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These 5 activities make Tucson the 8th-best city for recreation, study says
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These 5 activities make Tucson the 8th-best city for recreation, study says

  • Jul 3, 2018
  • Jul 3, 2018 Updated Jan 5, 2019

If you love Tucson for its endless recreational activities, you're not alone.

In a recent WalletHub study, Tucson was ranked as the 8th-best city for recreation out of 100 cities across the nation. The study evaluated the recreational facilities themselves, costs, quality of parks, and the weather. 

See how Tucson ranked in the following areas. 

Story by Gloria Knott/Arizona Daily Star

Bike Rental Facilities

35th El Tour de Tucson

Mechanic Kurt Levy, right, checks a shifting issue on the bike of Dawn Vonderheide as she stops with fiancee Warren Herr, left, at the Sabino Creek crossing during the 35th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on Nov. 18, 2017.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

According to WalletHub's study, Tucson ranked 15th in bike rental facilities. 

Tucson's bicycling family is certainly booming, especially with the newly-completed Loop — a 131-mile bike, pedestrian, and equestrian path throughout the area. 

Tucson is also home to El Tour de Tucson. Thousands of cyclists participate in the annual event; some even travel to Tucson from across the globe.

Music Venues

Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

The Rialto Theatre sign above the marquee, 318 E. Congress.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

The WalletHub study shows that Tucson came in 52nd place with music venues. With 50 being the average number, Tucson didn't rank too high.

Even still, Tucson is home to many music venues, including the Rialto Theatre, which has been around since 1920. 

Tennis Courts

2018 Tucson Senior Olympic Festival

Frank Graeber returns a shot in a men's doubles tennis competition at Reffkin Tennis Center.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

The WalletHub study also said that Tucson is in 25th place for tennis courts. 

Tucson has many tennis centers, including the Reffkin Tennis Center and another located at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. Many high schools, and the University of Arizona, are also home to tennis courts. 

Swimming Pools

Tucson city pools open

Sisters Aubree, right, 6, and Alena Lawless, 9, play in the water at Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive, on the first day of the swimming season at Tucson Parks and Recreation pools Thursday, May 29, 2014.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson also ranked 9th for swimming pools, which only makes sense considering the hot weather.

Beyond swimming pools, Tucson is also home to many splash pads. 

Movie Costs

Alcohol for sale at movie theaters

According to a study, the CEO of movie theater chain AMC Entertainment earned nearly 1,013 times more than a typical AMC worker last year.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's highest ranking of the five is because of the cheap movie costs. Tucson comes in second place. 

With theaters such as The Loft Cinema, Roadhouse Cinemas, and the Century Theaters at Tucson Marketplace, this one makes sense, too.

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