Bits and Pieces

Grant awarded for ADA improvements at Vistoso Trails
The Oro Valley Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-42 in August, authorizing acceptance of a $144,500 grant from Arizona State Parks to fund ADA improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The project will cover pathway repairs, new safety signage, and the construction of compacted decomposed granite ADA trails. The Town’s contribution is $8,734.36, or about 5.7% of the $153,234 total cost. LOVE reported on this grant application back in March 2024, and now the funding has been awarded.

YouTuber confrontation moves to Sahuarita...with success

In April, we reported that a “YouTuber” had come to Oro Valley to “bait the cops.” We did not name the individual or their website because we did not want to draw traffic to their site.  That person was at it again—this time in Sahuarita. And this time, however, it looks like it worked. In early August, an incident occurred at the Sahuarita Police Department when the individual was forcibly removed and arrested from a public area by the Chief of Police. This in follow up to what appears to be a terribly botched Sahuarita Police welfare check on a home a year earlier. A video of the arrest incident and of the botch welfare check is available online. 

May 2025 Crime Statistics

Town attorney contract renewed
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-35 in August to renew the contract with Mesch Clark Rothschild, P.C. for another year of Town Attorney services. The firm has represented Oro Valley since September 2021, when it was first selected following a competitive process. Since then, the contract has been renewed annually, making this the fourth extension. Under the agreement, the Town pays a fixed rate of $1,025 per council meeting, with additional legal services billed at $200 per hour for attorneys and $120 per hour for paralegals.

School resource officer assigned to Leman Academy
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-40, in August authorizing an agreement with Leman Academy of Excellence to assign an Oro Valley police officer as a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). Leman was awarded a three-year School Safety Program grant from the Arizona Department of Education in 2023 to cover the cost of salary and benefits. The 2025–26 school year is the third year of this grant cycle. The grant reimburses the Town for salary and employee-related expenses, so this does not add costs beyond what is already budgeted.

Another Fiber right-of-way license granted
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-38 in August, authorizing a right-of-way license agreement with Ripple Fiber Arizona LLC. The license allows Ripple to install and maintain fiber-optic cable within Oro Valley rights-of-way to provide fiber-to-the-premise service. It runs for an initial 10-year term with three optional five-year renewals. Similar agreements were approved with Wyyerd Fiber and Novos Fiber, making Ripple the third provider licensed since June. Ripple will pay the Town $0.89 per linear foot of conduit installed, with annual reporting to verify total footage.

June 2025 Crime Statistics

Town Manager’s August report to Council highlights Fall start of Naranja MUP and more

The August executive report included several notable updates. The Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path, a $3.99 million project that is 91% grant funded, is scheduled to break ground this fall and be completed by March 2026. The Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System is also progressing, with more than seven miles of pipeline under construction and three recovery wells already drilled. When completed in mid-2026, this project will provide long-term water sustainability for more than 115,000 customers across Oro Valley and neighboring communities. The report also highlighted a record crowd of nearly 10,000 people at this year’s Independence Day celebration. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, August 2025)

Oro Valley employee guidance is not binding

Did you know that the town disclaims any information you receive in conversation, email, or a meeting with a Town employee? That such information is only preliminary and not binding? That it may not even be correct? According to the town, only a formal written determination from a Town Administrator is official. Staff comments or responses are not the same as legal documents, and the Town says that it cannot be held liable if informal guidance or information is wrong. As a result, you should independently verify information before relying on it. (Source: Town Disclaimer)

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While We Were Away...

Sidles and Adler retire

Longtime Town of Oro Valley employees Margie Adler and Tobin Sidles retired this August. Adler, who served as the town’s economic development specialist since 2015, was recognized for her dedication to helping local businesses and for delivering regular economic updates to the community. According to Mayor Hiremeth, Margit was "...the face of small business for Oro Valley." Sidles, the Town’s Legal Services Department Director, retired after 35 years of service and was honored with the State Bar of Arizona’s 2025 John Belatti Public Lawyer Career Achievement Award for his commitment to public service and ethical legal practice. Both leave behind strong legacies in their respective fields.

Naranja Drive path construction begins this fall

Construction of the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path is scheduled to begin in mid-September 2025, following the Oro Valley Town Council’s unanimous approval of final funding on June 30. The 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path will run along the north side of Naranja Drive from La Cañada Drive to First Avenue, providing safer access for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Nearly 91% of the project’s $3.99 million cost is covered by federal and regional transportation grants, with the Town contributing $341,000 through local project savings. The Arizona Department of Transportation will oversee the work, which is expected to be completed by March 2026. Town leaders say the new path will improve safety and connectivity for the community (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Napier announces candidacy for Mayor

There is an important election coming up this summer. It is an election for the mayor of the town. There are also three council seats that are up for election. Thirty-year  Oro Valley resident Mark Napier has announced that he will be running for council. In his August 13 Facebook announcement Napier notes: "Oro Valley has provided so much for my family and me over the years: Safe neighborhoods, beautiful open spaces, good parks, and an incredible sense of community. This is why I am running for Mayor in the August 2026 election - to ensure we preserve our community character and values, while responsibly and strategically planning for our future." (Source)

A few notable updates from the July town manager "Executive Report To Council"

Several smaller updates stand out in the July 2025 Town Manager’s Executive Report. The Town Council approved right-of-way license agreements for new high-speed internet providers, paving the way for expanded service in Oro Valley. Only two new short-term rental licenses were issued in June, with the vast majority of these rentals being single-family homes. Every available segment in the Town’s Adopt-A-Road program is now spoken for, reflecting strong community participation. Transit ride numbers increased slightly to nearly 68,000 rides in fiscal year 2024/25, though monthly usage appears to be leveling out.

Drones overhead? Know your rights

Oro Valley police addressed common concerns in the July 2025 CrimeFighter newsletter, reaffirming that drone flights over private property—such as backyard and rooftops—are legal under federal jurisdiction. As Oro Valley lies in Class G airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) holds controlling authority over drone operations, and the town does not impose additional airspace restrictions. While police oversee public safety in flight situations, they don’t regulate drone operations. The only limits are standard FAA rules: drones must fly below 400 feet, avoid sustained flights over people or moving vehicles, and refrain from capturing images inside private yards without consent. Homeowners uncomfortable with overhead drones are encouraged to reach out to OVPD for guidance. (Source: OVPD Crimefighter, July, 2025)

Pusch Ridge Golf Course seeks Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Certification

The Pusch Ridge Golf Course has joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, launching a comprehensive process to enhance wildlife habitat, promote conservation, and improve environmental stewardship. This signals a commitment to protecting the natural resources that make the course unique, benefiting not only golfers but also residents and wildlife. Achieving certification will mean the course meets high standards for habitat management, water conservation, and chemical safety. It will place Pusch Ridge among a select group of environmentally responsible courses in the region and show Oro Valley’s leadership in balancing recreation with conservation. The project will also offer new volunteer opportunities for those who want to support sustainability and help shape the future of the golf course. (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf media newsletter, 07-29-25)    

Draft of OV’s Path Forward coming later this fall

Residents can expect the full draft of OV’s Path Forward—Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan—to be released later this fall, offering the first comprehensive view of proposed goals, policies, and action steps developed with input from more than 100 residents during Phase 2 earlier this year . The initial 30% draft was completed by May 2025, and now includes 31 goals, 78 policies, and over 255 action items organized into themes such as sustainability, land use, parks, and public safety. The draft marks a point when the community can review, refine, and ensure that the final plan reflects residents’ priorities before it goes to a public vote in November 2026.

Oro Valley secures $3 million for water sustainability

The Oro Valley Water Utility has secured the full $3 million grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona to support the Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS). This grant was fully anticipated by the town and it's planning so it's no surprise. This regional project—done in partnership with Marana and the Metro Water District—will allow Oro Valley to store and recover renewable water supplies, significantly reducing groundwater pumping and helping stabilize aquifer levels. For residents, this means improved water security, better water quality, and less risk of land subsidence. The grant also eases long-term costs for customers by offsetting infrastructure expenses without requiring repayment. Once completed in mid-2026, the system will provide reliable renewable water to over 115,000 customers across northwest Tucson. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

The OVHS has had a very busy summer 

The Oro Valley Historical Society marked its 20th anniversary with a summer full of projects and community milestones. The Society launched a new website with the help of Red Coyote Services and dedicated volunteer Lynn Zoyiopoulos, rejuvenated the Heritage Garden with Home Depot’s support, and—thanks to a major Chamber of Commerce Foundation donation—installed eight new interpretive signs at Steam Pump Ranch. OVHS volunteers completed updates to the Procter-Leiber family tree, advanced the digitization of the Society’s historic records, and expanded outreach by meeting with other regional historical groups. They also hosted the Tucson Paranormal Society for a special museum investigation and celebrated Jim Williams, who received a national award for his book, “Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years.” All of this activity sets the stage for a full fall calendar, new exhibits, and collaborative events at Steam Pump Ranch. (Source: OVHS August 2025 Update).

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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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Guest View-Tony D'Angelo: What's Next For Community Center Operations

What’s Next for Community Center Operations?
There are two very different aspects of Parks and Recreation in Oro Valley. There are the traditional amenities—playgrounds, ball fields, trails, multi-use paths, and cultural venues like Steam Pump Ranch. Most of these assets are paid for by tax proceeds and grants. Only about 10% of operating costs and capital investments come from user fees.

Fee-Based Recreational Facilities
The other part of Parks and Recreation includes amenities for which users pay fees. These include the Community Center health club, the Overlook Restaurant, El Conquistador Golf, El Conquistador Tennis, pickleball courts, and the Aquatic Center. Because these facilities are owned and operated by the town, they are not considered “for profit” but are managed with the goal of offsetting most expenses through user fees. Currently, user fees cover approximately 60% of the costs associated with these assets. Not only do these assets meet the needs of Oro Valley residents, but they also attract and serve visitors. Should both aspects of Parks and Recreation be managed together and in the same way?

A Shift in Oro Valley's Growth
We are at a point in the evolution of Oro Valley where growth through land development is reaching its limit. To meet the future needs of our community, Economic Development is exploring alternative ways to generate revenue. Our fee-based community recreational assets already contribute to a tourism strategy.

Investing in Fee-Based Assets
Leveraging fee-based assets requires investments to maintain the quality needed to attract the desired audience. These facilities must be well-maintained, aggressively marketed, and managed in ways that balance their use to serve both residents and visitors. To achieve this, we should consider creating an enterprise entity for fee-based recreational assets to ensure they are mostly self-funded. This could involve establishing a separate taxing authority. Fees need to remain affordable for residents while being sufficient to cover operating costs and future capital needs to maintain the quality expected to attract and serve visitors and businesses in Oro Valley.

Current Management vs. Revenue Potential
Currently, revenue-generating assets are managed in the same way as non-revenue-generating facilities that are freely accessible to the community. The distinction between these types of assets is clear. For example, Kriegh Park is a general-use facility for baseball and softball, with a playground and walking path—all mostly free. In contrast, the adjacent Aquatic Center is a revenue-generating facility that hosts swim meets and supports the town’s sports tourism strategy.

Enhancing Economic Development
Revenue-generating facilities should be strategically used to support the town’s economic development, specifically through sports and recreational tourism. These facilities need focused attention to ensure they achieve the goal of bringing visitors and their spending to the community.

Proposal: A Commission That Reports to the Council
Assigning an accountable commission that reports to the council to oversee fee-based facilities from a business perspective is more appropriate than using valuable Town Council resources to discuss operational details, such as dust abatement on the El Conquistador Course. Many communities have established enterprise funds or similar oversight organizations to manage user-fee-based recreational operations. This model could be applied in Oro Valley.

The Challenge Ahead
Our Parks and Recreation staff does an excellent job managing a diverse range of assets. The challenge going forward is determining whether it is realistic for them to manage everything in a way that best serves both residents and the town’s economic future.

I believe exploring this alternative is worth debating.

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Tony D'Angelo is a long-time Oro Valley resident and President of the Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf. 

Still No Short Term “Fix” Announced For Pedestrian Safety At Naranja Park Entrance

Long term solution in sight… but no short term fix

Tomorrow night, the Oro Valley Town Council will approve an agreement that should be a long term fix to the problem of pedestrian safety at the entrance to Naranja Park. The plan is for that solution will be in place by the fall of 2025. In the meantime, despite the concerns of many, the town has announced nothing to improve pedestrian safety from now until then.

ADOT will build the path

The long term fix is an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to build a ten foot wide multi-use path (MUP) on the Northside of Naranja Drive. The two mile path path will run from LaCanada to First Avenue. Pedestrians using the path on that side of the road will be relatively safe. Hopefully, there will be some sidewalks and pedestrian controlled traffic lights so those  on the south side can safely cross to the MUP and the park walk-in entrance.

No cost to town

"The total project cost is estimated at $3,656,434 and is funded by federal Regional Transportation Alternatives Grants (RTAG) in the amount of $3,448,017 or 94.3% of the total project cost. The required local match will be funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funds in the amount of $208,417 or 5.7% of the total project cost." (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23) The council approved a resolution last November to receive the RTA funds. It is because of a federal funding requirements that ADOT will build the MUP.

Project has started but completion is a long way off

“ADOT advertised for a design consultant on May 8, 2023, and anticipates making a selection by May 29, 2023. The next steps will include a Project Assessment or Design Concept Report, clearances for environmental, right-of-way and utilities, and 30%, 60%, 95%, and 100% design submittals (as applicable). The schedule estimates that construction will be advertised in mid-August 2024 and start in November 2024. Construction is tentative to be complete in the summer to early fall of 2025.” (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23)

No fix in the works to improve pedestrian safety has been announced… one is in the works

The town has not announced any plan to improve pedestrian safety in the area.  However, we have learned that there is plan afoot to do something. We will inform you of this as we learn more.

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Bits and Pieces

New segment of The Loop adds safety, recreation connection in Oro Valley

"Oro Valley has a new half-mile multiuse path segment of The Chuck Huckelberry Loop that provides a quick and safe connection to the regional trail system. In partnership with the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, the new segment, which is north of the Oro Valley Hospital, extends the pathway further north and connects to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. Previously, users had to cycle or walk along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and through Big Wash, traveling over dirt sections, to directly connect to The Loop. The new segment is now paved and striped, separating users from the road." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Planning and Zoning Commission considers general plan amendment next week

The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a general plan amendment and two zoning changes for a parcel in Rancho Vistoso. The hearing is scheduled next Tuesday at 6pm in town council chambers.  The parcel is located south of Moore Loop Road. It is on the west bank of Big Wash. The land is designated in the 2016 General Plan for a school. However, the Amphi School District has concluded that one is not necessary. The land is now under the control of Vistoso Partners. The request is to rezone the land for medium density residential, the land designation prior to it being designated for a school. The plan is to build 59 homes on the property. Read more about this request here and here. This is yet another Paul Oland project.

Jacobs received compensation for 2022-23

Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison, responding to a question at the 2023 Town Manager Recommended Budget session in May, noted that former town manger Mary Jacobs has been receiving compensation from the town for the full year.  Jacobs left her post at the end of September.

New town manager Jeff Wilkins is expect to start mid month.

Kristy Diaz-Trahan Celebrates A Decade of Service and Extraordinary Change As Oro Valley Parks Leader

Diaz-Trahan celebrates a decade with Oro Valley 

Kristy Diaz-Trahan joined the Town of Oro Valley as the town's Director of Parks on February 4, 2013.  That's ten years ago. 

My, how things have changed... from then...

At that time, the town had completed the rehabilitation of the town pool. The town had two major parks: Kreigh Park, which the town got for free from the County; and Riverfront Park, which the town had built a few years prior. The town also had the county bond purchased Steam Pump Ranch. The town had several multi-use paths.

...To now... A decade of major change

Diaz-Trahan has overseen tremendous change in the town's parks facilities and programs. Today there is much more to Oro Valley's Parks and Recreation system. There is a community center building that houses an exercise facility, meeting rooms, golf retail, and a restaurant.  There are also two locations for tennis courts. Town has converted some of these to Pickleball courts.  There is a resturant. There are three town owned golf courses that comprise 45 holes. Naranja Park, which was a gravel pit when Diaz-Trahan joined, is being built into a regional park.  Diaz-Trahan is overseeing the conversion of the Vistoso Golf Course into the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Over the decade, the town has done much to increase its multi-use path and trails system.

Making Oro Valley's parks and recreation a source of economic vitality

When Diaz-Trahan joined the town, the focus of Parks and Recreation had been changed by then Mayor Hiremath. The focus had been to provide facilities and programs primarily for Oro Valley residents.  Hiremath wanted the town's parks facilities to be a revenue source for the town.  The thought was to use the facilities to bring those who live outside of Oro Valley into the community to spend their dollars. As reported in LOVE from our interview with her in March of 2013, Diaz-Trahan bought into that concept. She has implemented it. Today's majority council has retained that philosophy by not making any change to it. Thus, the creation of Naranja Park into a huge regional sports facility under their leadership.

Spending change from $2.8 million in 2013 to $15.4 million today

All of these changes have consequences in terms of the spending on Parks and Recreation by the town. The total Parks spending in 2013 was $2.8 million. The 2023-24 requested Town Manager Recommended Budged [TMRB] is $15.4 million. That is a five times increase. Total staff was 47 in 2013. The 2023-24 TMRB number is 69 staff. 

Rising to the challenge

It is hard to imagine that Diaz-Trahan anticipated all of the change that town councils have visited upon the parks department. None of these changes were envisioned in the town's 2006 or 2016 General Plans. The golf courses, tennis courts, and community center came about through a happenstance purchase from HSL Properties when it shed itself of these facilities for $1million in 2015. The Winfield Council decided to buildout Naranja Park through a $25 million bond offering in 2019. The town virtually had the Vistoso Property delivered to it so that the town could maintain and protect it in perpetuity in 2022. 

Nonetheless, Diaz-Trahan has risen to the challenge of helping to envision and create these facilities; and then to manage and operate them.

Add to this the major changes and increases in program offerings that Diaz-Trahan has authored and attendant increase in resident participation.

Congratulations Kristy....It's been an awesome decade of change

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley’s 21st annual State of the Town Address next week 

" ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Oct. 19, 2022) – Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield will deliver his fourth State of the Town Address on Thursday, Oct. 27 at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Mayor Joe Winfield will share a message based on the four pillars of local government: Economic Vitality and Fiscal responsibility; the Public Safety ecosystem; Public Works; and Parks and Recreation." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town of Oro Valley publishes “Know Your Town’s Budget” for Fiscal Year 2022/23 

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Oct. 18, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley’s Adopted Fiscal Year 2022/23 Budget has been published and is now available to residents. On June 15, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted the FY 2022/23 budget of $147.7 million. This is a $14.3 million, or an 8.8% decrease from the adopted FY 2021/22 budget that totaled $162 million. This decrease is due primarily to the Town Council approved one-time payment of $27.6 million in FY 2021/22 to eliminate the Town’s Public Safety Pension Retirement System unfunded pension liability."  View the budget.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

"Rock 4 Heroes"-A Huge Success

This past Sunday, organizers held "Rockin' 4 Heroes"at Kreigh Park. The event featured music and drink. The goal is to raise funds for a heroes memorial that will be be at Naranja Park. The Quinns are the Oro Valley couple that started this because they wanted to thank the first responders for taking such good care of their son when he was battling cancer. Unfortunately their son lost this battle the year before last year's event, but his legacy lives one. There were about 2,000 in attendance.  Read more about this great event next Thursday.

Dave Perry To Retire

Dave Perry is the President and CEO of the Greater  Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. He has been with the organization for 11 years. Dave and his wife Lisa live in Oro Valley.

Council agrees to move forward with negotiating for some properties for CDO to Greenock trail extension

The Oro Valley Town Council voted to move forward with discussions to acquire two small land parcels from an HOA and the Oro Valley Country Club. The cost, as reported in LOVE this past Wednesday, is $13,000 for these parcels. There are other parcels that need to be purchased from private land owners to complete the extension. The dollar amounts of these purchases have yet to be determined and will be brought before council when such is determined. 

This section of the trail will eventually be joined by other sections to complete a connection to Kreigh Park and to the Linda Vista Trailead.

Town To Consider Small Acquisition That Provides Big Benefit To Community

$13,000 to begin to create CDO Multi-Use Path connectivity
Tonight, the Town of Oro Valley Town Council will consider a small land acquisition. The acquisition is needed so that the town can connect the CDO multi-use path to Greenock Drive. Eventually, from there. the plan is to create a path to Kreigh Park. It is part of the town’s $25 million (now $43 million) Parks Bond Project. The amount of the land acquisition is $13,000. The land to be purchased is not the entire land needed across the wash, but it is a start.

 This trail connection is the only bond project that directly benefits those who live south of the CDO wash. Because of geography, they have no direct trail connectivity to the multi-use path or to any town amenity north of the CDO Wash. They gain no direct benefit from the golf courses’ irrigation replacement and the community center tennis court replacements unless they are paid members of the Community Center. Most of these residents are not.

They will get no benefit from Naranja Park, because they are far from it. They will get no benefit from an anticipated entertainment center in Oro Valley Village Center (formerly known as the Oro Valley Marketplace.) They are far from that. They get no benefit from the now town-owned Vistoso Preserve. They are far from that.

Should be a slam dunk but…

One would hope that authorizing Town staff to move forward with this purchase would be a slam dunk. But given the disastrous bond spending overrun on the golf courses, the tennis courts and the Naranja Park projects, one wonders if the council will flinch and not approve this modest amount; instead, choosing to defer it to “who knows when.”

The reason we say this is that Mayor Winfield stated two weeks ago that the town could delay doing anything on the trail extension to Kreigh Park. Last year, he “nixed” a Parks and Recreation plan concept to connect the multi-use path to Riverfront Park. The council has also ignored an opportunity to expand Kreigh Park. The town owns land that was given to it by the Amphi School District that it can use to expand the park; but it’s chosen not to do so even though it is detailed in the 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Neither the mayor nor any council member lives south of the CDO Wash. They don’t live in the original section of Oro Valley. They probably don’t recognize that the town has invested little in this area since rebuilding the aquatic center ten years ago.

At the same time, they seem to not be paying attention to the rapid development in this area of town. There is an Avilla Homes rental property being built in the area. There is the hill ordinance exception being requested to build 45 high density residential homes as we reported Monday. There is a recently completed storage facility. There is the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (“OVCN”) mega sports complex request that is going to be heard at some point. All of these projects are turning this section of Oro Valley into a mini-city, something that was never intended when Oro Valley was founded.

There is only one connection to the multi use path for those who live in this area’ and that is at the very end of a small residential section that is hardly accessible to anyone. It would really be nice for the town to step up and show that they have some interest in helping the residents of our community who likely will never benefit from the $43 million is being spent in Parks and Recreation funding.

Eleven Reasons For The Parks and Recreation Bond Project Spending Disaster

A disaster of their own making

We have identified eleven reasons why the spending for the park bond amenities got so far "out of wack" from reality. Most certainly, planning to spend $53 million when there is only $33 million available to spend is a disaster.

1.  Naranja Park costs a lot more to build than "guestimated"

As we detailed in our article Monday, the key spending problem is the anticipated cost of Naranja Park. That cost has doubled from what was "guestimated" in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It was that number, $17million, that the Council relied upon when the bonds were issued a year ago.

2.  No Naranja Park design in place to start

The Oro Valley Town Council agreed to move forward with the Naranja Park extension at a time when  there was no agreed upon design of what it was going to be. As a result, Council had no engineered cost estimate of what it would cost to build "it'. 

3.  Council ignored experienced advice

The Council ignored the advice of the only person on Council who has ever built anything of any significant magnitude. Council Member Solomon told them that they were going about this the wrong way. First, you design. Then you raise the funds. The Council voted to do the process backwards.

4. Cheap borrowing cost came at a price... Pressure to spend and build now!... "Haste Makes Waste"

Council Member Nicolson championed the concept that the town must borrow now because interest rates were cheap. He was right. Rates are higher today than they were in May, 2021. 

The price of borrowing was a commitment that 85% of the funds had to be spent within three years of the bond issuance. That is $21.25 million. That requirement put a "gun to the Council" to spend the money quickly.  It also meant that the town had to adopt a "construction manager is a risk" approach. This is a more costly process than the traditional building process. 

5. Inflation...shortages.. contingencies... design

According to Paul Keesler, Town of Oro Valley Director of Public Works, three items have worked together to increase cost 65%. [See panel right] The biggest culprit is an inflationary 30-40% increase in construction material cost. Timing has also hampered getting materials.

6. Naranja Park amenity scope creep

The scope of what is planned to be built has changed. The pump track is now an "all wheel space". The splash-pad is larger in size and includes shade sails, a ramada, and a bathroom. The cost of grading the land to which the dog park is being relocated is more than $1million.

7. Huge Naranja Park infrastructure cost of $11million

It is going to cost almost $11million to level the land and put in the utilities for the park. Certainly, someone should have known this when the original $17million total cost of the park was included as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Simply put: The cost of getting the land ready for the amenities was vastly more than guessed by the study's consultant.

8. Council never adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The Council decided not to approve the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This is a 10 year plan. The plan was developed by a consulting firm. There was ample resident input. This plan included a statistically valid set of resident wants. Instead of approving the plan, the Council voted unanimously (Solomon absent) to instruct town staff to use it as a guide for future planning.  Thus, there was no plan in place and Council was free to do as it wished. Which it did!

9.  Pet Projects

It is not possible to piece together a coherent, financially sound plan based on the wants of Council members, each of whom have their own pet projects. The splash pad, golf course irrigation replacement, and the "pump track" are examples of special projects that one Council member wanted that really were not the priorities of the community. Trails, on the other hand, are a major stated desire of the residents as shown in the Master Plan Survey. Trail development, however, has taken a "back seat" to all these other projects.

10.  No early warning of outrageous cost

Keesler asserted at the Council meeting that the first time he had a glimpse of what it would cost to "do" Naranja Park was on September 23. That's when all the designs were (sort of) "complete." But, the cost of doing the grading was known some time earlier because it was an ongoing activity for many months and contracts have been in place.  Former Town Manager Jacobs should have reported to Council that site preparation was going to be far more than the consultant "guestimated". 

11.  Locking in the use of the half of the half-percent sales tax for non golf purposes

The Council voted to apply one half of the half-percent community center/golf sales tax to non golf purposes. The noble goal was to let the 99% of the community who never use those facilities get some benefit from the tax. The town pledged this tax to pay back the Park Bonds. That's a 20 year commitment that can not be changed. 

So...what can be done

It is now up to the Council do something.  They only need to build what they are legally required to do in the bond indenture: Spend 85% of the funds in the manner as noted in the bond indenture and continue to pledge the quarter percent sales tax to repay the bonds. Otherwise, they can do as they wish regarding what to build and when to build it.

Some of the amenity building on Naranja Park can be deferred to future years' spending.  As a minimum, the current plan for relocating the dog park... building pristine roads... adding all four new fields can wait.  The Council can defer building the trails but that would  punish residents who actually want to walk or bike to our parks without getting hit by a car on Oracle Road.

Tough Council decisions, decisions of their own making.

They need to fix the problem.

Whatever they decide, the vote needs to be unanimous. No more blaming each other. Partisanship has to go.

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The Naranja Park Spending Disaster

Town of Oro Valley Faces Huge Funding Shortfall On Parks Bond Projects

Parks Bond estimated spending far exceeds funding

Last week, for the first time almost a year, the Oro Valley Town Council got a glimpse of what it is really going to cost to build the projects funded by the $25 million parks bond. It was a real eye opener for them.

The news is so bad that it is hard to know where to start. Here's what the Council learned.

There's an $18.2 million shortfall [see panel]. 

Spending is estimated at more than $51.4 million to fund the five Park Bond areas. Funding sources, which include the Park Bond money, are $33.1 million. The shortfall is $18.2 million.

Spending on golf course irrigation replacement and tennis course replacement assured

Spending on golf course irrigation and tennis court replacement at the Community Center is well underway. These projects will be completed in November and December, respectively. Their total cost is $12 million. All but $900,000 has been contracted. These projects are going to be built.

Naranja Park spending far more than "guestimated" by Parks and Recreation Study Consultant

The park that Council imagined when Council approved the bond is in jeopardy. The cost of that park has grown from a guestimated total spending of $17 million to an engineered estimated $33.7million.

Why the difference? According to Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler "The creation of the $17M estimate within the [Parks and Recreation Master Plan] study was completely generated by the consultant in 2018, using their historical data and their design assumptions. But at the end of the day, it’s only a study and actual engineering was not designed at that point."

Community Center Parking and Multi-Use Paths in jeopardy of not happening

The Parks Bond also included spending on the Community Center parking and some key additions to the town's multi-use system. Nothing has been done on these. Detailed construction design is not completed. It's anyone's guess as to what these will cost.

Town Staff recommends stripping back Naranja and cutting Multi-Use Path projects. Then, funding remaining shortfall through town's capital improvement funds

Staff recommended stripping back funding of $8.2 million from the Naranja Park Project and from the multi-use path projects. Then, they recommend using the $9.4 million from various town funds to cover the difference. The total of the two measures still results in a $2million shortfall [panel left]

Town Council requests revisit with staff

After a lengthy discussion, the Council asked staff to come back with more recommendations on what to do. 

This rather simple request came after various Council members blamed various other council members, town staff, the economy and anything else they could think to blame for this problem. Frankly, there is plenty of blame to share. 

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Tomorrow: The Naranja Park Spending Disaster

Wednesday: Eleven Reasons For The Parks and Recreation Bond Project Spending Disaster 

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Some links that might be of interest

5/10/21 Parks Bond Resolution (Panel)

7/21/21 Park Bond Amenities (Panel)

11/15/ 21 LOVE article: Town of Oro Valley Embarks on Ambitious Parks Projects

11/17/21 LOVE article Naranja Park Buildout Presents Huge Challenge

Bits and Pieces

OV SafeSteps program wins national award in communications and marketing

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Sept. 19, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that the OV SafeSteps program won first place in the 2022 City-County Communications & Marketing Association’s (3CMA) Savvy Award category of Communications and Marketing Tools: Printed Publications – COVID PR. The award was presented on September 7 at the 3CMA Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Register now for the Fall 2022 Community Academy 

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Sept. 21, 2022) – Would you like to know more about local government and the Oro Valley community? Then we invite you to register for the Town of Oro Valley’s Fall 2022 Community Academy. For 25 years, the Town has been hosting this free, informative series to help residents understand more about town governance, finances, development, zoning, parks, roadways and more. Please register by October 1 to reserve your spot. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Oro Valley shows outstanding financial results for fiscal 2022

Financial results for fiscal 2022, which ended on June 30, are being finalized. According to Assistant Finance Director Wendy Gomez, results are outstanding. General Fund Revenues [panel right],the town’s primary operating fund, exceeded budget by 18%, led by local sales tax revenues which were 31% over budget.  State shared revenues were 11% over budget.

General Funding spending was 5% under budget. This was caused by a shift in planned spending for Westward Look improvements, to this fiscal year; and a savings from not having to make a principal payment on the pension obligation bonds

Oro Valley Awarded $3.5 million for multi-use path

The Pima County Association of Governments (“PAG”) awarded the Town of Oro Valley $3.5 million for the construction of the multi-use path along Naranja, from First Avenue to La Canada. The award was based on a town submission that received quick turnaround, according to Town Manager Mary Jacobs. These are federal funds. (Source: Manager Report To Council, Town of Oro Valley Council meeting, 9-21-22)

Fall Parks and Recreation Program Guide is available on line

"This seasonal guide includes details on Oro Valley’s 2022 fall break camp options (registration now open), as well as upcoming community events, activities, facility information and more." View the program online here or download a pdf version here.

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Naranja Park Buildout Presents Huge Challenge

Three major sets of bond projects... Naranja buildout is the most challenging

The buildout of Naranja Park is the most challenging of the three sets of bond projects that the town will undertake, This is because it is the most complicated and the most time consuming.

According to town Public Works Director, Paul Keesler, a three year time horizon for Naranja Park build out is not possible if the town uses the normal “Design-bid-build“ approach to building facilities. The town plans to use the “Design-bid-build“ approach for the Community Center Improvements and Multi-use Path Connection projects.

The "Design-bid-build“ process is time consuming. First, a conceptual design is created; then a project design is prepared; next, a request for quotation to build is solicited. A bidder's conference occurs. Bids are obtained. A contractor is selected for negotiation. Negotiations occur. Finally, after many months of effort, a contract is signed after terms have been agreed upon by the town and the contractor.

Using a "Design-Build-Design" approach for Naranja Park

The town will use a different process for the Naranja Park build out. This is because there are many parts to the Naranja Park build out and only three years to get at least 85% of the work done.  Instead the Town is going to use a “construction management at risk” (CMAR) approach. The town used this approach in building the town’s aquatic center.

Addressing town council at as study session on November 3, Keesler described the CMAR approach: "We hire a designer at the onset of the project; also hire a contractor based on qualifications...They work as a team 'designing, constructing, designing and constructing' so that we get to start a whole lot sooner."

“We’re well on our way, but we have a lot going on in the next three years.”

Keesler presented a three year schedule for these project. Some work has already started.

Naranja Park built out schedule

Regarding Naranja Park, the town has hired an individual to be the construction manager. The individual has experience in CMAR projects. The town has hired McGann and Associates as the designer firm. The town will select the CMAR contractor by the end of this year. The plan for Naranja Park is to start the three plus year project next May and to keep the park open throughout the three year build out.

Golf course irrigation replacement schedule

The timetable for the golf course irrigation project is dictated by the golfing season. Summer is the lowest use period. Next summer the town will complete the irrigation for the El Conquistador Course. It will complete the irrigation for the Canada Course in the summer of 2023. The town has already bid this work and the council approved a contract of $7.8 million at the November 3 council meeting.

Multi-use path connection project schedule

The three multi-use path projects will be one over the three year period. The path connecting the CDO Multi-Use path to Kreigh Park will be the last of the three path projects because the town has no idea, at the moment if what will be the route of the path.

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The Town of Oro Valley Embarks On An Extraordinarily Ambitious Set of Parks Projects

Investment will result in massive change to the town's parks and recreation system over the next three years

Based on town council direction in July, and funding secured in September, Town of Oro Valley staff has embarked on a set of major parks projects. Over the next three plus years the town will build, upgrade and improve the town’s Parks and Recreation system. 

$25 million in spending from the parks bond...

The town will spend tens of millions of dollars in doing so. $25 million of this is from a bond that the town issued on September 22. Those monies are specifically to be used for three facilities: Naranja Park; Golf and the Community Center; and multi-use paths. The council has defined specific projects. (See panel) These projects can be changed by a future council as long as the funds are used to improve the facilities. The town is required to spend 85% of the $25 million within three years per bond requirements.

Plus another $6.9 million in non bond related projects this year

The town will also spend money from the annual parks and recreation budget for parks and recreation facilities. These are annual appropriations, subject to the discretion of the current and future councils. 

This year’s budget for parks and recreation capital improvements is $29.2 million. That includes spending of $22.3 million dollars from the bond funds. Thus, there is additional $6.9 million on projects this year that are not related to the projects reported in this article. (Source: 2021-22 Town of Oro Valley Final Budget, pages 225 and 230).

These non bond related projects are either lifecycle replacement projects or park improvement projects. This year's lifecycle replacement projects are the rehabilitation of the garage at Steam Pump Ranch, the rehabilitation of the BBQ and bunkhouses at Steam Pump Ranch, a playground upgrade at Kreigh Park, and an upgraded sanitation unit at the Aquatic Center. The sole parks improvement project is a hardscape walkway at Naranja Park.  (Source: 9/21/21 Town Council Agenda item 3)

Financial impact of the Vistoso Preserve is on the horizon

The operating cost and investment impact of adding the former Vistoso Golf Course to the town's parks and recreation system won't be known to the public until after the purchase occurs, hopefully early in 2022. There is work that the town will need to do there as the course has been abandoned for four years.  This will add to the complexity of what is already a very ambitious set of Oro Valley parks projects. 

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Wednesday, we explore the complexity of actually spending the $25 million bond funds and building the projects within a three year horizon.