One of the biggest benefits of living in a master-planned community like Gladden Farms is that recreation and fun come built-in — and not just within our neighborhood.

Right beyond Gladden Farms’ many parks, playgrounds and trails is the heart of downtown Marana, the Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (MARC) is the hub of extensive and innovative programming to stay busy and connected minutes from home.

Marana Parks & Recreation is consistently commended with state and national awards for excellence — just last year, their leadership was nationally certified by the National Parks and Recreation Association, and the department was recognized by the state for their exceptional Fall Festival event and water safety programs!

Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (MARC)

Whether you’re young, young-at-heart or somewhere in between, there are endless opportunities to get outside, play in the neighborhood and nearby. Here are just a few highlights of how everyone can take advantage of Marana Parks & Rec’s offerings:

1. For Seniors

Staying active for retirees is effortless in Marana. The Ora Mae Harn Senior Center is at the center of the Town of Marana’s senior program (#TeamSenior!), offering exercise and enrichment classes, field trips, parties and more.

Memberships are inexpensive with a drop-in rate of just $2. Bonus: In 2024, the gym was outfitted with brand-new equipment. You can even take a virtual tour of the center to explore the space.

But it’s not just about staying active. Seniors (and all residents) can look forward to a packed calendar of community events like:

• Guided nature walks, like the upcoming El Rio Preserve Nature Stroll on August 27, led by a naturalist from Pima County exploring birds, wildlife and the saguaros.
• Concerts in the Courtyard, free performances every third Thursday in the fall and spring that bring the community together under the stars.
• Marana Founders’ Day Parade, taking place every March with live bands, entertainment and the “Biggest Little Parade in Arizona” celebrating Marana’s heritage.

2. For Parents

Parents in Marana have plenty of ways to recharge and enjoy themselves in between running the afternoon pick-up and late-night soccer practices.

Paint Night in the Park, guided paint nights under the stars at the Brad DeSpain stables in Gladden Farms’ Heritage River Park, provide a chance to slow down and enjoy a peaceful evening together. Plus, you can bring your own wine, beer and snacks!

Couples who run together, stay together — and seasonal events like the #RUNMARANA Turkey Trot, Dirt Dash, and Egg Nog Jog offer 5Ks, half marathons and fun runs so you can get out of the house, enjoy the fresh winter air and run it out.

For parents looking to squeeze in a workout without worrying about childcare, the brand-new Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (MARC)’s Child Watch offers supervised activities for kids while adults exercise.

And once a month, the MARC’s Parents’ Night Out program hosts games, movies and dinner for the kids while moms and dads take an evening to themselves — because date night is self-care!

3. For Young Kids

Growing up in Gladden Farms, adventure is always just around the corner. With the Gladden Farms Community Park, a splash pad and soccer fields located here in the neighborhood, kids can run, climb and explore without roaming far from home.

Young residents can also dive into seasonal favorites like Movies in Marana, where families gather under the stars for outdoor screenings once a month in the fall and spring. Or, they can join school break camps that keep kids learning and moving during school breaks covering topics like science, art and sports (Winter Break camps are coming up next).

For the littlest athletes, programs like Pee Wee Soccer and Mini Me Sports introduce teamwork and coordination in a fun, encouraging environment. Many even take place at the Gladden Farms Community Park, so you can jump in by just walking down the street.

Check out Marana Park & Rec’s seasonal activity guides for information about how to sign up for camps and classes!

4. For Teens

Being a teen is hard, but Marana Parks & Rec makes it a little easier. Teens have their pick of ways to stay entertained and active in Marana.

Biking or walking the Chuck Huckelberry Loop (the 130-mile shared-use path easily accessed from the Gladden Farms Community Park), offers teens freedom to explore without wandering too far.

For more structured fun, Marana Parks & Rec offers a Teen Room at the MARC — a hangout space designed just for teens aged 13-18 to relax, play games and catch up with friends.

Have a budding artist at home? Teen Paint Night in the Park offers teens some supervised time away from home where an artist will guide them in creating a masterpiece, at the Brad DeSpain stables at Heritage River Park in Gladden Farms.

Plus, Marana Parks & Rec is always offering leadership opportunities through teen camps and volunteer programs, so your teen can pack their college applications with great experience.

5. For Fido

Your furry friend is part of the family, too — and Marana Parks & Rec keeps them in mind!

Marana offers five town-operated dog parks, including one at Gladden Farms with separate areas for large and small dogs.

All Marana events are dog-friendly, as long as your pet is leashed. That means your pup can join you as you watch the annual Christmas Tree Lighting (a 45-foot tree with 10,000 lights, making it the largest municipal tree in Arizona), celebrate Founder’s Day or enjoy a live concert in the park.

Plus, how many communities do you know that host events just for dogs? Here in Marana, the last day before the community pool is drained for the winter becomes a town-wide dog pool party with sprinklers and dog-safe bubble machines!

6. For Everyone

Marana Parks & Rec’s Fall Activity Guide offers seasonal fun for everyone, with youth sports, adult leagues and family-friendly community events. Residents can explore programs designed to bring people together and encourage healthy living. And the Winter Activity Guide will come out soon, so you can stay active year-round!

Another amenity open to everyone is the Marana Community Garden at Heritage River Park, a space where neighbors can rent a 76-square-foot plot and exercise their green thumb.

Also for all to enjoy are the soccer fields, baseball diamonds and Gladden Farms Community Park amenities. Planned and developed by Gladden Farms, these parks were gifted to the Town of Marana to ensure they serve the broader public for generations to come. It’s part of a long-standing collaboration between Gladden Farms and the Town —working hand in hand to bring vitality to this corner of Northwest Marana.

From toddlers to teens, parents to seniors and even your four-legged friends, Marana Parks & Recreation offers something for everyone. Living in a community like Gladden Farms puts it all right at your doorstep.

About Gladden Farms

Nestled in North Marana, Gladden Farms blends peaceful countryside living with easy access to I-10 and Marana’s thriving recreation, shopping and dining options. Whether you’re seeking an open-concept home with a dedicated kids play area or a peaceful patio to unwind, here you’ll find affordable new Tucson homes that blend modern convenience with small-town charm. And with monthly mortgages often lower than rent, Gladden Farms makes homeownership easy.

Explore floor plans from award-winning builders and find your perfect fit today.