Oro Valley Embarks on Exciting New Chapter with Naranja Park Expansion
This past Mother’s Day was a joy for my family and me. After lunch, we gathered under the big willow tree in our front yard, sharing stories that brought us laughter and a few rosy cheeks. One favorite tale is “The time Kristy gave herself a black eye at the ball field.” Most of our cherished family stories have unfolded in parks, where we’ve spent great times with family and friends, old and new. Parks are where our little town gathers for fireworks and cheers at sports events, creating connections that last a lifetime.
Here in Oro Valley, we’re on the brink of creating even more memories with the exciting expansion of Naranja Park. This 206-acre gem, purchased two decades ago, is now ready for its final transformation! The journey began with a Parks and Recreation Master Plan process from 2019 to 2021, focusing on what our community truly desires. Listening to the residents, the Oro Valley Town Council approved $25 million in bond financing in May 2021 for park improvements and expansions. Don’t worry, this funding doesn’t mean higher taxes; it comes from the sales taxes the Town already collects.
Half of this investment is earmarked for the Naranja Park expansion. The rest will enhance the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center with projects like golf irrigation replacement, new tennis and pickleball courts, and a better parking lot. Plus, there will be multi-use path connections sprouting throughout town.
What’s coming to Naranja Park? Get ready for four multi-sport fields for games like soccer and football, six pickleball courts, a splash pad, basketball courts, a skate park, a pump track, and an inclusive ADA walkway. There will be ramadas for rent, new restrooms, a relocated remote-control flyer airstrip, and a fresh park entrance from Tangerine Road, complete with a multi-use path.
You might be curious about when this will all kick off. The good news is: very soon! We’ll break ground with the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, May 31, at 9 a.m., and you’re invited to join us at 810 W. Naranja Drive. This could be the beginning of new memories for you right here in Naranja Park.
The project is in the capable hands of McGann & Associates and Haydon Construction. Starting the week of May 23, Haydon will begin shaping the park’s new look, including elevating the landscape for added charm. To ensure safety, the northern part of the park will be fenced off as construction begins. We’ll also host community meetings to finalize designs for the skate/pump track park on May 26 and the splash pad (details coming soon). Keep an eye on our project page at www.orovalleyaz.gov by searching “NARANJA” for updates. You can also catch the latest news in our weekly Parks and Recreation e-blast and on our Parks Facebook Page.
This is an incredibly exciting time for Oro Valley, and as your Director of Parks and Recreation, I’m thrilled to take this next step with you. See you at the parks, Oro Valley!
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