On Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council received a consultant update on the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve restoration project. The presentation covered the 30% design of the planned 2.5-acre pond, as well as driving range and cart path restoration and a memorial feature. Consultant Kimley-Horn outlined costs and schedules, projecting the pond’s final design for April 2026. The pond is estimated to cost about $3.7 million to build, with roughly $135,000 in annual water and maintenance expenses.
April motion called for action this year
Vice Mayor Barrett reminded staff that her April 16 motion directed the Town to focus only on the pond this year, using reclaimed water, and to put it out to bid in-house if possible. She said Council’s intent was clear: the pond should come first. Barrett expressed frustration that the consultant’s timeline pushes final design into 2026 and that no portion of the pond project has been bid. Other Council members also raised concerns about the April 2026 completion date and asked whether final design could be completed sooner.
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Staff explained that moving to bid before reaching a 90% design could lead to inflated costs and create difficulties in contractor negotiations. They emphasized that restoration work on the driving range is being funded separately through a donation and was included in the update because it is already moving forward. Staff said they are following the engineering and design process needed to produce reliable cost estimates.
Residents frustrated with delays
Residents filled the Council chambers, the Hopi Room, and the courtyard to express their views. Many said they were frustrated by years of delay and urged the Council to focus on getting the pond built now. Several described feeling “discouraged, disappointed, and disrespected” by the lack of visible progress. Most residents argued that the pond is essential, describing its current state as an “eyesore” that undermines the community’s image.
Some question whether delays are deliberate
Some residents believe the delays in restoring the pond are not only process-driven but may also reflect a desire to postpone visible progress until after the 2026 election. They note that staff has not strongly backed the pond, and that consistent pressure from residents and Council has kept it moving. Despite $2 million being approved in March 2024 and repeated Council votes since, the September update still pushed final design into April 2026. To these residents, this resembles a pattern in which plans are recycled while action is deferred. They point out that the April 2025 motion called for work on the pond “this year” and for moving it to bid in-house if possible, yet attention has also gone to items such as driving range restoration and a memorial.
Timetable accelerated
The consultant’s presentation listed milestones of 60% pond design in December 2025, 90% in February 2026, and final plans in April 2026. During discussion, however, staff acknowledged the schedule could be accelerated. By the end of the meeting there was an agreement that staff would complete the 90% pond design by the end of 2025, issue a bid in January 2026, and bring back a contractor selection within about 90 days. This would allow construction to begin in spring 2026, moving the project forward sooner than originally scheduled. While no formal motion was made, Council’s direction was clear: the pond should take priority and visible progress should begin without further delay.
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