Why Plan

Introduction: Why Plan for Paths and Trails

Growing an excellent paved path and unpaved trail system can be a daunting task when not properly planned. With Oro Valley’s last path and trail-focused planning effort in 2010, this new plan is necessary to ensure clear development strategies and plan systematic improvements, creation and extension of a network that connects parks, outdoor and cultural/shopping destinations, and provision of a satisfactory outdoor experience for residents. 

A robust trails and paths network can spur economic development and visitor spending, increase transportation options, improve health and wellness for residents, increase property values, and provide conservation and green resiliency benefits. Oro Valley, with a growing population and breathtaking natural features surrounding it, has an incredible opportunity to cement its paved path and unpaved trail system as a true jewel of the region.  

With the continued implementation of this plan, the Town is interconnected through trails and paths that tie together neighborhoods, serve as a gateway to Catalina State Park, the Santa Catalina and Tortolita Mountains, and state lands, and provide access to the Loop and regional routes. Nearby connections include Coronado National Forest, Catalina State Park, State lands, Honey Bee Canyon, and Dove Mountain. 

The Oro Valley Trails Connect Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-range strategy for the maintenance, optimization, and expansion of the Town’s trails and paths network. The Master Plan and the planning process enables the Town to identify the community’s vision, goals, and necessary actions to meet resident expectations. It enables decision makers to prioritize resource allocation decisions for existing and new facilities as well as programs, services, and overall maintenance. This Master Plan is heavily dependent on volunteer coordination and participation. The plan includes direction that provides the following for the community:

• Furthering of the Town residents' vision, goals, and tasks outlined in the General Plan (OV's Path Forward) and the OV Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Documentation of priorities, trends, and demands of OV residents and charts a long-range plan for accommodating anticipated needs and increased usage
• A developed plan for strategic placement of trails and paths to maximize connectivity, link key destinations, and improve accessibility and convenience for users
• Access to ongoing digital and app-based mapping showing current and proposed networks with trails, paths, and trailheads, and inventory of existing signage and other amenities
• Information about the needs of the Town's unpaved trails and paved paths systems
• Help to identify and mitigate environmental impacts of path and trail alignments, ensuring they are designed in ways that protect natural habitats, water resources, and minimize ecological disruption
• Information and mapping highlighting trailheads with parking and amenities identified, as well as ADA accessible points and routes, highlighting accessibility points throughout the systems
• A prioritized implementation plan that outlines projects, anticipated costs, potential funding sources, and operation and maintenance implications based on community needs
• A guide for future decisions about trails and paths facilities, infrastructure, programs, and services

Importance of Trails and Paths

Pathways and trails are an important asset to OV residents and the region as a whole due to their multifaceted benefits. Comprehensive planning of trails and paths systems allows the Town to prioritize connectivity and routes to places users most want to visit, plan for future easements and land usages to maximize strategic use and preservation of resources, increase user safety through proper mapping and planning, and more easily secure grants and funding opportunities.  

The 2021 OV Parks and Recreation Master Plan  identified “desire for a connected, accessible recreational trail system that also supports active transportation and safe routes to school” as a key community theme. The top potential improvement priorities for the parks and trails system without a tax increase were: 

• General repair and increased maintenance
• Improve existing trail systems
• Purchase land to preserve open space
• Add/expand trails/walking loops in existing parks
• This process also identified restroom buildings as a top unmet need throughout Oro Valley's parks and trails system

74% of participants in the OV’s Path Forward (the Town’s new general plan effort) outreach process believed that the Town should be known as an “outdoor/recreational community.” This identity can blossom as part of the Town’s tourism plan and have positive economic impact. With public and Town support in place, as well as an existing reputation as a cycling mecca and outdoor hotspot, the path and trails network can only improve with additional planning and standardization in place. As identified by participants in OV’s Path Forward, and this plan, paths and trails contribute to the livability, sustainability, connectivity, and vibrancy of the Town in several impactful ways: 

• Community: These spaces serve as communal areas where residents can interact and engage in various activities. They foster a sense of community, promote social interactions, and provide venues for gatherings of any kind. These spaces enhance civic engagement and allow people to feel a sense of place in their communities.  

Respondents during the public outreach process consistently reported just how important utilizing trails and paths were for frequenting local businesses, exploring their own neighborhoods, and making memories with their families.  

• Connectivity: Pathways and trails enhance connectivity by linking various neighborhoods, parks, and key locations. Improved connectivity makes it easier for residents to access services and destinations such as school, work, and shopping, cultural sites, and recreational areas. This fosters greater integration and cohesion within the Town and has a positive effect on the local economy by boosting tourism and foot traffic to nearby businesses.  

Many comments from the public requested greater connectivity around Town and beyond, and ranked increased connectivity to other paths/trails and cultural/shopping destinations as the number two and three top priorities for path and trail improvement. 

• Health Benefits: Pathways and trails greatly contribute to public health by promoting physical activity. They provide convenient and accessible areas for exercise, such as walking, jogging, and cycling. Engaging in these activities can lower the risk of chronic illnesses, enhance mental well-being, and support a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages in the Town.  

This is supported by residents as follows:  

• 81% of online survey respondents use paths and trails for walking, 55% for road biking, and 53% for hiking.  
• 67% reported tracking outdoor activities with health apps like Strava, showing how many residents utilize these networks for fitness. 

• Transportation Alternatives: Pathways and trails provide important alternatives to driving, offering safe and convenient routes for walking, biking, and other forms of non-motorized transportation. This shift helps alleviate traffic congestion to and from key destinations, contributing to better air quality and a lower overall greenhouse gas emission level. Providing alternative modes of transportation is more equitable and improves access to opportunities by connecting various parts of the Town and bridging gaps between different neighborhoods.  

Approximately 30% of residents during the public outreach process reported using paths and trails to connect to parks, other trails, and multi-use paths. Another 20% utilize them to connect to shopping destinations. Users asked for greater connectivity to be able to bike to work and school instead of drive. 

• Environmental Benefits: Green pathways and trails integrate natural elements into urban settings, which can mitigate the heat island effect, manage stormwater runoff more effectively, and support local flora and fauna. This contributes to a healthier urban ecosystem and promotes sustainability while providing an enjoyable way for people to get around.  

Many users praised the separation from roads and traffic for many routes throughout town, for a greater feeling of nature and safety. Others asked for increased signage educating about native plants and animal habitats. 

• Economic and Tourism Benefits: A quality paths and trails system can have real financial benefit for Oro Valley. The draw of a solid network can increase property values and attract new residents, boost visitor numbers and extend stays, enhance the Town’s reputation and branding, and create opportunities for hosted events and programming and eco-tourism educational programs. An economic analysis to measure the impact of paths and trails is recommended, and can parlay directly into the Town’s tourism plan and vision as an outdoor community. 

Using the Plan

This plan reflects ideas and suggestions from residents, user groups, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Town Council, and knowledge of current conditions and systems to create the vision and guiding principles (The Basics). These values and principles shape the Plan’s goals, implementation plans, and priorities for the future.  

OV Trails Connect Master Plan is meant to be a living document, guiding the development and growth of Oro Valley trails and paths over the next 10 years and beyond. However, as demographics, technologies, and community priorities evolve, it will become necessary to update the plan to ensure its relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with current and future needs. 

Looking ahead, this Plan will help guide decisions, implement actions, and maintain a united vision: 

• Residents and community members will reference the plan to advocate and hold the Town accountable for meeting its goals, policies, and actions.
• Developers will reference the plan to help guide the dedication of easements, construction paths, and trail/path connections on future projects.
• Regional partners including Pima and Pinal Counties, Catalina State Park, Arizona State Land Department, Town of Marana, US Forest Service, and Pima Association of Governments will use to plan and ensure connections and collaboration in the future.
• Town staff will use the plan to guide their recommendations, actions, and work plans.
• Boards, commissions, and the Town Council will use the plan to guide their decisions and actions.