Photos: Tucson's popular Tumamoc Hill re-opens with some changes
Tumamoc Hill re-opens, on May 25, with a series of changes in response to the Coronavirus pandemic,
There are hand sanitizer stations throughout the hike to the top as well as arrows, spaced 10-ft apart, lined up and down the hill. Some runners, hikers and walkers were wearing masks during their hike.
"The steps we are taking aim to provide our community with needed exercise, connection to our beautiful desert and a sense of comfort in such a trying time, while balancing the fact that gathering as a community endangers each of us and our loved ones. This is an unprecedented challenge that we are taking extremely seriously," said Benjamin T. Wilder, director of Tumamoc Hill.
Visitors are also asked to limit their group to three people and to not touch the gate at the top of the hill- a tradition for some who make it to the top.
"This is a time when we need to establish new traditions and adapt in a creative manner that embraces empathy, unity, care and patience," Wilder said.
Tumamoc Hill is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday of the week.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Visitors wearing masks finish their hike up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Sarah Salinas, left, and her father Frank Salinas walk down Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
From left to right, Jean Lindeberg, Chris Bondante, Phyllis Webster, friends, take a quick break to talk before Lindeberg and Webster continue hiking Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Visitors take a turn while walking down Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Visitors walk to the entrance of Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020. Cars lined W Anklam Rd. from N. Silverbell Rd. and W. Saint Mary's Rd.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
A visitor runs up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
A visitor walks past a hand sanitizing station while hiking up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Visitors wear masks while walking up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Chris Bondante pulls her mask down to take a take a drink while waiting for her friends to finish hiking Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020. When asked about wearing a mask while being at Tumamoc hill, Bondante replied, "Its definitely restrictive but its what we have to do."
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
A visitor sits on a bench while waiting for friends on Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
A visitor grabs some hand sanitizer before hiking up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Christine Clayton, left, walks with her husband Earl Clayton, on Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Tumamoc Hill re-opens
Many people visit Tumamoc Hill during the first day of Tumamoc's re-opening in Tucson, Ariz. on May 25, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett
Photojournalist
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Although the coronavirus is widespread in the community, only 30 to 40% of visitors to Tumamoc Hill are wearing masks, the UA said in a news release.
Mask-wearing spotty, but improving, at popular Tucson outdoor exercise spot
The hill popular with Tucsonans looking for a place to exercise could close if more users do not comply with mask requirements, officials warned.
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