Alexandra Chavez, a planner with the Town of Oro Valley, presented an update to the Town Council last week on "OV Trails Connect." This is an initiative designed to enhance and expand the town’s trail and multi-use path network. The project, developed with input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and community stakeholders, aims to address growing interest in outdoor spaces while ensuring trail accessibility and connectivity. Oro Valley’s last trail-focused plan was developed in 2010.
Collaborative efforts drive planning
This initiative is a multi-department collaboration involving Planning, Communications, and Technology and Innovation staff. The town has retained Kimley-Horn and Associates as the consultant on the project to conduct technical analysis and assist in developing the final plan. “We continuously hear that outdoor spaces are highly valued by Oro Valley residents,” Chavez noted. “This plan will help us better understand the needs and desires of the community to ensure a connected and accessible trail system.” The scope includes both unpaved natural trails like those in Big Wash and paved multi-use paths such as those in Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and along major roadways. Unlike sidewalks and bike lanes, these multi-use paths provide dedicated spaces for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians.
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| Source: Town of Oro Valley |
To better understand trail use, the town utilized Strava, a fitness tracking app that provides anonymous data on popular trails for pedestrians and cyclists. Analysis revealed that The Loop, Vistoso Trails, and Big Wash are among the most frequently used trails.
“Strava gives us breadcrumbs of information, but we know not everyone uses it,” Chavez said. “That’s why our next phase of community outreach will be critical in capturing a more complete picture of trail usage.” While Strava data provides useful insights, Chavez emphasized the importance of supplementing this information with community outreach and direct resident feedback to ensure accurate representation of trail use.
Engaging the community in planning
The OV Trails Connect project follows a four-phase approach, with the current focus on phase two: Community outreach and discussion. The town will conduct trailside chats, surveys, and stakeholder meetings to gather resident input. Two advisory groups have been established: the trails stakeholder group, consisting of residents and businesses, and a regional advisory group, which includes representatives from adjacent municipalities and agencies to ensure a cohesive regional trail network. “We are looking for all trail users to participate—whether you hike, bike, run, or ride horses,” Chavez said. “Your input is essential in shaping a plan that reflects the community’s needs.”
Identifying priorities and improvements
One key objective of the project is to enhance connectivity by addressing missing trail links. This includes examining whether certain trails should be extended or connected to other networks. Additionally, the town is evaluating signage improvements, accessibility for all users, and maintenance strategies.
Engaging the community in planning
The OV Trails Connect project follows a four-phase approach, with the current focus on phase two: Community outreach and discussion. The town will conduct trailside chats, surveys, and stakeholder meetings to gather resident input. Two advisory groups have been established: the trails stakeholder group, consisting of residents and businesses, and a regional advisory group, which includes representatives from adjacent municipalities and agencies to ensure a cohesive regional trail network. “We are looking for all trail users to participate—whether you hike, bike, run, or ride horses,” Chavez said. “Your input is essential in shaping a plan that reflects the community’s needs.”
Identifying priorities and improvements
One key objective of the project is to enhance connectivity by addressing missing trail links. This includes examining whether certain trails should be extended or connected to other networks. Additionally, the town is evaluating signage improvements, accessibility for all users, and maintenance strategies.
Some residents have raised questions about ADA compliance and the need for better way-finding, which will be factored into future recommendations. “We want to understand where there are gaps in connectivity and if there are barriers preventing some residents from using the trails,” Chavez explained. “Signage, accessibility, and even potential policy updates are all on the table.”
Barrett: Let's leverage technology for accessibility
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett suggested integrating trail mapping into platforms like Google Maps to make Oro Valley’s trails more accessible to residents and visitors. While some trails are mapped, others remain difficult to locate without prior knowledge. “I mentioned this during the strategic planning session, but I really envision someday having an app or a portion of Google Maps or something that people who come to Oro Valley, tourists or residents, can easily route trail systems.” Barrett said. Creating a user-friendly, interactive trail guide could encourage more residents to explore the town’s extensive network. Chavez acknowledged this as a long-term goal that aligns with the project's vision.
Get Involved: Community involvement launched Monday
The public survey for OV Trails Connect launches on February 24, 2025, and residents are encouraged to participate online at OVTrailsConnect.com. Additional trailside chats and in-person engagement events will take place through March, April, and May. As the plan progresses, updates will be provided to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Town Council. Residents who wish to take an active role in shaping the future of Oro Valley’s trails can join the trails stakeholder group or provide input through the town’s outreach efforts. “This is an open invitation to the community,” Chavez said. “We need your voices to make this plan a true reflection of Oro Valley’s values and vision for outdoor spaces.”
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Barrett: Let's leverage technology for accessibility
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett suggested integrating trail mapping into platforms like Google Maps to make Oro Valley’s trails more accessible to residents and visitors. While some trails are mapped, others remain difficult to locate without prior knowledge. “I mentioned this during the strategic planning session, but I really envision someday having an app or a portion of Google Maps or something that people who come to Oro Valley, tourists or residents, can easily route trail systems.” Barrett said. Creating a user-friendly, interactive trail guide could encourage more residents to explore the town’s extensive network. Chavez acknowledged this as a long-term goal that aligns with the project's vision.
Get Involved: Community involvement launched Monday
The public survey for OV Trails Connect launches on February 24, 2025, and residents are encouraged to participate online at OVTrailsConnect.com. Additional trailside chats and in-person engagement events will take place through March, April, and May. As the plan progresses, updates will be provided to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Town Council. Residents who wish to take an active role in shaping the future of Oro Valley’s trails can join the trails stakeholder group or provide input through the town’s outreach efforts. “This is an open invitation to the community,” Chavez said. “We need your voices to make this plan a true reflection of Oro Valley’s values and vision for outdoor spaces.”
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