City of Benson, AZ

Map of Benson Parks (click to enlarge)

The City of Benson has three public park facilities, Lions Park, Apache Park and Union Street Park provide residents with a variety of leisure opportunities.

Amenities in Lions Park include sports fields with lights, basketball courts, horseshoes, skate park, walking trails, ramadas, grills, playgrounds and four restrooms.

Apache Park was donated to the City in 1949 by what is now known as Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc., and is located in the Apache Park Historical District.

Union Street Park located next to the City's Public Pool and Community Center includes two small ramadas, grills and plenty of room for the kids to run and play.

For more information about large activities, contact the Recreation Department at (520) 720-6044.

Reservations - When you make your reservation you will be asked the type of activity (picnic, family reunion) and number of attendees.  Be sure to plan early for the summer as our Ramada's fill up at least two months in advance March - October. Reservations are taken up to 12 months in advance.

• Ramadas may be reserved seven days a week between the hours of 10:00 am until 10:00 pm; in predetermined time blocks.
• Lions Park is unavailable during the following events: Forth of July.
• The City of Benson reserves the right to limit the use of our parks and facilities as deemed necessary in accordance with the City Code.
• Renters are required to vacate the Ramada at the conclusion of their reservation time.

Picnic Tables Lions Park

Ramada Fees:

• Ramada #1 -        $25.00 per four hours
• Ramada #2 -        $15.00 per four hours
• Ramada #3 -        $15.00 per four hours
• Ramada #4 -        $15.00 per four hours
• Pool Ramada #1 -$ 5.00 per four hours
• Pool Ramada #2 -$ 5.00 per four hours

Ramada Time Blocks:

Any part of a 4 hour time block; is a 4 hour time block. Setup and cleanup must be done within the parameter of your reservation time. There are no additional fees for the use of electric, lights, water, horseshoe pits (where available).

• 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• 6:00 pm - 10: 00 pm

Historic Apache Park

Payments:

• Fees must be paid within two business days of reservation booking (please refer to the fee schedule for rental rates and time blocks).
• Reservations not paid within the two business day time, frame will be removed from the calendar.
• Ramada and Ball Field fees may be paid to the Recreation Department located at the Benson Community Center; payments will not be accepted without the appropriate forms.
• Acceptable methods of payment; check, cash, debit or credit.
• Please make checks payable to City of Benson.

Refund Policy - Cancellations from 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the reservation date will receive a full refund. Cancellations that are made no less than 2 days prior to the reservation date refunds will be given at 50% of the rental rate. Refunds will NOT be given for cancellations made less than 2 days prior to the reservation date or after the reservation date has occurred (to include ball fields); no exceptions.

Ball Field Fees (Daily Rate - Tournaments and Private Use):

• Little League Field - $45.00
• Sand Lot - $40.00
• Soccer Field - $65.00
• Softball Field - $45.00

League Hourly Light Costs (Per Field):

Leagues are charged 60% of the City's hourly light costs; per field.

• Little League Field $2.67 hr.
• Soccer Field $5.99 hr.
• Softball Field $4.05 hr.

Union Street Park

Special Events:

If you would like
to hold an event in one of our parks you may be required to provide the following as deemed necessary by the Recreation Department.

• Special Event Permit Application and Park Use Permit.
• Certificate of Insurance and Endorsement.
• Permit from the Health Department if you are feeding the public.

Inflatables:

Personally owned inflatables are NOT permitted in City Parks. The City of Benson does not allow inflatables on City property provided by companies that are not approved vendors. Please inquire at the Recreation Department for names of approved vendors. You must provide a receipt from the approved vendor when reservation payment is made.

Certificates of Insurance:

In some cases a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Benson as an additional insured of $1,000,000.00 may be required as deemed necessary by the Recreation Coordinator or designee. Certificates of Insurance must be accompanied by an Endorsement. Certificates not accompanied by an Endorsement will not be accepted and may prevent approval of your Event and/or activity on City Property. It is important to remember when planning an event or activity it can take up to two weeks (if not longer) for your insurance company to obtain an Endorsement. Information for the Certificate of Insurance is as follows:

City of Benson, Attention Dorthey Moncada, 120 W. 6th Street, Benson, Arizona, 85602

Clean Up/Damages Responsibility - Damages and/or litter to park facilities may result in repair or cleaning charges and may also jeopardize your right to make future reservations. Upon confirming a reservation a customer agrees to clean up the area of use at the conclusion of the event. Failure to clean up may result in a cleaning deposit for future use.

Please Help to Keep Our Parks Clean for Other Users!

• Recreation Ramada Reservations, Center Rentals, Use Permits, Field Availability, Summer Program and Activities Information

Complete History of Apache Park

Apache Park Historic District

In 1922 Apache Powder Company, now Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc., began producing dynamite and other blasting products for the numerous copper mines in southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Today, Apache Nitrogen Products continues to manufacture products to serve both mining and agricultural industries.

To recruit and retain employees, in 1925, Apache Powder Company, purchased the land between Patagonia Street and Land Avenue from the Benson Schools to build houses for their executive employees. The houses were provided to employees as part of their compensation package until they were sold in the 1970's. The Lewis house at 209 W. 6th Street was formerly the Apache Power Company infirmary.

The land across the street from the houses was donated to the City of Benson in 1949 and is now known as Apache Park.

The seven houses in the neighborhood and Apache Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 1994. The houses are a fine example of craftsman bungalows. Apache Powder was significant in their contributions to the community and the mining industry.