2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Phase 1 To Assess What People Want

2020: What people want
The Town Of Oro Valley is developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The first phase of the plan is to determine what residents want. The town will approach this in several ways. One way is to do a statistically valid survey.

2014: What people wanted
The last survey was done in 2014. The most wanted items, those wanted by at least half the respondents are listed in the panel below.

Vice Mayor Barrett reminded us  in 2018 while a candidate for office of the 2014 survey results. "Far at the top were Playgrounds, Ramadas, and Walking Paths." Add to this list ballfields and basketball courts.

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Not on the most wanted list: A community center or municipal golf. Golf, in fact was rated as "not important" by 63% of the respondents.

The town built a plan for Parks and Recreation based on its existing facilities, the wants of the community, and the practical limitation that all facilities will be built on a pay as you go basis.

Then, in 2015 everything changed.

2015: An opportunistic purchase cast the plan aside
The opportunistic acquisition of the El Conquistador Country Club was at odds with the findings of the 2014 survey. Suddenly, golf and a community center jumped to the top of the list.

Mayor Satish Hiremath justified the "sudden turn" as fitting into the plan. He told LOVE that the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was "...a very unique opportunity for the Town to acquire a turn-key operation that will serve as the Community and Recreation Center." He then overstated the level of interest residents had in a community center telling LOVE that "Recent community survey results have indicated that the majority of our residents are interested in having a community center." Hiremath stated that "...Golf and Tennis fit into our strategy of youth and amateur events." (source)

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2016 General Plan provides guidance
The 2016 "Your Voice Our Future" General Plan was approved by the voters. The plan reaffirms the 2016 community survey results. It focuses Parks and Recreation on community events, outdoor recreation, the arts, and playing fields and courts.

The 2020 plan needs your input
The planning process is detailed on the town's website, planyourparksov. Do visit the site. Find ways to get involved. One thing you can do immediately send the town your ideas on what would you like Oro Valley Parks and Recreation to consider for future planning. Take the time to submit your thinking.

Remember: The plan considers more than just parks, golf, the community center and the aquatic center. It also includes Steam Pump Ranch and community events, such as holiday, running and bicycling events. It includes our trail system. It's for all of us of all all ages. So do think broadly and send in your thoughts.

We will be posting more about the master plan and the planning process in future love postings. Key word: 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
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Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Operations Span Many Activities at Net Cost of $5million

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

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

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

Source: Town of Oro Valley 2020 Budget
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• Canada Del Oro Riverfront Park (30 acres)
• CDO Shared Use Path (4 mile paved path)
• James D. Kriegh Park (20 acres)
• Honey Bee Canyon Park (77 acres)
• Naranja Park (213 acres)
• West Lambert Lane Park (40 acres of hiking)

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

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

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

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

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

Parks and Recreation Master Plan Is Taking Shape (Part 2)

This article is the second regarding the status of the development of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The first article appeared yesterday.

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Concept plans on display
Mike Svetz from Pros Consulting, the firm that is building the master plan, unveiled five concept plans during his discussion with the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Commission this past Tuesday.

Concept plans for the towns are site-by-site

He presented one plan for each of the five Oro Valley community parks. This is a sample of what is being proposed:

• Community Center would get a reconfigured parking lot and replaced tennis courts
• Kreigh Park would have basketball courts replacing the racquetball court, a relocated dog park and a new adventure play area
• Riverfront Park would have splash pad and a dog park. Consideration would be given to changing the soccer fields into diamond fields
• Steam Pump Ranch would have an upgraded area that is better organized for seating and possible relocation of the farmers market to the "panhandle" area
• Naranja Park, the town's only truly regional park, would continue on its building path: More fields, as skate park and better buffering to adjacent homes

Svetz included the following critical items in the concept plan. These are items that pose a risk or safety issue:

• Steam Pump Ranch update of the historical buildings' core
• Playground replacement at Kreigh Park
• Stabilizing erosion areas at Naranja Park

Spending is yet to be determine

The cost of the plan and the funding for such have yet to be determined. Regarding cost, Svetz stated that The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will have three "buckets" of spending. One will contain those items that are "life-cycle" replacements. The second will contain items that upgrade the town's parks. The third  will contain the continued spending needed to build Naranja Park.

The plan still has a long way to go...Virtual Meeting on November 12

Residents will have the opportunity to share their thinking. The town will host a virtual meeting on November 12 to discuss community needs, park classification, level of service standards, mapping and the framework for concept plans. The town will seek community input via the town's web site for a month, starting November 18. 

What's not in the plan

The plan does not include anything regarding the former Vistoso Golf Course land. This, we suspect, is because it would be unwise for the town to state a position on this while land sale negotiations, though on hold at the moment, are very much in play. The plan also did not include discussion of the program and cultural aspects of parks and recreation activities.

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How will this plan get the  town get to "Excellent"

The plan is based on a metric of the number of something in relation to a Pros Consulting standard For example, there is now one pickleball court per 7,600 residents. The Pros Consulting target is one per 4,000 residents. Therfore, according to Svetz, there is a need for eight more pickleball courts. That will bring the total to 14.  The panel that follows shows the recommended level by amenity.

What the discussion did not consider is how this plan, if implemented, will improve resident rating of the quality of recreation programs and services. According to a May staff presentation to council, only 2% of residents consider the current situation as "excellent." 91% give a current situation a fair or poor rating. "The national benchmark for excellent is 33%," according to that May staff presentation.

It is important, we think, for the plan to be measured against how it will help Oro Valley achieve excellence, rather than how it can meet or exceed "standards" for each amenity it could provide.

Winfield "Doubles Down" On His Support Of Municipal Golf

"No on wants our public courses to succeed more than I do"

“In October 2019, I approved the 36-holes of golf. No one wants our public golf courses to succeed more than I do.” 

Thus began Mayor Joe Winfield’s 8 minute explanation of why he supported spending almost $7.8 million to replace golf course irrigation. The council approved this expenditure by a 6-1 vote last week. 

“I also supported broadening the half percent sales tax, broadening to all parks and recreation, including the golf course irrigation. Delaying repairs will just cost more in the future.”

Reason: "Golf is the most popular sport in our community"

Referring to the public outreach that was on for the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan: “It does identify that golf is the most popular sport in our community.” It also identified many other resident needs parks and recreation items that are important to the community. “We did have a good response to each of these outreach efforts.”

Basis: As validated they the towns "statistically valid survey"

Winfield relies on the a resident survey that was done in the development of the town's Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 

“When I looked at the statistically valid survey, the thing that really stood out to me was that half our community doesn’t use any of these amenities.” Winfield noted that despite this 93% of the community (users and non users) indicated that the “Parks and Recreation System Program makes Oro Valley a more desirable place to live.” 

"Nothing I like to see more than people on our golf courses"

Winfield noted that he doesn’t use many of the town’s parks and recreation facilities but “I know that it is important to our community and I want to invest in all these parks and recreation facilities and amenities, including golf because I know that golf is important to our community. There’s nothing I like to see more than people on our golf courses.”

Winfield stated that 22% of the respondents to the survey use the golf facilities.”I get a little weary of hearing that it is only 300 people. That’s nonsense.” According the Winfield, the national statistic for that is 9%. “And our facility is 22%.”

“I wish this bond was 50 million"

Winfield would like to build every part of the master plan now. “I wish this bond was 50 million.”

Winfield applauded town staff for recommending that $4.5 million of the golf irrigation replacement come from the $25 million parks and recreation bond, with the remaining $4.3 million coming from available reserves.

Mayor Winfield is confident in town staff's ability to get the irrigation rebuilt. “If we leave it to our staff to get the job done, they’ll make it happen.”

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Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ A Partnership Gone Awry

The Historic Preservation Commission and the Historical Society are two separate organizations

The following Guest View discusses the relationship between the Town’s Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") and the Oro Valley Historical Society ("OVHS"). These are two separate organizations.

HPC is a town-run commission that “was formed to promote the educational, cultural and economic welfare of the Town of Oro Valley by insuring 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.”

The OVHS is a non-profit corporation whose mission "...is to promote research, preservation, education and dissemination of history related to the Greater Oro Valley area."

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In 2015, there was an agreed upon plan for OVHS to use the garage at Steam Pump Ranch

"When I [Mike Zinkin] was on the Oro Valley Town Council, I was the liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission and I was part of a group that helped update the Steam Pump Ranch (SPR) Master Plan in 2015. The group was headed up by Kristy Diaz-Trahen, the Parks and Rec Director and Corkey Poster, an architect.

The results of this plan are in the panel at right; and, as you can see in the legend, Item A4 cites a partnership with the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) to dedicate the garage to the OVHS for their offices, gallery, restrooms, and storage.

The OVHS goes back to 2005 when Jim Kriegh (Oro Valley’s founding father), Dr. Pat Spoerl, and  town resident Dick Eggerding, initiated the Society to preserve Oro Valley History and landmarks. In 2006 there was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the OVHS establishing a framework for the partnership. In 2009 a License Agreement was formed to allow the OVHS to, among other things, schedule tours, events, and plant in the Heritage Garden.

The Town has not done much to update and restore Steam Pump Ranch
At one time there was $400,000 in the Capital Improvement Plan to fund Ranch updates. However, it was decided by then Town Manager Greg Caton that the one-time revenues were not going to be as projected, therefore the improvements at SPR were canceled.

Town reneged on its promise to the Oro Valley Historical Society
In May 2020, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met to discuss updated plans for SPR. Included in this plan was a huge change to repurpose the SPR garage for Parks and Rec office spaces, thereby removing the OVHS from this space, relegating them instead to a one-room office in the Pusch House.

While this room is big enough for some storage, it is not big enough for the offices, meeting space, wet and dry labs, research room, and restroom that they were promised by the Town.

Not even a courtesy call to let OVHS know
This came without even a courtesy call to the OVHS advising them of the change. Imagine the shock to the OVHS who had donated $5,000 to help fund the updated assessment. (This money has since been returned to them and is partially being used to pay for rent on the storage room in the Pusch House, which had never been charged before).

Town Manager, Mary Jacobs cut out the citizen-driven OVHS from Steam Pump Ranch

Just how much office space does the Parks and Rec Department need? They already have space at Town Hall, Naranja Park, and the Aquatic Center. Nowadays, employees are working from home and that is becoming the new normal. But there is no space for the OVHS at Steam Pump Ranch? A facility that is on the National Register of Historic places? This is unconscionable.

What happened to the partnership between the Town of Oro Valley and the OVHS?
To quote from a May 2020 letter sent to the mayor and council by OVHS:

“We ask that the Town Council explain the decision for the Garage Building repurposing. We further ask that the Town and Parks and Recreation at least be honest about their intentions regarding our “partnership.” If this is something you would like to dissolve, at least be respectful and courteous enough to tell us so.”

To the best of my knowledge, the Town has never responded to that letter.

Who’s in charge?
The Historic Preservation Commission was involved in the plan to allow the OVHS to have space in the garage, yet it was the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) that reallocated them to a rent-paying room in the Pusch House. I wonder what Councilmember Steve Solomon thinks about all of this. He is the current Town Council liaison to the HPC.

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First "What The People Want" Deep Dive Brings Vistoso Golf To Forefront

Special interest marks first meeting
The Town of Oro Valley launched its first dive into learning what people want when it comes to Parks and Recreation. The deep dive occurred last Thursday at an open meeting session in town hall.  It was a first step in building the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. There were about a hundred people attending. We will report more about this meeting in a subsequent posting.

One of the things that we were looking for were the special interest groups at the meeting. This time it was the "Perserve Vistoso" people. They represent the residents of the Golf Course at Vistoso.

Golf Club at Vistoso residents want open space
The Golf Club at Vistoso closed in 2018. It closed because Oro Valley is overcapacity in golf facilities. Since that time, the land has been sitting, waiting for something to happen. It was a course built by Conley Wolfswinkel, the developer of  much of the Rancho Vistoso master planned community." It was owned by his sons. The Golf Club at Vistoso opened in 1995 and was designed by [golf pro] Tom Weiskopf." (source) The course simply could not remain competitive in what is a very competitive market.

Preserve Vistoso's concern is possible rezoning that may take place in the defunct Vistoso golf course; rezoning that would allow for development.

They are not advocating that the town should purchase the land or possibly operate a golf course.

One speaker at the meeting made their intent clear:

"I hope this study will underscore that Rancho Vistoso needs a large recreational area where we can enjoy the outdoors without having to dodge traffic. The former Vistoso Golf course could become an asset for our outdoor loving community. It has beautiful mountain views." (Source: Preserve Vistoso email)

Romspen wants to make money
The thing that stands in their way is that the property is now owned by an investment fund,

Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund ("Romspen"). Romspen purchased the property in 2014.  As of the summer of 2018, when the course closed, they had invested $9.5 million in it. (source)

Romspen needs to salvage a bad investment. They can do this by converting the land use from golf to residential. According to the Preserve Vistoso web site, Romspen is "... pursuing rezoning a substantial portion of the property for residential development.... to rezone 109 acres of the 208 acre property from recreational to a combination of low, medium, and medium-high density residences."

This step alone has the potential to put millions in profit in Romspen's pocket.

Romspen will have to "run the gantlet" to make land use change happen
There is more than "land rezoning" required. This will require a General Plan Amendment. That will required a 5 person council majority to approve the amendment. Then, it will required a 4 person council rezoning approval. Prior to all this, there will have to be a number of public meetings.

It's a long road and probably for Romspen, a road that will not be approved by this council. But, there will be future councils. Getting the plan designated as preserve land in the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be an added barrier for future councils to overlook.

Parks and Rec Draft Master Plan "Connects" Oro Valley

Recommendations link individual trails and trail segments

The Town of Oro Valley is unveiling it 2020 Parks and Recreation draft master plan in a study session before town council this Wednesday. The study is the result of a year long effort at the direction of the Oro Valley Town Council. 

Last week, LOVE summarized the draft master plan facilities conceptual plans. Today, we discuss the “Connectivity Analysis” of the town’s natural and multi-use paved trail system ("Trail System"). 

The town’s trail system is the highest parks and recreation priority

..as identified by Pros Consulting, the firm the town retained to create the master plan. They based their conclusion on community input that includes a random phone survey, community zoom meetings, and written public comment. 

There are fifteen recommendations

Pros has identified missing path trail segments; and opportunities to expand the existing trail system. These are shown as “A through O” on the panel at right. We’re highlighting five. You can read about the others and review the draft master plan here.

Five recommendations make a huge difference
Extend the CDO shared use path into Rancho Vistoso (Item D)
This has to be a relatively inexpensive yet very important step. There is about a half mile of paved path that connects the CDO Linear Park Shared Use Trail  to Big Wash. The trail runs on the east side of the wash. The paved portion runs west of the Oro Valley Hospital. The pavement ends a bit north of the hospital. 

There is about a half mile of unpaved path along the wash that extends from that. It connects to Rancho Vistoso Blvd, west of Vistoso Commerce Loop. 

When this small section is paved, Rancho Vistoso residents will be able to ride a bike to or walk to the Oro Valley Marketplace, Catalina State Park, Steam Pump Ranch, and the Rooney Ranch Shopping Center. If they are really ambitious, they can go all the way to the Tucson Mall and to the east side of Tucson if they want. They will be able to do this without ever being on a road way. 

The estimated cost of completing this trail is $750,000. This will be funded by Pima County.

Pedestrian bridge across the CDO wash (Item J)

This bridge will connect Riverfront Park to the CDO Linear Park Shared Use Trail.  
Currently, the only way to get from the shared use trail to Riverfront Park is to walk or ride along Lambert Lane and on a section of Oracle Road. 

The plan is for a path from the south side of the park to a bridge that crosses the CDO. If you were to walk this now, you would have to walk through the wash, which is not a simple task; and then scale a 10 foot wall to get to the path. Obviously, few had done this. The bridge opens easy access for those who want to park at Riverfront and walk or ride the CDO Linear Park Shared Use Trial. The estimated cost of this bridge is $1 million. However, funds may be available from the county to pay for it.

New shared use path connecting Kreigh Park to the Linda Vista Trailhead (Item L)
The best and really only way to safely access the Linda Vista Trailhead is by car. Otherwise you encounter the perils of walking or riding along Oracle Road. Sucking exhaust from cars on Oracle Road is not a fun thing! This new path would remove the problem providing easy access for all.  The estimated cost of this is $300,000.

New shared use path connecting CDO Linear Park Shared Use Trail to Kreigh Park (Item K)
This path would use existing roadways to connect the CDO Linear Park Shared Use Trail to Kreigh Park. It would access the path on the bridge next to the Oro Valley Country Club, connecting to existing roadways that lead to the park. These are quiet residential roads. The estimated cost is $1 million.

Convert the sidewalk on one side of Rancho Vistoso Blvd to a shared use path (Item A)
Currently, there are narrow sidewalks on either side of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. This item would widen one of these to be a path that would provide safe connection to Honey Bee Canyon Park, Honey Bee Preserve and schools. It will also link to the former Vistoso Golf Course. The estimated cost is $1.8 million.

Total Cost: $10 million

The total cost of the 15 items is approximately $10 million. Some of the funds for this would come from the county or grants.

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Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ Another Study Commissioned by Town Manager, Mary Jacobs

 

Parks and Recreation Study (2014)
Back in June 2014, the Town did a Parks and Recreation survey to ascertain what amenities and facilities the citizens desired in their Town. This is the survey where golf placed second to last (it placed 33 out of 34 items) only to have the Hiremath people purchase three golf courses (two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course) just six months later.

Housing Study for Main Streets Project (2016)
When the staff-initiated Main Streets project was still alive, there was a study that told us we needed more single-family housing. That has since gone by the wayside.

Parks and Recreation Study (2020)
In early 2020, when the Vistoso golf property was still in negotiations, Jacobs had a study done to see how the property could be used for Parks and Recreation purposes. The study showed that there was no need for any new parks north of Tangerine as there were plenty of neighborhood parks. This study was a waste of money since the property was not being purchased by the Town, and the Town was not a part of the dealings.

Another Parks and Rec Study (2020)
In June 2020, after many “flash surveys” which did not give Jacobs the results she wanted, she spent more taxpayer money on another Parks and Rec study. (The "Rancho Vistoso Golf Course Feasibility Study").

Town of Oro Valley Apartment Study (Fall 2020)
And now we have another study that tells us that we need more apartments in our Town. You can read that study HERE which includes information on how many apartments we currently have in Oro Valley, how many acres of vacant land are currently zoned for apartments, and concerns voiced by residents during public hearings.

The only valid study
We have a General plan that advises the government what the People desire. Does a “research group” know better than the People? Developers will go with the money and where the banks are lending. Oro Valley belongs to the People, not the developers, the banks, or the wishes of the staff.

Any government can hire a contractor or consultant or research group to give them the results they desire. But there is only one study that is valid because it reflects the desires of the People. It is called the GENERAL PLAN.

The town needs to stop all this government waste and look at the voter-approved General Plan for the answers that they seek.

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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.

The Rush To Complete Naranja Park Is On

The rush is on

The Town of Oro Valley at the urging of the the Oro Valley Town Council is rushing to complete Naranja Park. The goal is to complete the buildout of the park by 2024.  The town is moving forward without a council approved conceptual design. They are doing so without knowing what the cost of the buildout is going to be. They are doing so without knowing what the cost of maintaining whatever it is they are building will be. 

They are pressing forward with this massive undertaking at rapid pace. They are doing so that at a time of extraordinary high inflation, significant material shortages, and labor shortages. 

No approved conceptual design… and a council “in the weeds” 

Town staff presented the latest design to council at its April 6 study session.  The design is different from the design presented in the 2020-21 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. That is the plan that kicked off this rush to complete the facility. 

At the study session, Councilmembers presented their views on such items as where the dog park should be located, whether or not the “pump track” was big enough, and why the four new multipurpose fields could not be located a bit closer to the existing fields. Mayor Winfield suggested that staff could reduce one planned restroom if money needed to be saved on the project.

Barrett questions "all-at-once" site preparation cost

The first construction step is to prepare the site. That requires mass grading the site and building the underground utility infrastructure. Site preparation is costly. It does not result in any immediate benefit to the community. This concerns Vice Mayor Barrett.  At the meeting, she asked asked if the cost of this "all at once" site preparation approach would consume a large portion of the $15 million in bond funds that were earmarked for building the park.

Barrett did not receive a direct answer from Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, who is in charge of the project. Rather, Keesler explained that preparing the entire site was necessary because of the various grades of the existing land. One simply could not grade one area without impacting the other areas.

Barrett then observed: “If we are in a situation where the grading is going to eat most of [the bond money], and we’re still not able to put in at least a significant portion of the amenities, then I think we would need to come back and take a look at it."

Cost of the buildout  is unknown.. Our guess: $21 million

The cost of building the facility is unknown because the town does not know what the facility is going to look like. “Staff is putting in motion plans to get the final maximum bid price of our Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor, Haydon, so plans can be made to start the mobilization and then grading phase.” (Source).

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan estimated estimated a buildout cost $17 million. That estimate is a year old. In today’s dollars that would be $21 million, assuming a construction inflation rate of 20%. $15 million of that will come from the bond that was issued last summer. The remainder will come from town reserves. (Source)

Keesler confirmed that the Naranja Park buildout cost will be significantly more than anticipated even a year ago. "“I can guarantee you that Naranja Park will take the majority of the $25 million in park bond money.” According to Town Manager Jacobs. the cost is expected to be at least $5 million more than the allocated amount of $15 million.

According to Keesler, the biggest risk is the availability and cost of materials. "Everything is crystal ball…” at this point.

Cost of ongoing maintenance unknown

Since the town does not know what the site is going to look like, it does not know the cost of maintaining this extraordinarily large, amenity rich facility in a manner consistent with Oro Valley’s vision as a “Town of Excellence.”

We believe that there is a town requirement that the cost of maintaining major proposed public works projects be estimated before that project is approved by Council. And if there is not a requirement, then it most certainly should be one!

The only certainty: Town's communication outreach plan in place

About the only thing that is certain is the town's communication plan. “Once construction begins, the Hayden [CMAR Contractor] team will be providing weekly project reports to Town staff. The OV Communications team will summarize those reports into reader-friendly updates that will be posted to the project web page located here. Updates will also be included in the Parks and Recreation email blast as needed, and photos will occasionally be posted to social media to keep the community engaged and mindful of the project web page and the progress on this exciting amenity. Site signs will include a QR code to lead residents to the project page as well. To kick off the project and communication efforts, staff is planning a press release, an Explorer article and a podcast episode ahead of the May 31 groundbreaking ceremony.” (Source)

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Bits and Pieces

Colorado River Reservoirs Still Strained

As of August 10, the seven major reservoirs in the Colorado River system are only 39% full, holding 22.5 million acre-feet of water. That’s slightly less than a year ago, when they were at 41%. The two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, remain at just 31% of capacity each. Since the Colorado River is Oro Valley’s primary source of water, these persistently low levels highlight the continuing challenges of long-term water supply. (Source)

Community Academy returns this fall

The Town of Oro Valley’s Community Academy begins October 2 and runs through November 5. This year’s program offers nine classes, including new sessions on water and tourism. The Academy gives residents an inside look at how the Town operates, and many graduates later go on to serve on boards and commissions. Registration is available here.

Community Center Fund: Financial results for year even stronger than anticipated

In our September 3 report, we noted that town staff projected that the Community Center Fund was on track to add about $750,000 to reserves, ending fiscal 2025 with a $2.6 million balance. Final year-end results came in even better. Revenues reached $12.1 million, or 113% of budget, while expenses were 2% over plan. The fund added $1.1 million to reserves and closed the year with a $2.9 million balance. (Source: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 9, 2020)

Oro Valley Welcomes New Economic Development Manager

Sarah Denman has been introduced as the Town’s new Economic Development Program Manager, following Margie’s retirement. In her role, Denman will oversee the Town’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, co-manage the Shop Oro Valley campaign with the Chamber of Commerce, and assist businesses with site analysis, permitting, and resources. She brings experience from working with the City of Tucson, Pima County, Sahuarita, and AmeriCorps. Denman, who moved to Southern Arizona in 2020, holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona and looks forward to supporting Oro Valley’s business community. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Jankowski Named Outstanding Professional of the Year

Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Jankowski has been honored as the 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. The award recognizes his leadership and innovation since joining Oro Valley in 2018, where he has overseen major growth at the Community Center and Aquatic Center, secured nearly $1 million in upgrades, and helped bring a $1 million grant to develop a skate and bike park at Naranja Park. Jankowski also serves as Vice President of APRA and was recently appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council Approves Broadband Partnership

Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Pima County to join the Regional Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Project. The initiative will build a countywide fiber optic ring that enhances public safety communications, supports next-generation 911 services, and opens the door for expanded broadband access. Oro Valley will contribute $200,000 in FY 26–27 and provide in-kind support such as permitting and inspections. In return, the Town gains access to more reliable fiber infrastructure, improved digital equity, and long-term opportunities to attract businesses and expand internet service. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council meeting of 9-03-25)

RTA Next Plan of $3Billion Vote scheduled for March

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has unanimously referred the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Next plan to the March 2026 ballot. The plan is the result of years of meetings and negotiations among community and business leaders, including contributions from Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, who served as chair of the RTA Board, and Town Manager Jeff Wilkins, who provided technical input. Supporters describe the measure as a balanced plan that will benefit Oro Valley as well as the broader Pima County community. More information about the projects included in the plan is available at the RTA Next.

Bits and Pieces

Kreigh Park playground temporarily closing for upgrades
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Feb. 3, 2022) –– Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that the playground at James D. Kriegh Park will be replaced with brand-new playground structures, play surface and shade structure.

 
Before the new amenities can be installed, the existing playground and surface need to be removed. Because of that, the playground and ramada will be closed for construction starting Feb. 7. The upgraded playground is expected to reopen in late March.
The existing playground equipment is over 20 years old and was identified as needing to be replaced through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process that was conducted in 2020/2021.

 

Community input played an important role in the new playground design. Parks and Recreation created a survey for residents to pick different designs and amenities. Over 400 people responded with comments and feedback on the designs. The first option (shown below) received over 65% of the vote, making it the winner.

 
Construction updates along with closure/reopening announcements will be made on the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Facebook page. During construction, don’t forget that Oro Valley has additional playgrounds at Naranja Park and Riverfront Park.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release 2-3-22)

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Council approves removing HSL option to lease town courses (if town declares any one of them 
"discontinued")

"On April 23, 2015, the Town Council entered into a Purchase and Sales Agreement for the El Conquistador Country Club and Golf Courses with HSL El Conquistador Golf, LLC (HSL). The agreement contains provisions allowing HSL to lease from the Town the 9-hole Resort (Pusch) Golf Course and/or the La Canada Golf Course in the event the Town decided not to maintain them as golf courses. A similar provision is included for the tennis courts.

In January 2021, HSL opted not to exercise its right to operate/lease the Pusch Golf Course after the Town declared it a discontinued course, effectively extinguishing their option in the Agreement. During the Town Council's discussion regarding the installation of new irrigation for the La Canada and El Conquistador courses, Council expressed interest in inquiring of HSL their willingness to relinquish the same option on the La Canada course.

(source)

 
HSL agreed to do so.  Council approved the measure 6-1 at the meeting this past Wednesday.

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LaCanada awaits repaving after water break

The town has repaired the water line break that occurred on LaCanada, north of Lambert Lane. Contractors are awaiting warmer day temperatures to repave the road.

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Volunteers needed for senior programming task force

"Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers for a new taskforce to research and provide suggestions/feedback on senior program ideas. If you are interested, please contact Nancy Ellis at nellis@orovalleyaz.gov to request an application. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2022."

(Source)

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El Conquistador Resort hosts Golf Pro Tour All-Star Event on Pusch Ridge Course this month

The  El Conquistador Resort is hosting the second annual Disc Golf Pro Tour All-Star event. It will be held on the Pusch Ridge Golf course on February 11-13, 2022. The event will showcase some of the top disc golfers in the world as they compete in a unique format event that will kick off the 2022 season. Spectator tickets may be purchased here. Read more about this event here.

(source)

Disc Golf at Pusch Ridge Course Challenged by Homeowner Assocations

Town Staff not authorized to allow Disc Golf at Pusch Ridge Course

Several weeks ago we reported that the town was offering Disc Golf at the Pusch Ridge Course for the next four months.  We thought nothing of this. However, according to the homeowner associations that financially support the town’s golf courses, Disc Golf is not an approved use of the course and is causing problems for residents. 

Pusch Ridge Course is a single use facility

Speaking at last weeks Oro Valley Town Council meeting, Ray Dissinger, President of the El Conquistador Homeowners Association, and resident Chuck Crowley, speaking for Tony D’Angelo, President of the Group Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, noted that the Pusch Ridge Course designation in the 2020 Parks and Recreation master plan is “conservation area/trail park”. They noted that the Pusch Ridge Golf Course is designated in the plan as a single use facility. Further, they note, Disc Golf was not a planned use of the Pusch Ridge Course because it is not golf.

An “inside job” that was 18 months in the works

It appears that town staff moved forward with Disc Golf at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course on their own. They did not seek nor did they get the approval of those homeowner association who financially support it. Nor did they seek or get the approval of the town council.

Staff has been meeting with the group Tucson Disc Golf Club for the past year and a half to make Disc Golf a reality (see panel right). In their Facebook posting, the Tucson Disc Golf Club thanks members of their club for making his happen. According to D’Angelo, one of these people is a manager in the town’s Parks and Recreation Department,. D’Angelo wonders if the town Town Council is aware of the special relationship between the Tucson Disc Golf Club and this town staff member.

No advance discussion of Disc Golf with stakeholders

D’Angelo does not understand why the Parks and Department did not hold at least one meeting between residents and the Tucson Disc Golf Club , sponsor of Disc Golf, to discuss potential problems before starting the operation. He wonders why the town did not introduce their negotiating partners to the residents living adjacent to this facility. 

Is this really a four month test or is their more to it?

Given the fact that the Tucson Disc Golf Club has been working on this for a year and a half and has funded the equipment installation, it is surprising that the Parks and Recreation department has said that Disc Golf is a test for the next four months. D’Angelo wonders why a third party would invest this much for a simple test.  Is it the town’s expectation to operate both real and Disc Golf at the same time in the fall or is the true intention to replace golf with Disc Golf on a permanent basis? 

Disc Golf is already causing problems for homeowners

According to D’Angelo, Disc Golf is already causing problems.  Last week, a home was hit and damaged by several discs in just the first two days of Disc Golf operation. “Most alarming is that [the homeowner] had to stop two young men from climbing a tree to reach his elevated patio so they could retrieve a disc. This is not the only incident of Disc Golf players entering resident fenced patios to retrieve discs unannounced or uninvited.” 

Meanwhile town staff fails to focus on what is important for building a sustainable Pusch Ridge Golf Courxe

While all this has been happening, D’Angelo asserts that town staff  has spent very little time exploring how to make this golf course environmentally sustainable via turf reduction, improved water efficiency or bringing reclaimed water to the facility as staff was directed when the council approved a February 17, 2021 motion to reopen the golf course. There was no direction in that motion to look at alternative uses of the course.

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Bits and Pieces

Many in Oro Valley mourn the passing of Mr. Peanut
Last night, we learned of the death of Mr. Peanut in an upcoming Super Bowl add. He suffered a noble but tragic death, saving the life of two veteran celebrities. We fondly remember him standing tall in Times Square so many years ago. Mr. Peanut was remarkable in that he never aged. Simply amazing. Those of us in Oro Valley who knew him will miss this 104 year old icon. You can watch his tragic death here.

 Marana, like Oro Valley, faces water challenge to growth
The Town of Marana is racing to be big, possibly reaching 50,000 in population in a few years.

They are preparing a potable water study. According to town manager Mehta, the town has a fair amount of water reserves, but the study will look at how future demands might impact the system. It will also consider the Drought Contingency Plan, enacted by the state government in 2019.

"Another area where the town expects new growth is Dove Mountain, where there are 10,000 planned residential homes and nearly half of that amount is already built." (source)

Marana is bent on growth. Perhaps, if they have so much water, they should annex the State Lands.

We have no idea why growth is so important to desert communities. It makes no sense to drive growth in the desert. There just ain't enough water no matter what "they" tell you.

O'Halleran voted to impeach President Trump
Oro Valley is US House of Representative Arizona 1st District. It is huge, It runs from the Colorado border to Oro Valley. Our representative is Tom O'Halleran.

O'Halleran was one of the 229 democrat members of congress to vote in favor of impeaching President Trump (source).

We suppose that this makes you happy if you are a registered democratic and angry if you are a registered republican. For those of us who are independents, however, it sends a very different message as in: "Why can't we all just get along."

We have looked over O'Halleran's voting record. One thing he seems to have done for the 1st district is voting for the US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement, an agreement that was thought at one time to be impossible, an agreement brought about by the President he voted to impeach.

O'Halleran is running for reelection. He has three democratic challengers in the August primary. It will be interesting to see how they play against each other in the coming  months.

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Know Your Parks and Recreation Department
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation includes parks, facilities, and cultural activities. It is a centerpiece of our town. The town is embarking on a process of building a master plan. This will provide direction on where the town will invest in the coming years.

LOVE will be writing feature pieces about the department and about the master plan. You can read more about this Monday.

In the meantime, the panel at right is from Oro Valley 2020 budget. It details the towns Parks and Recreation goals for 2020.

Kudos to Oro Valley's Highway Department
The sinkhole that developed on El Conquistador Way, west of Oracle Rd was quickly repaired over a three day period by the very capable Oro Valley Highway Department. The repair looks great! Way to to, Oro Valley Highway Department.

Donate your fruit!

Click To Enlarge

We came across a suggestion on Nextdoor.com from one of our neighbors. It has to do with all the citrus that is ripening on our trees.

The idea. Donate the fruit you don't want.

The writer mentioned places you can take it. (panel left).

Donating is a lot better than throwing it away!

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Bits and Pieces

Lots Happening At Pusch Ridge Golf

The town’s Pusch View 9-hole golf course opens November 1. Prior to that, on October 30, the town is hosting a pre-opening golf event. It’s a sold out event! The group, “Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf” is also sponsoring the event. They have also announced three new golf leagues. You can learn more about that here.

Oro Valley average population is aging

This information just for the record. Based on the town’s 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 32% of residents are over 64. This population segment is expected to increase by about 1 percentage point each year through 2034.  During the same time period, the population of kids under 18 is expected to decrease from 16% to 12%. The vast majority of Oro Valley homes are situated on small lots, are smaller homes and have no place for kids to play. It may well be that the town’s housing stock simply is not attractive for younger families. (Source: 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, section 3.4.1)

Pima County no longer in severe drought

The monsoon rains have significantly changed the state’s official drought designations. Pima County has moved rom sever drought to abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. This is a huge change from just one year ago. Learn more here.

Five Reasons Parks and Rec Bond Project Priorities Could Change

Yesterday, we discussed the fact the council approved $25 million bond for parks and recreation improvements does not include a specific list of projects that are being funded. As a result, there is no enforceable promise that guarantees that the projects approved for bonding in July will happen.  

Today, we present five reasons why priorities could change.

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The "next council" might have a different set of priorities

The term of the two members of council who voted "no"on the bonding ends in 2024. Thus, they will be in office through the completion of most of the work. All they need are two new members of council who agree with their thinking to change the direction of the use of these bond funds.

Some of the items on the list of projects do not reflect the wishes of the residents

Council Member Solomon is focussed on what residents want. He bases his thinking on a town conducted statistically valid needs assessment that was done by an independent consultant for the town's 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. That survey classified facility needs into three categories (See panel right). Many of the items on the July approved priority list are either low or no priority. "My big objection is that this does not follow the statistically valid survey that was touted 'time and time and time again' through this council. Yet, after all of that, that is not the way priorities were set," according to Solomon speaking a last week’s town council meeting.

The town does not know what each project will cost yet they are raising money to fund the projects now

The town has "put the cart before the horse". The town has no true financial picture of what projects it can and can not afford.  This is because it is just now preparing revised estimates of construction costs, costs that may be much greater because of inflation. Council Member Solomon asked Town Finance Director Gephart last week what these estimates were. Gephart  stated that “I do not have a cost estimate...” of these items “… because we are still working through what this final project list is going to be.”  According to Gephart, the project list cost could well be more than originally estimated.

The town may need even more than $25 million for these projects. Funds may have to come from added sources.

$25 million may not be sufficient to pay for all of the cost of the projects because of inflation. According to Gephart, inflation may stay in the 5-7% range for the foreseeable future because government stimulus money has flooded the market.  “There is concern that with inflation, we are not going to complete all of the projects, amenities that have been approved.”

What happens if the town finds itself short of funds for these projects? According to Town Manager Mary Jacobs: “If we are not able to get everything done on the list, I will come back to council. We also have the opportunity for...” adding funds to complete these projects through future budgets. “Because these projects are going to go on over multiple years… We’ll have to budget the bond monies…and look for supplemental monies."

The town has no idea of what will be the cost of maintaining these facilities

The projects that will be funded by the bond are not fully defined nor have they been fully vetted per town policy.  Policy 1 of the town’s financial and budgetary policies states that all proposed projects should have “…all operations, maintenance and replacement costs shall be fully costed.” Town Finance Director Gephart stated that he had no idea of what these costs would be.

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Council Members Solomon and Green voted against the bond measure. Solomon summed up his reasoning.  "This is a pretty big wish list and we are not going to be able to afford all of this especially considering the operating cost.” After reminding the council that voters have always rejected bonding for parks projects at the ballot box, Solomon noted; "This is not what the community asked for. This bond is rushed through and no real financial analysis." If new council members next year agree with Council Members Solomon and Greene, then the allocation of the bond money will change.

Bits and Pieces

Check out the "Jim Horne" Oro Valley Podcast
Oro Valley resident Jim Horne as produced three podcasts to date. The first is about water. The second two are about Oro Valley history. Each podcast is an interview with a subject matter expert. The podcasts are informative, educational, and fun. You can listed to them on the Apple podcast or Spotify apps. Well worth your time.

El Conquistador Tennis had a great year
Jennifer Fuchs, owner-operator of El Conquistador Tennis, told us that things are going well. She leases the tennis facilities from the town. In a December message to members she wrote: "We thank you for another great year! Without all of your support, in so many areas, we would not be able to work with the greatest Tennis membership, residents and guests in such a beautiful environment." We wish her continued success in 2020.

Plan Your Parks Today
The Town Of Oro Valley is building a master plan for parks and recreation facilities. This as directed by town council.  "The purpose of the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment and Master Plan is to offer strategies and operational policies that provide guidance in order to meet the needs of current and future Oro Valley residents."

Visit PlanYouParksOV today to learn more about this and to participate.

It's your town.

Get in the game! (get the pun?)

Two Oracle Place (Formerly Platinum Fitness) to get a new look
The building that formerly housed Platinum Fitness is going to get an upgraded, more upscale look. According to the town: "The applicant has purchased the property and intends to redevelop the site as a mix of office, retail and restaurant space" (source). The pictures of the new facility show an astounding change. Here's one "before and after" rendering:

Councils Have Done Much To Build The Oro Valley Business Base But Results Have Not Happened

Economic Development continues at a slow pace

In March, the town issued seventeen single family residency permits. Also in March, there were few new business projects listed by the town. In total, businesses that are coming to Oro Valley are the same types of businesses that we reported in February.  We concluded then that most businesses that are opening in Oro Valley are focussed on serving the adult community (Read: "Oro Valley is an Adult Community")

Town Councils have tried to do much over the years to bring businesses to Oro Valley

"Rooftops strategy"

The Hiremath led councils embarked on a "grow the rooftops" strategy. The result of that strategy can be seen today with La Posada, a senior living that is is being built north of the CDO Wash, behind Home Depot. Yes. That project will bring more people to our community. But will it bring more businesses to the community or will it simply add to traffic in the area?

Two Economic Development Directors

The Winfield Council now has its second Oro Valley Economic Development Director. Neither the first Director nor the current Director have brought any significant business to our community with one exception, that being Leonardo Electronics. That company, however, has yet to break ground, though the project was announced in December of 2021. (Source: March Town of Oro Valley Economic Development Status Report.)

Easing requirements in economic enterprise zones

The Council, at the urging of former town manager Mary Jacobs and the then current Economic Development Director, eased the permitting codes ("EEZ"). That council approved blading the desert in Innovation Park to create "shovel-ready lots." The hope was that businesses would come to Oro Valley. After all, Oro Valley has an easier permitting process and land that is ready for construction. Well, that hasn't happened either.

A friendlier Planning and Zoning Department

Jacobs, under the Winfield Council, attempted to make it a bit easier for Developers to build in Oro Valley by putting the Planning and Zoning Department under the Director of Economic Development. The goals of Economic Development Department and Planning and Zoning Department are not the same. The Economic Development Department  seeks to build the commercial base of our community. The Planning and Zoning Department is supposed to make sure that whatever is built is built within code specifications. Their job is to protect the community, not to grow it.  Today, the Planning and Zoning Department tries to negotiate between residents and developers, rather than simply doing their code [and Genera Plan] enforcement job.

An example of this relates to the request of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene [OVCN] to rezone land next to the church at Concordia and Buena Vista so that they can build a major sports complex. The residents are united against this proposal. They have been steadfast in their position that there is no compromise that will result in their supporting that facility in that area. Yet, many times, the Planning and Zoning Department has talked with the residents, urging some sort of compromise. That is not the Planning and Zoning Department's job. Their job is to process the application in the same manner in which all such applications are processed. 

"Choose Oro Valley" Website

The town created a website that won an award from the Arizona Association of Economic Development. That website is chooseorovalley.com. The focus of that site is to attract bioscience companies, like Roche. It is quite comprehensive. One can see available sites and buildings and tax incentives. It displays Oro Valley's key industries.

The site falsely states that "the population of Oro Valley is balanced across all age segments." We know it is not balanced. Any business with a serious intent is going to look at the 2020 Census Data, like we did, and see that that statement is false. Indeed, even the town’s own Parks and Recreation Master Plan acknowledges that “…the town exhibits an unbalanced distribution among major age segments.”  We are an over 55 community.  Putting false information on the web sit reduces the credibility of all the information on the site.

Shovel ready sites

The first of the two Economic Development Directors convinced the Council that the reason Oro Valley was not being selected by companies was that the town had no “shovel ready sites.” These are sites that are graded without a specific site plan.  So, the town approved blading the desert in Innovation Park to do just that. This happened in September 2020.

Working with the State of Arizona

The town also receives leads from the State. None of these have panned out to date. Many of these leads seem to have more of an industrial need. Something Oro Valley doesn't want. It's important to face reality. Everybody wants clean businesses in technology. What makes Oro Valley unique? We don't know.

From Oro Valley Marketplace to Oro Valley Village Center

Last year the Council approved a bold revisioning of the failed Oro Valley Marketplace. It is call the Oro Valley Village Center. It is being revisioned on the premise that the area needs to build its own population density in order to support businesses in the center. The vision is for hotels and apartments, adding more density to the town. Nothing has happened to the Center since the approval.

The “Business Incubator”

In December of 2020  the University of Arizona opened a “business incubator” in Innovation Park to house startup companies . The hope is that one of the startups will take hold and flourish in Oro Vally, It is too soon to tell if this initiative will pay off.

Council's recent "Economic Vitality" revisit produces nothing new

Last week the Town Council held a study session on its strategic plan. "Economic Vitality" is one area they discussed. As Vice Mayor Barrett noted, the study session was an update of the existing strategy. The session was not a discussion on how to replace it.  The focus of the plan is to do the same things that the town has been doing to meet the following goals:

• Support local businesses
• Attract employers in key business sectors
• Attract commercial businesses to our centers
• Increase visitors (Via $400,000 annually given to  "Visit Tucson" to generate 28,000 hotel room nights. That's $14.29 per night.

To date, these actions have failed to produce significant tangible results

Town Councils have done much to build the business base in this town. Perhaps it is the impact of the Pandemic. Perhaps it is the impact of the three-year economic meltdown that has happened since the Pandemic. Regardless, the town has yet to see results in their efforts to bring significant new business to the community.

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