Golf Pays Its Way, Other Recreation "Pay To Play" Facilities Require Town Subsidies

Only one of three fee-based recreation facilities covers its ongoing operating costs

Oro Valley’s three primary fee-based recreation facilities, Golf, the Community and Recreation Center, and the Aquatic Center, do not perform the same financially. A first-ever Town financial analysis of the town's financial amenities shows that golf is the only one where revenues exceeded operating costs in fiscal year 2024-25. The Community and Recreation Center and the Aquatic Center both required Town funding to operate.

Aquatic Center requires substantial financial support 

The Aquatic Center had a net operating cost of about $1.12 million, with operating costs of about $1.63 million and exceeding  revenue of about $516,000, The Community and Recreation Center had a net operating cost of about $744,000, on $2.32 million in costs and $1.58 million in revenue. Together these "pay for play"  facilities required about $1.86 million in Town subsidy.  At the same time, there were 296 aquatic center paying members and 4,150 Community Center members. That was a subsidy per member of  $3,784 and $179 in 2025, respectively.

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Other recreational assets are free to residents

The analysis included other Town recreational assets: Steam Pump Ranch, Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, JDK Park, Naranja Park, and Riverfront Park. These facilities generally do not charge user fees and showed net operating costs ranging from about $163,000 for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve to about $560,000 for Steam Pump Ranch. Staff said that these types of amenities are expected to recover little of their costs because they are open and accessible to the public. According to staff, the value of these assets is not reflected in revenue generation but in community access and use.

Some amenity costs are directly tracked while others are allocated

Costs for major facilities such as golf, the Community and Recreation Center, and the Aquatic Center are largely based on directly tracked revenues and operating expenses. Greater use of allocation was required for parks and other shared services, where costs such as maintenance, utilities, and portions of staffing are not tracked by individual location. In those cases, staff assigned costs using estimates based on factors such as acreage, building size, and staff time. Staff said these allocations provide a reasonable overall picture, though they are not exact.

Analysis did not include estimated economic impact of events

One of the values assumed for the Aquatic Center is that it drives sales and bed tax revenues based on the events that it hosts. The Aquatic Center generates revenue from swim meets, team use, and other events. The report includes those revenues in total operating income but does not isolate how much is attributable to out-of-town visitors or measure any related economic activity, such as spending at local businesses.

Capital spending totaled about $2.9 million, largely tied to "Pay to Play" facility improvements
Capital spending for the recreational amenities included in the analysis totaled about $2.9 million in fiscal year 2024-25. Of that amount, the $2.02 million was reported under golf included approximately $1.2 million for an elevator and entryway project that serves access to the Community and Recreation Center. Other capital spending included and added $160,000 for the Community and Recreation Center, $378,000 for Steam Pump Ranch, and $328,000 for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. There was no capital spending for the Aquatic Center, JDKriegh Park, Naranja Park, or Riverfront Park.

Council views analysis as baseline for future funding decisions

The Council took no action after the presentation and asked few questions. Rather, they said that the analysis is a starting point for future budget discussions, noting that it provides a clearer picture of how individual amenities perform financially. Council members said the information will be useful as they consider funding levels, fees, and priorities in upcoming budget cycles. They also indicated interest in additional information, including how recent fee changes may affect future results.

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Publisher's Note: The financial results presented in this article were prepared by Town staff and presented to Council. They have not been independently audited, and we have no basis to challenge their validity. An ad hoc analysis of this type should be viewed as a general picture of results rather than precise measurements, particularly since many costs are allocated rather than directly tracked.

Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival Tomorrow At Kreigh Park
The Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival returns for its 11th year on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at James D. Kreigh Park (23 W. Calle Concordia), welcoming athletes from across the globe and bringing economic impact to the region.
This festival has grown into Southern Arizona’s premier triathlon and duathlon festival, attracting athletes from across the country and beyond. This year, 510 competitors from 32 states, Canada, and Poland, will take on the challenge, with ages ranging from 14 to 86 years old. Notably, 50 percent of participants are first-time participants, underscoring the event’s welcoming and inclusive nature.

Celebrate Oro Valley on April 12

Join the celebration: April 12, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, head to James D. Kriegh Park. It is the annual Celebrate Oro Valley event. This community celebration features various activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with fellow residents.  This event will feature crafts, games, inflatables for kids, a youth dodgeball tournament, food trucks, beer and wine and live music! (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation weekly email 3-13-25).

Recent police incidents highlight effective responses by OVPD

This month’s Oro Valley Town Manager’s Executive Report To Council highlighted several notable incidents managed by the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD). On February 20, OVPD coordinated with Marana Police and other agencies to apprehend a driver who had previously rammed a Marana police vehicle and evaded law enforcement. The suspect was safely taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault and unlawful flight. In another case, OVPD quickly resolved a residential burglary by tracing stolen items electronically, executing a search warrant, recovering the items, and arresting four burglary suspects. Additionally, proactive patrol efforts near apartment complexes experiencing vehicle break-ins led to the arrest of an individual for burglary, who was later also charged with smuggling drug paraphernalia into the jail. 

Cops on the job

Just this week, we saw just how efficient our police are when responding to traffic accidents. On Wednesday around 3 p.m., a car driven by someone clearly under the influence collided with a truck waiting in the middle lane at Magee and Oracle. By 4 p.m., the roads had been cleared, and the driver of the car was transported to the hospital. Ironically, the driver of the truck and their spouse were on their way to the auto mall to buy a new car. We had a chance to speak with them, and believe me, they were beside themselves. 

Town investigates multi unit short term rental violation
Several weeks ago, LOVE reported on a resident’s comments during the Call to Audience section of a recent town meeting. The resident spoke about what appeared to be a loophole in the town’s short-term rental ordinance. The resident expressed concern that a neighboring property had converted into three or possibly even four short-term rentals. In response, the Mayor instructed town staff to investigate. According to the latest Town Manager’s report, Oro Valley Code Enforcement has since inspected the property for potential code violations related to operating multi-family dwellings within a single-family zoning district. Staff confirmed that no permits were issued for such a conversion, and additional interior inspections are scheduled for this week to identify any further violations. (Source:  LOVE report, 02-27-25 and Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025)

Applications submitted for Oro Valley Village Center Apartments
A few months ago, LOVE anticipated significant activity this spring concerning the transformation of the Oro Valley Marketplace into the Oro Valley Village Center—and developments are now underway. HSL Properties has submitted formal applications for architectural design and development plans related to another Encantada apartment project. Located north of the current Encantada complex, the proposed project includes approximately 320 residential units, along with site improvements such as a public recreation area featuring a ramada, self-service bike repair station, and seating accessible from The Loop. The development plans, currently undergoing administrative review, will be checked for conformity with the updated Master Development Plan approved by the Town Council in November 2023. Architectural designs will subsequently be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025). There is also a hotel that whose planning is underway.

Brother Brother Oro Valley is watching you
If you regularly travel through the intersections at Innovation & Tangerine, La Cholla & Glover, and Westward Look & Ina, be sure to proceed carefully—Big Brother Oro Valley is now watching! The Town has installed Miovision and Honeywell cameras at these locations, enabling staff to keep an eye on traffic issues and resolve them quickly. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025).

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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. 

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

Council retains executive search firm to find new town manager

Ralph Anderson & ‘Associates (RAA) has been selected to manage the search for the next Town Manager of Oro Valley. Ms. Heather Renschler,  President/CEO and will be the principal consultant for the search. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Special Session, 11-10-22) 

Ms. Renschler presented an overview of the proposed process for the Town Manager search at last nights Town Council Special session. The process will include individual discussions with each council member and community outreach.

Aquatic Center to close in December/January

“The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be closed beginning December 5 through the end of January 2023, for improvements to the pump room circulation and filtration, along with general maintenance and cleaning...During the closure, all 6- and 12-month memberships paid in full will be extended for two months.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Sad situation: Celebrated retired 23-year Oro Valley police officer arrested in sex predators sting

Former Oro Valley police officer, Daniel Horetski was arrested this July 15 by Huron county Michigan police in a sex sting operation. According to a report, Horetski  engaged in online conversations with undercover police officers running a site for underage prostitution and went to a location to meet with one.(source). 

Horetski is charged with child sexual abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes, and using a computer to commit a crime. He faces up to 20 years in jail.  He was recently released on bail.

This is truly a sad situation. 

Horetski worked for the Department for 23 years. He retired on July 11, 2019 and was celebrated for his service (panel right). He served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at CDO for several years. There is a Facebook page celebrating his retirement.

Oro Valley Police Department Sergeant resigns amid investigation   

Sgt. Jose Sanchez resigned from the Department last week. The Department was investigating an allegation regarding an event that happened in September.  “On Sept. 6, Pima County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the scene of a hit-and-run collision involving a gray Honda Civic and a black pickup truck in the parking lot of Trident IV, in the 2900 block of West Ina Road at North Shannon Road” (Source)

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf implementing two years marketing plan

Friends of Pusch View have developed and are implementing a two year marketing plan. "The plan includes connecting with local hotels and apartment complexes to encourage hotel guest play; providing training and material to their team members; social media outreach; helping encourage kids’ play and much more!" (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf email)

Cornelison receives "40 and Under 40" Award
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 8, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that Interim Town Manager, Chris Cornelison, has recently been named one of the “40 Under 40” award recipients for 2022. Presented by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Star, the “40 under 40” award recognizes and celebrates young professionals for their leadership and community involvement. Cornelison will be recognized during the “40 under 40” Award breakfast on Tuesday, December 6. Cornelison has served the Town of Oro Valley for the past 10 years, with the past six in the capacity of Assistant/Deputy Town Manager. During the November 2, Town Council Meeting, he was appointed Interim Town Manager.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

TOWN SEEKS TO FILL VARIOUS APPOINTMENTS

The town is looking to fill seats on 2 voluntary committees.  Read our posting on appointments to Oro Valley's Board and Commissions before applying.

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June, 2014) - The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from local citizens who are interested in serving on a Board or Commission. Terms of office require that members be residents of the Town, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to the completion of the Town's Community Academy within their term.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has one (1) open position. HPC members serve three-year terms. The HPC was formed to promote the educational, cultural and economic welfare of Oro Valley by ensuring the preservation of historic buildings, districts, landmarks, structures, documents, photographs and other artifacts that represent the historic background and development of the greater Oro Valley area. HPC meets on the first Monday of every month at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) has one (1) open position. PRAB members serve two-year terms. The PRAB acts in an advisory capacity to the Town Council in matters pertaining to parks and recreation, park design, open space and trail use. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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3 Memory Care Facilities To Open In Oro Valley 

This link will bring you to an article that summarizes the 3 memory care facilities that are currently under construction in Oro Valley.
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Metropolitan Grill Closes..Chuy's To Open... But In A Different Location

Don't be going to Metropolitan Grill. It closed last week.  Read about it here.  Meanwhile, the latest Oro Valley Economic Commercial Project Status Report lists Chuy's Mesquite Broiler going into the Capin Car Wash Center on Oracle. That would be the fourth restaurant in this location. The other 3 never had sufficient business so survive.
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Celebrate July 4 In Oro Valley

The Town will host July 4 events at Kreigh Park.  Events start at 5:30 PM. Fireworks are at 9PM.
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Family summer passes and great programs at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center

"Oro Valley, Ariz. (June 4, 2014) - Summer's hot. We're cool! Join us at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center this summer for programs, classes and events to suit all ages and abilities. Looking for discounted rates for the family? Purchase a discounted summer family pass, valid now through August 10, 2014. Oro Valley residents pay just $155 for a family up to six people. A non-resident family pass is $180. Click here to view our summer flyer.

Need a place to party? The Oro Valley Aquatic Center is the perfect place to hold your summer birthday party, special event or corporate meeting. Visit us online to find out more about renting all or part of the facility.

Summer programs, classes & events:

• $5 Friday Family Nights 
• Amphibious Athletes Summer Camp 
• Infant survival swimming lessons 
• Red Cross certification classes 
• Reiki-In-The-Water SCUBA diving classes 
• Splash N' Dash Race Series 
• Swimming lessons - group and private Teen Nights Water aerobics and Pilates classes Year-round youth and adult swim teams"

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) June Deployments - Oracle Road at Magee and Suffolk

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 2, 2014) - The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) will continue with its High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) efforts during the month of June on Oracle Road at the Magee and Suffolk intersections. OVPD hopes to increase awareness and reduce collisions related to inattention, following too closely and failing to yield to other drivers. The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) will continue to participate and support the education/enforcement efforts.

OVPD and PCSD will deploy motorcycle officers on the following dates:

• June 11, 2014 4 - 7 p.m. 
•  June 17, 2014 7 - 10 a.m. 
•  June 24, 2014 4 - 7 p.m.

(Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

Bits and Pieces

February 6, 13 and 20:  
The Oro Valley Police Department Holds 3-Session Self-Defense Classes For Women

"This free, self-defense class is designed to empower women to fight back against crime with awareness, prevention and risk-avoidance. Attendees should wear comfortable workout attire, as this is a physical class which includes punching and kicking. Water will be provided; participants may bring snacks."

The course runs from 6-9 pm at the Oro Valley Public Library.

Minimum age for participation is 15.  Participation is limited to 20 enrollees. So, if you are interested register soon.  To register, contact Sergeant Amy Graham at 229-5080 or agraham@orovalleyaz.gov."

(Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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January 27:   Groundbreaking Ceremony For Naranja Park Planned

"On Monday, January 27, 2014 at 4 p.m., the Town of Oro Valley will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at Naranja Park, located at 660 W. Naranja Drive, east of La Cañada. Guests should turn north into the park, off Naranja, and follow signs to the parking area."(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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April 4: Oro Valley Sprint Triathalon

Fleet Feet Sports of Tucson is sponsoring the first Oro Valley Sprint Triathlon.    In is an 800 meter serpentine swim in the Oro Valley Aquatic Center,  a 14 mike bicycle course (two 7 mile loops) and a 3 mile run (two 1.5 mile loops).  Other Oro Valley business sponsors include Trek Bicycles, Summit Hut and Fairfield Inn & Suites.  Starting time is 6:30 a.m.
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April 26: Mud Run

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is sponsoring at 5K or 10K "perseverance" mud run, starting at 9 AM on April 26.  "Test your athleticism as you and your friends travail through our mud run’s 5K course, filled with mud, water, and lots of obstacles to test your patience, strength, and perseverance!"  It is open for all ages.  The event is sponsored by Oro Valley business, Discount Tire.
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Reports Of Tampering With Recall Signs

We have received a report of tampering with "Recall Zinkin" signs.  The recall PAC has the legal right to display these signs.  Tampering with a signs a criminal offense.  We recommend a "hands off" approach to these signs if you disagree with the statement expressed on the sign,
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Rabid Skunk In Catalina State Park

A skunk found in the middle of a trail at Catalina State Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21 has tested positive for rabies. (Oro Valley / Pima County Health Press Release; Article)
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Farmers Markets Business On Display

The Oro Valley Farmers Market is open from 9-1 pm tomorrow at Steam Pump Ranch.  Here are some businesses that were there last week.

Bits and Pieces

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What's a fast pool?

Its a pool where the fluid dynamics of the pool are such that water flow results in the least water resistance to swimmers.  Less water resistance means faster swim times in meets.

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center pool is, we've been told, the 2nd fastest pool is the state. The fastest pool is the ASU pool.

Here's two reasons why the Oro Valley Aquatic Center Pool is less water resistant. First, the lane markers are less water resistant than other types. Second, the design of the pool is such that water flows over the walls of the pool, into an overflow, and not against the poll wall, where the water would bounce back against the swimmer.
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"In an effort to be proactive in the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified employees, the Oro Valley Town Council recently approved $30,000 for an employee salary market study in its FY 2013-14 budget. The idea to fund a market study was initially laid out in the Council-approved 2013 Strategic Plan, which guides decision-making and resource management in pursuit of organizational goals over the next two to five years.

"Oro Valley's 2013 Strategic Plan, which was approved in January 2013, establishes the goal of attracting, engaging and retaining highly-qualified employees, which would be achieved by conducting "a market study of the Town's benchmark classifi­cations and make necessary pay grade adjustments as needed and based on ­fiscal resources."(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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June's month's Oro Valley crime statistics are available online.  Top crime by far: Larceny.
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One of our readers asked us what is being built on the northwest corner of LaCanada and Naranja.  We didn't know so we asked the town.  We learned that the owner received a grading permit for the property. We also learned that owner has not submitted any plans for construction on the site.  The property is zoned: "Commercial." It was considered, at one time, as a location for Golder Ranch Fire District.
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Bits and Pieces

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Last Week, Oro Valley Finance Chief, Stacey Lemos, reported to town council that actual Oro Valley sales revenues were less than projected because sales tax audit recoveries were less than expected. Her explanation: Some of the contractors being audited are not longer in business.
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Town Council still needs to decide if the town should "repay" the contingency fund for the $2.1 they agreed to pay TEP to fund the under-grounding of wires on Oracle and Tangerine.
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An article in the Daily Star discussed the development of almost 500 apartments coming to Oro Valley. We've discussed this in various prior postings.  Oro Valley is no longer a small town.  It is fast becoming a city.  The article is a puff-piece about the Steam Pump Ranch HSL Properties apartments. It extols the virtues of these upscale apartments and how needed they are because of all the business growth and Oro Valley.

Oro Valley's biggest challenge however is that it is landlocked. As we have already noted in a previous posting regarding safety this week, there's no easy way to get in and out of Oro Valley.   La Canada south of Ina Road is unusable and will be that way for another 18 months.   The reconstruction of the Ina and Oracle interchange has begun.  There are often long lines of traffic in all directions during the day.   The future doesn't look any better because there will still only be two southbound roads after these projects are completed.
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Oro Valley is launching The virtual art gallery—part of the Town’s new website. It can be found online. "Taking it a step further, the Town will also be hosting monthly public art tours, where residents and visitors can reserve a spot on a tour van for an in-person, narrated tour of the Town’s many public projects. Beginning May 23, 2013, and recurring on the 4th Thursday of each month, these free tours will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are limited to 12 people, and can be made online." (Town Of Oro Valley Press Release)  It will cost the town approximately $50 per month for this service.  (Source: Oro Valley Economic Development Department) That sounds low to us, given the cost of gas, insurance, drivers, maintenance.
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This morning, The Oro Valley Police Department  is hosting "Drug Awareness Day For Fifth Graders" at Riverfront Park from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.  "The Oro Valley Police Department's Dispose-A-Med program will also be on site to collect unused or expired medications for proper disposal." (The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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The The Oro Valley Police Department a list of the town's top 10 accident intersections for the first quarter of this year.  Here's the list.  Our advice: Driver Beware.

• Oracle and Magee                  12
• Oracle and Suffolk                   7
• Oracle and El Conqistador       6
• Oracle and Pusch View Ln      6
• Innovation and Tangerine        4
• Oracle and Steam Pump          4
• Tangerine and Rancho Vis      4
• La Canada and Naranja           3
• McGee and Northern              3
• Oracle and Hardy                   3

Its no coincidence that Oracle Road is the culprit in all but 3 listings.  Its huge volume of 50 mph traffic make it the ideal candidate for an accident/

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Shop Oro Valley runs from May 1 thru July 1.  "Participation is simple. Just bring your receipts to Oro Valley Town Hall, located at 11000 N. La Cañada Drive, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winners will be announced each Friday at 5 p.m. The final prize, a $500 Oro Valley Marketplace gift card donated by Vestar, will be announced on July 1, 2013. All weekly winners are eligible for the final drawing.." (Town Of Oro Valley press release)
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What A Party... Maybe Some Security Would Be Good

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Friday night. Town Of Oro Valley celebrated the opening of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. Saturday and Sunday it hosted its first major event.  We think all went well, with two exceptions: Security and Parking.

Friday night's event had 1,500 attendees.  The gathering was  highlighted by a ribbon cutting by the Mayor, Council Members, and town officials.

Mayor Hiremath opened the festivities by recognizing members of Council, past and present, that decided to build the facility.  That includes current members as well as Barry Gillaspie.  We had the chance to talk with Barry at the opening.  "This is just the kind of thing we should do for our residents," he noted.

 

Oro Valley Town Council Cuts The Ribbon

The facility looked great.  We were corrected by one attended who noted that the facility looked "spectacular."

It is spectacular.

The facility includes an Olympic 25x100 meter pool, a 25 meter lap pool, a splash pad for the kids, a huge water slide, ample rest room areas and a family changing room.

Saturday and Sunday, the Town hosted the 8-U state championships.  This included more than 200 children and their families. There were about 2,000 present.  There were 32 events held over the two days in 2, 4-hour periods.  The timing clock worked fine.  The stands, which are situated on the west side of the facility, were serviceable.  There is a fabulous view Pusch Ridge from the stands.

With two key adjustments, Oro Valley's new aquatic center should be open for major events.


Adjustment 1:  Require substantial security presence at all events

Saturday and Sunday, Oro Valley hosted 200 kids and their families.  All it takes in one wacko to wreak havoc.  There was no security presence at the entrance to the facility either day.  So, anyone could bring anything in anytime.  There is no other way to get into the facility.  So, security presence at the "door", like at other sporting venues, would make a preventive difference.

There were no personnel visibly designated as "security" at the event, as there are at public sporting events.  Visible police presence was almost non-existent.  There was only one female officer visible on Saturday. There was no visible police presence on Sunday.

In addition, there were no police cars on-site.  We know from our interview with Chief Sharp on the Oro Valley SRO program, that visibility is an important component of prevention.

Certainly, Oro Valley will want to require visible security at all sporting events.


Adjustment 2: Parking's a mess

Of course, as one would expect, there were some glitches we observed:  No coffee in the snack bar. An incomplete walkway from the stands to the deck on the south entrance to the stands.

Parking is a "big glitch."

The Park's parking lot holds, maybe, 100 cars.  An ice cream vendor had decided to park in a space directly in front of the facility.  Overflow parking went into the CDO abutting parking lot, which was full; or across Concordia on a neighborhood street.  There were no parking attendants so, really, you were on your own to find a space.  In addition, there were no walkways from the CDO lot if you walked along Calle Concordia; and no sidewalk from Calle Concordia into Kreigh Park.

Security and parking are certainly two areas that Town Council will want to consider as it debriefs on the opening of the center.
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