Great news for Oro Valley! Mayor Joe Winfield has been named the 2024 Public Official of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA). This well-deserved recognition was announced at APRA’s annual conference on August 26, 2024, and highlights Mayor Winfield’s dedication to our community’s parks, recreation, and conservation efforts.
APRA’s awards program celebrates public officials and initiatives that enhance community life, focusing on parks, recreation, and cultural preservation. Mayor Winfield expressed his gratitude during his acceptance speech, emphasizing the hard work of Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation team. “Vision without action benefits no one,” he said, acknowledging their role in bringing our community’s vision to life by creating events and experiences that unite us.
Mayor Winfield’s nomination underscored his passionate advocacy for parks and conservation, significantly enriching the lives of both residents and visitors in Oro Valley. Under his leadership, several transformative projects have taken shape. These include the Naranja Park Expansion Project, which features a splash pad, skate park, pump track, pickleball courts, and a multi-sport field. Other key projects are the enhancement of the community’s multi-use path system, improvements at the Community and Recreation Center, and the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, which safeguards 202 acres of Sonoran Desert for all to enjoy.
Beyond infrastructure, Mayor Winfield strives to offer quality recreational spaces that promote outdoor enjoyment, community building, and overall well-being.
In more exciting news, Oro Valley’s Nature Camp has also been honored by APRA as the 2024 Outstanding Educational Program. This award spotlights the camp’s creative approach to instilling a love for nature and environmental responsibility among our town’s youth.
Held during fall and spring breaks, the Nature Camp offers full-day, immersive outdoor experiences at spots like Steam Pump Ranch, Catalina State Park, and Honeybee Canyon Park. Activities include hiking, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship, all designed to engage young minds. The camp’s success reflects the innovation and dedication of Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation staff.
Sources:
– Arizona Parks and Recreation Association
– Google Maps