This week on Arizona Illustrated… El Presidio celebrates its 250th anniversary, we examine the historic site and the neighborhood around it; Milagro is a cohousing community only 15 minutes from downtown Tucson that feels a world away; the sights and sounds of the 2025 Tucson Jazz Festival; the rising popularity of Pickleball in Southern Arizona and an interview with author Melani Martinez about her family’s history in Tucson.
Tucson Tours – El Presidio Museum
Tucson’s El Presidio marks the city’s birthplace and stands as a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Established in 1775 as a Spanish military fort, it protected settlers and fostered a thriving community. Over time, El Presidio evolved from a military outpost into a cultural hub, reflecting the diverse influences of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers. Today, the historic district features preserved buildings and the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Tucson's colonial past and enduring multicultural spirit.
El Presidio remains a vital cultural landmark, symbolizing Tucson's origins and its enduring spirit of resilience and multiculturalism. It serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and the diverse peoples who have contributed to its unique character.
Milagro Cohousing
Milagro is a thriving multigenerational cohousing community on Tucson's west side. It’s just fifteen minutes from downtown but feels a world away. Residents share a common vision of supporting each other and respecting the Sonoran Desert.
Tucson Jazz Festival
The Tucson Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians to the desert, uniting artists and fans for a celebration of sound. From legendary performers to rising stars, discover how jazz takes center stage in the heart of Arizona.
Pickleball’s Popularity
Even though pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island (near Seattle) Washington in 1965, the game has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with millions of players. Pickleball courts are being built across the world, and now there are more than 11-thousand locations to play in United States according to USA Pickleball. Fans have organized multiple competitions and hope to include the sport in the Olympics, perhaps as early as 2028 or 2032.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.