Oro Valley Set to Transform Former Vistoso Golf Course into Community Space
The Town of Oro Valley has exciting news for our community. The former Vistoso Golf Course is on its way to becoming a beloved spot for outdoor enjoyment. Thanks to a carefully negotiated settlement among four parties, the property is being purchased in two phases.
The Conservation Fund (TCF) has acquired 202 acres of the golf course, while developer Ross Rulney has taken ownership of a 6.3-acre former clubhouse area from Romspen Vistoso LLC. The Town of Oro Valley expects to officially own the 202 acres by the end of this year.
This project has been in the works since June 2020, with the Town Council working hard to secure a future for the property that benefits everyone. Town Manager Mary Jacobs expressed her gratitude for the community’s patience, saying, “This deal is a real win for the entire community. It will result in a unique passive recreation amenity, with walking and biking trails that our residents have been asking for.”
To kick things off, town staff will include funding in the upcoming fiscal budget for safety improvements. This includes repairing pathways, reopening restrooms, and maintaining open spaces. The area will be perfect for walking, biking, and bird watching. Once the area is safe and ready, residents can adopt sections of the trails through the Town’s Adopt-A-Program.
Looking ahead, there will be opportunities for the community to participate in developing a master plan and investment strategy for the space. This plan will unfold over the next two years.
Mayor Joe Winfield is excited about the potential of the space, noting its proximity to the Tortolita Mountains. “This property provides a tremendous opportunity for natural open space, extensive trails, and a wildlife corridor that will benefit our community for generations to come,” he said. He thanked everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to making this vision a reality.
Details of the Settlement Agreement
The settlement resolves disputes over Romspen’s fair market value claims and eliminates potential legal issues. It outlines commitments necessary for the deal, which can be viewed in full on the Town’s website. Read the full settlement agreement.
Background
The journey began in June 2020 when the Town Council directed efforts to preserve the property with TCF and Romspen. After initial challenges, the Council continued to push for a fair market value sale. Thanks to the resilience of all parties involved and generous community support, the former Vistoso Golf Course is set to become a treasured open space.
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