Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Operations Span Many Activities at Net Cost of $5million

The Town of Oro Valley is preparing a 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. LOVE is publishing a series of articles about the plan. This article presents some background information on the town’s current Parks and Recreation status.
—-
Total Parks and Recreation 2020 net spending: $5million
The town has budgeted approximately $5 million in net spending for Parks and Recreation. This number is after applying an estimated $3.5 million in anticipated user fees. (The amount does not include the half cent sales tax levy for golf and the community center.)

Golf and the Community Center grab almost half the budget
The town’s 47 holes of golf and the community center require 44% of total net spending. There are two full courses and one that is Ka 9 hole course (Pusch Ridge). This last course is in the process of closing.

Parks Management of site trails and parks provides something for everyone
The town maintains trails and parks at a cost of $1.1 million

Source: Town of Oro Valley 2020 Budget
(Click to enlarge)

• Canada Del Oro Riverfront Park (30 acres)
• CDO Shared Use Path (4 mile paved path)
• James D. Kriegh Park (20 acres)
• Honey Bee Canyon Park (77 acres)
• Naranja Park (213 acres)
• West Lambert Lane Park (40 acres of hiking)

Parks management has fewer than 10 people in the budget. The facilities are in constant upgrade mode. For example, work is set to start on a playground for Naranja Park. The town is seeking your input on this.

The Aquatic Center is a major community draw
The Aquatic Center is adjacent to Kreigh Park on Concordia.  That pool was a given to the town by the County along with Kreigh Park. In 2012, the town invested $6.5 million to renew it. The
Aquatic Center is the host for many swimming events, bringing in swimmers and swim teams from throughout the southwest. It is known and respected throughout the swim community. The Aquatic Center is truly a visitor draw. And, given all that, it is a bargain of net spending of a bit over $700,000 in 2020.

Recreation and Culture brings our town together
Recreation and culture is ”...responsible for providing recreational programs, activities, classes, hikes, and special events for all ages, as well as ball field management and contracts. It is also responsible for management of all town historic and cultural properties, such as Steam Pump Ranch” (page 178 Oro Valley 2020 Budget).  This year the town plans net spending of about $300,000 in this area. That’s 6% of the budget

All this requires Administration
The remainder of the budget, 13% of total net spending, is for administration of the department. The department has four full time personnel. Spending on personnel is about two thirds of the budget. The remainder is on operations and management. The cost of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master plan study is included in these operations and management expenses.

The town will be doing a complete inventory of all facilities as part of the master plan study.