Multi-use paths
Expanding Oro Valley's Multi-Use Path System
One of the things I love doing with my family is to cycle on safe, off street trails. This is also a high priority of the residents of Oro Valley, and is consistently mentioned in surveys that come back from the community. I share your passion for our network of multi-use paths and building connectivity throughout our community.
Multi-use paths are wide, off-road trails that provide safe recreation and transportation opportunities for residents of all ages, whether they are walking a dog, pushing a stroller, jogging, biking with family, or training as a serious cyclist.
Today, Oro Valley has more than 30 miles of connected off-street pathways linking neighborhoods to schools, parks, shopping centers, the Community and Recreation Center, Oro Valley Marketplace, Steam Pump Ranch, the Pima County Library, and the Post Office. The system also connects beyond Oro Valley to Marana's Santa Cruz River Trail and the regional Tucson Loop network.
These paths have become an important part of what makes Oro Valley a healthy, active, and connected community.
Oro Valley's multi-use path system did not happen overnight. The foundation was established in the Town's 2002 Trails Plan and has been advanced by multiple administrations over the years.
Since I was elected in 2018, our Council has continued that work by adding approximately 18 miles of new multi-use paths throughout the community. These projects have expanded recreational opportunities while improving safety by separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicle traffic.
The result is a transportation and recreation network that continues to grow and connect more residents to the places they use every day.
Multi-use paths are significant infrastructure investments. Constructing a path from scratch can cost approximately $1 million per mile, making partnerships and outside funding essential.
We have worked on council to successfully partner with a variety of agencies to expand the system, including:
Pima County Flood Control
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
By combining local investment with regional, county, and state funding sources, Oro Valley has been able to accelerate construction while maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars and install these additional miles of paths without any new taxes. The Town Council under my tenure has led the way in these partnerships and investments.
Since 2018 when I was elected, several significant projects have expanded Oro Valley's path network:
Tangerine Road and La Cholla Improvements
The ADOT widening of Tangerine Road between La Cañada Drive and Twin Peaks Road added approximately four miles of multi-use paths.
The La Cholla Boulevard improvements between Tangerine Road and the CDO Wash Path added another four miles of connected pathways.
Lambert Lane Connection
In 2021, Oro Valley completed approximately one mile of multi-use path along West Lambert Lane, connecting La Cholla Boulevard to La Cañada Drive.
Big Wash Path Extension
In 2023, we lobbied Pima County and they funded and completed approximately 1.5 miles of multi-use path through the Big Wash corridor, extending connectivity beneath Tangerine Road to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard.
Community Center Connection
In 2024, Oro Valley added approximately one-half mile of pathway along La Cañada Drive, connecting Canada Hills to the Community and Recreation Center.
Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path
In 2026, approximately 1.5 miles of new path will be constructed along the north side of Naranja Drive through a $4.6 million ADOT grant secured for the project. This project is nearly complete and open for use by the public.
One of the most unique additions to Oro Valley's trail system came through the preservation of the former Vistoso Golf Course.
The successful acquisition of the property by Oro Valley residents and the Town resulted in the creation of the 202-acre Vistoso Nature Preserve. Through that effort, approximately six miles of former golf cart paths became available for public use, providing residents with additional opportunities to enjoy walking, running, cycling, and wildlife viewing in a preserved natural setting.
Looking ahead, the recently approved Oro Valley Trails Master Plan provides a roadmap for the next generation of trail and pathway improvements throughout our community. The plan received extensive community involvement, and identified areas for future improvement and connectivity. I added a reference to it to the new General Plan to ensure it can be developed in the future.
By identifying future pathway connections and prioritizing strategic investments, the Master Plan will help close gaps in our existing network and make it easier for residents to safely travel throughout town. Future improvements include enhanced connectivity in Sun City with a multi-use path along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and expanding the Loop further north.
As we continue to pursue grants and partnerships with regional agencies, this plan positions Oro Valley to build upon the success of our existing multi-use path system and further enhance the active, outdoor lifestyle that residents value. I look forward to the opportunity to work to implement this master plan and continue building on the legacy of trails we have established in the future as Mayor of Oro Valley.
Investments in multi-use paths are investments in public safety, recreation, quality of life, and community connectivity. All improvements since 2018 have been accomplished without raising additional taxes.
As Oro Valley continues to grow, expanding and connecting our pathway network remains an important priority. Every new segment strengthens our ability to safely connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses, and regional trail systems while preserving the active lifestyle that makes Oro Valley such a desirable place to live.
The success of our multi-use path system demonstrates what can be accomplished through thoughtful planning, regional partnerships, and a long-term commitment to improving the quality of life for Oro Valley residents.