The Oro Valley Town Council advanced plans for the long-delayed Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve last week, reviewing updates for a 2.5-acre irrigation pond, walking paths and a memorial space, even as residents expressed frustration over slow progress and water-use concerns.

Rebecca Field, senior manager with consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, updated the council on the project, highlighting a new memorial space near the pond funded by a town resident, which will include amenities such as bike racks and benches. The project also includes restoration work, with improvements planned for the driving path and cart path shoulder.

The restoration plans are nearly complete at 90%, while the pond design is about 30% finished. The 8-foot-deep pond will feature water circulation that partly relies on irrigation from nearby landscaping to maintain turnover and will be surrounded by native plants. The pond will be filled with reclaimed water.

Field said her team aims to release the next stage of design in November and the final pond design in April 2026, though they are working to move that date back to February 2026. She attributed the extended timeline to the coordination required among engineers and a water quality expert.

“It looks like we’re about a month behind right now,” said Councilmember Mary Murphy. “I just want to make sure that November doesn’t turn into December or January.”

Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett expressed frustration that staff had shifted focus to other amenities, saying the council’s original April motion directed attention solely to the 2.5-acre pond this year, with additional features to be considered in future years. She added that she hopes to find a way to get construction started this year.

Public Works Director Paul Kessler said construction has not begun because the consultants have not yet completed their construction documents, unlike past projects that could start in multiple phases while planning was still underway. The pond design must address engineering challenges related to water turnover, without which it could become stagnant.

Field said she would have her team remove parts of the plan if the council requested a revised timeline, but added that she is most comfortable with the current schedule.

Several Oro Valley residents attended the meeting to express concerns about the project. Phil Zelensky said the project had been delayed for too long and that he had hoped to see construction begin by December.

“I’m discouraged, I’m disappointed, and I feel disrespected over this project,” Zelensky said.

Many residents who spoke expressed support for the pond project, believing that beautification of the area will create a community focal point, but also frustration with the lack of progress.

Charles Stack said he took issue with the entire project. An expert in water conservation engineering and toxicology, Stack said he had concerns about Colorado River water usage.

“This is a really bad time to be building a pond that’s going to rely on reclaimed or potable water, and that was discussed back in April. In this environment, water evaporates. The ponds across the state are having problems,” Stack said. “My biggest concern is using reclaimed water because of all the contamination, including PFAS. When water evaporates, the PFAS stays put and becomes more concentrated.”

Another point of contention is a planned parking lot along Keystone Springs. Resident Charlene Dovovan complained that the proposed lot site is right behind her home and those of her neighbors.

Mayor Joe Winfield said he was also opposed to the parking plan. He asked consultants to look at other options for parking and Town Manager Jeff Wilkins to work with staff to address the issue. Field said her team would work with staff to identify other options.

Winfield apologized to residents who felt discouraged by any part of the project.

“I know this is incredibly frustrating, and nobody more than (this council) would like to see stuff getting done on this site,” Winfield said. 

The council also unanimously voted to approve an amended draft of the community’s next 10-year action plan, known as OV’s Path Forward.

The plan is largely unchanged from the previous draft, with Principal Planner Milini Simms saying it broadens and clarifies the language, and that the changes were made with input from more than 300 Oro Valley residents.

Council members amended the language for the height guiding principle to reflect a balance between the community’s preference for one- and two-story buildings and the acceptance of three-story buildings where appropriate.

“The top priority throughout this entire process is creating a plan that represents Oro Valley residents,” Simms said.

The final draft of the plan will be presented to the council for approval next summer to put it on the November ballot for voter approval.

In Marana last week, the town council voted unanimously to approve the RTA Next Plan, as approved by the RTA board on Aug. 25.

Ian Stash is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at istash@arizona.edu.

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