Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-1 to explore the feasibility of creating a water feature at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The proposed feature would be built at the site of the former golf course pond, which has been out of operation for six years.
This decision directs town staff to amend the current contract with consultant Kimley-Horn to obtain a design and cost estimate for the potential project. According to town manager Wilkins, this new directions should not change the cost of a consulting project that is currently underway. The consulting contract is $150,000. To date, $85,000 has been spent.
"Look See"pauses restoration process
The proposal was spearheaded by Council Members Josh Nicolson and Melanie Barrett. Nicolson cited several reasons for considering this option, including strong community support, the potential aesthetic and recreational value of a water feature, and the opportunity to transform the disused pond into a vibrant community asset. Barrett added that having detailed cost estimates would enable the council to make an informed decision while balancing fiscal responsibility.
The decision represents a "hold" on the council's November decision to move forward with a plan that included at Desert Garden in the area where the water feature would be.
Residents want a water feature explored
At the meeting, residents spoke in favor of the measure, emphasizing the historical and emotional significance of the pond as a community gathering place and highlighting its potential benefits for mental health, wildlife habitats, and accessibility. Rosa Daly, whose advocacy led to the measure being reconsidered, remarked, “When my children were younger, we had a beautiful golf course as our backdrop. It breaks my heart to see the area in its current state. Reintroducing a water feature would be a win for the community.” Another resident, Chris Westermeyer, said, “Whatever we do with that area, it’s got to be for the citizens. Let’s make it beautiful, something the community can enjoy, and not just another eyesore.”
Opposition from Mayor Winfield
Mayor Joe Winfield cast the lone dissenting vote. He opposed the measure due to concerns about water conservation, maintenance costs, and the potential conflict with the town’s ordinance against ornamental water use. Winfield pointed out that previous studies estimated that restoring the pond could require up to 76 acre-feet of water annually and an ongoing maintenance cost of approximately $70,000 per year. Additionally, an earlier estimate placed the initial cost of restoring the pond at $3 million. He argued that these expenses could strain the town’s resources and were not aligned with Oro Valley’s commitment to fiscal and environmental responsibility.
Winfield also reiterated the council’s earlier decision to focus on restoring the area to a natural Sonoran Desert landscape, which he believes reflects the community’s long-term vision for the preserve. He expressed concern that revisiting this decision could delay progress on the overall project.
Next fall restoration start now in question
The council’s decision to revisit the inclusion of a water feature has introduced a potential for further delay in the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve restoration project, a delay already several years in the making. The target for getting started on the restoration was next fall. That's the planting season. If you miss that season, you have to wait another year. There is a question as to whether or not that can be achieved now because...
At the meeting, residents spoke in favor of the measure, emphasizing the historical and emotional significance of the pond as a community gathering place and highlighting its potential benefits for mental health, wildlife habitats, and accessibility. Rosa Daly, whose advocacy led to the measure being reconsidered, remarked, “When my children were younger, we had a beautiful golf course as our backdrop. It breaks my heart to see the area in its current state. Reintroducing a water feature would be a win for the community.” Another resident, Chris Westermeyer, said, “Whatever we do with that area, it’s got to be for the citizens. Let’s make it beautiful, something the community can enjoy, and not just another eyesore.”
Opposition from Mayor Winfield
Mayor Joe Winfield cast the lone dissenting vote. He opposed the measure due to concerns about water conservation, maintenance costs, and the potential conflict with the town’s ordinance against ornamental water use. Winfield pointed out that previous studies estimated that restoring the pond could require up to 76 acre-feet of water annually and an ongoing maintenance cost of approximately $70,000 per year. Additionally, an earlier estimate placed the initial cost of restoring the pond at $3 million. He argued that these expenses could strain the town’s resources and were not aligned with Oro Valley’s commitment to fiscal and environmental responsibility.
Winfield also reiterated the council’s earlier decision to focus on restoring the area to a natural Sonoran Desert landscape, which he believes reflects the community’s long-term vision for the preserve. He expressed concern that revisiting this decision could delay progress on the overall project.
Next fall restoration start now in question
The council’s decision to revisit the inclusion of a water feature has introduced a potential for further delay in the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve restoration project, a delay already several years in the making. The target for getting started on the restoration was next fall. That's the planting season. If you miss that season, you have to wait another year. There is a question as to whether or not that can be achieved now because...
There may not be time to get a plan in place for the planting season
Two key factors could push back the start of the restoration. First, we estimate that Kimley-Horn will not report back to the council until February. At that point, the council must decide whether to include the water feature in its plans or proceed with the original concept of a desert garden. This decision is critical—missing the fall planting season would push the project back by an entire year.
And the project can not start until the grant is approved...Grant approval is not certain and it takes time
Second, grant approval takes time. Town staff highlighted that obtaining state grants, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, is a lengthy and unpredictable process. Preparing and submitting an application typically takes two months, while approval can take eight months or more. For instance, a current grant for non-motorized trails submitted in March 2024 remains unapproved nine months later. Additionally, no work can begin until the grant is approved. If the approval process extends beyond the fall planting season, the restoration will face another year-long setback.
An uphill struggle...More tomorrow
At the conclusion of the discussion, after the vote was taken, Council Member Joyce Jones-Ivey cautioned the audience that this vote did not approve a water feature but only approved gathering information to determine whether such a feature is viable. We think that's a wise caution because getting approval of water feature from this town council is going to an uphill struggle. Will tell you why tomorrow.
At the conclusion of the discussion, after the vote was taken, Council Member Joyce Jones-Ivey cautioned the audience that this vote did not approve a water feature but only approved gathering information to determine whether such a feature is viable. We think that's a wise caution because getting approval of water feature from this town council is going to an uphill struggle. Will tell you why tomorrow.
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