Bits and Pieces

Unusual fiscal year-end council meeting called to address funding gap for Naranja Drive path project 

The Oro Valley Town Council will hold a special Zoom meeting Monday—the very last day of the fiscal year—to consider an urgent funding amendment for the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path project. The meeting addresses a $341,000 estimated project shortfall after construction bids came in higher than expected for the project. Council will decide whether to use leftover funds from other 2025 street projects to keep the Naranja path on track for a summer start and early 2026 completion. In order for these monies to be available for use in the next fiscal year, the leftover funds must be designated for multi-use path construction before the end of this fiscal year. Our guess is that the urgent meeting is needed so the funds can be designated for this use before the fiscal year closes.

Fourth of July festivities and new shade at the tennis courts

Oro Valley’s annual Fourth of July Celebration returns to James D. Kriegh Park on July 4, featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, family games, and fireworks, plus the town’s first-ever hot dog eating contest at 7:30 p.m. In addition, construction is underway on new shaded viewing and seating areas at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility, with completion expected in July—giving tennis players and spectators a cooler, more comfortable space for summer matches and community events.  Read even more about what is going on this this weeks's Town of Oro Valley "This Week In Parks and Rec”  bulletin. 

Interested in helping Oro Valley build its tourism base? Apply now for one of five seats on the new Tourism Advisory Commission

Oro Valley is launching a brand new Tourism Advisory Commission and is now accepting applications from residents who want to help shape the town’s future as a top destination for visitors. The five-member commission will advise the Town Council on everything from strategic marketing to special events, resort partnerships, and tourism budget priorities. If you have experience or a strong interest in hospitality, travel, marketing, or events—or just want to make a difference in how the town promotes itself—this is a great way to get involved. Members will serve three-year terms and the group will meet monthly for the first year, then quarterly after that. Applications are open now. Apply here or call by the Town Clerk’s Office at (520) 229-4700 for more information.  Read how all this came about in LOVE. 

 

Park painting project underway in Rancho Vistoso

Rancho Vistoso has started a summer-long painting project at Hohokam and Wildlife Ridge Parks, with crews repainting perimeter walls, restrooms, and ramadas to freshen up these popular community spaces. The work began June 9 and will continue through the season. Residents are encouraged to watch for “Wet Paint” signs and to avoid the areas being painted until the project is complete, helping ensure a safe and smooth update for everyone who uses the parks. (Source) 

Oro Valley Water: Smart water tips and a new bill payment portal now live

The latest Oro Valley Water Utility newsletter is packed with helpful updates for residents this summer. Most notably, the Town has rolled out a new online bill payment portal, making it easier than ever to manage your water account and pay bills securely from home. The newsletter also offers timely water-saving tips to help you conserve during the hottest months, including suggestions for efficient irrigation and reminders about monsoon season preparation. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the Water Utility website for more details and to explore the new portal—small changes can make a big difference for your bill and the community. (Source:  Town of Oro Valley "Behind The Meter) .

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Hohokam Honey Bee Village in Oro Valley

This article is part of our continuing series by the Oro Valley Historical Society. Future OVHS articles will appear every other Thursday.

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Tohono O’odham peoples of the Sonoran desert refer to their ancestors as the Hohokam (Huhugam). Archaeologists believe that this community of people lived in the Gila, Salt and river valleys of southern Arizona from approximately 200 to 1400. 

Honey Bee Village is one of the largest Hohokam sites in the Northern Tucson Basin. It is likely to have been occupied from 750 to 1300 and covered about 75 acres.

The Hohokam were master canal architects and were able to create irrigation systems for their crops tapping the nearby river water. It is estimated that hundreds of miles of canals were used to water their crops of maize, squash, beans and cotton. The Central Arizona Project similarly delivers water throughout the southwest by a canal system.

Established communities of the Hohokam included pithouse dwellings, ball courts (for ball games and social activities), common outdoor ovens and ramadas. Artifacts found in Hohokam villages include pottery vessels with elaborate designs of water birds, lizards, and human figures. Excavations indicate that there may have been wide trading networks as material with shells and stone not native to this area have been found in Hohokam sites.

Honey Bee Village was discovered as Oro Valley development increased. The land containing most of the site was designated for development but the importance of the find precipitated a need for preservation. Thirteen acres were acquired by Pima County as a permanent preserve through a land donation by the owner and Historic Preservation bonds approved by Oro Valley voters.

Honey Bee Village Archaeological Preserve was opened in March 2018 and is located just east of Rancho Vistoso and Moore Road. It is a walking trail loop that is ADA accessible and open to the public.

You can learn more about Honey Bee Village Archaeological Preserve HERE
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This month the Oro Valley Historical Society will feature an exhibit focusing on Native American Heritage. Many residents of Oro Valley are not familiar with the rich heritage of indigenous cultures going back thousands of years. The Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch will be open on Saturday, November 13 and Saturday, November 27 from 9 to noon. When you visit, be sure to see the facsimile pithouse in the Heritage Garden at Steam Pump Ranch. Find out what’s in your own backyard!