2014-2024

The 2020 Census showed Oro Valley at 47,070 residents, a maturing community approaching build-out of its undeveloped space.

Town government placed a greater focus on recreation.

In early 2015, the town purchased the El Conquistador Country Club, acquiring golf, tennis and swimming facilities. Today, the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center along La Canada serves people of all ages.

To improve Naranja Park, golf and other parks venues, the town council issued $25 million in bonds, to be repaid with revenue from the half-cent sales tax put in place at the time of the community center purchase.

Most recently, Oro Valley acquired 202 acres within the closed Golf Club at Vistoso, preserving open space at the foot of the Tortolita Mountains. Walkers, cyclists and birders have embraced the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.

Cyclists and walkers also celebrated completion of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop into Oro Valley. Today, the detached path system runs from Rancho Vistoso, in Oro Valley’s north end, beyond Ina at the south end, with mountain views throughout.

Oro Valley 2004-2013: A Visual Timeline

Children’s Museum Oro Valley opened, serving young people under age 5. It now enlivens Tohono Chul, another gem added to the community’s southern reach.

In that part of town, Oro Valley dedicated the Daniel G. Sharp Police Department Substation and Evidence Facility on Magee Road. Then it added a second major resort, annexing the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.

Schools blossomed. BASIS Oro Valley has become a nationally ranked high school. Innovation Academy, a K-5 STEM school, opened in Rancho Vistoso, as did Leman Academy of Excellence Oro Valley. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy grew along Oracle Road.

Higher education came to Oro Valley, too. In 2020, the University of Arizona opened its College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley’s Foothills Business Park, directly across from Steam Pump Ranch.