educate visitors about the plant species growing there. Hundreds of these signs are installed across the ~400 acres of UArizona main campus in Tucson, AZ. For a gift of $1000, 10 more of these signs can be installed in other campus gardens or existing signs can be maintained/replaced.
For gifts of $250, an engraved brick paver will be installed with a custom inscription with up to 3 lines, 45 characters total and no more than 15 characters per line. Bricks will be installed at the top of the entry path in March and September of each year (for sponsorships initiated in Fall (Jun-Dec) and Spring (Jan-May), respectively).