OV secures $144K grant for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve improvements
Published on September 23, 2025
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Sept. 23, 2025) – The Town of Oro Valley has been awarded a $144,500 grant from Arizona State Parks to fund accessibility improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (VTNP).
The funding, provided through the Recreational Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation programs, will support existing pathway repairs, safety signage and the construction of a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant trail around the planned pond area. The pond is currently being designed and construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, with the ADA trail construction set to occur at the same time.
The Town will provide an $8,734 local match, bringing the total investment to $153,234. Oro Valley’s contribution accounts for only 5.7% of the overall project cost.
The grant will be coordinated alongside the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project, where consultant Kimley-Horn will incorporate the trail improvements into the overall site design.
“These improvements allow us to meet a critical need for ADA accessibility at Vistoso Trails,” said Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Director Roz Epting. “We’ve heard from residents that safe and accessible pathways are a top priority, and this grant allows us to deliver on that request with minimal cost to the Town.”
Enhancing accessibility at Vistoso Trails
The project includes:
- Pathway repairs: $58,695 to restore sections of the former golf course cart path.
- Safety signage: $2,700 to enhance visitor safety.
- New ADA trail: $91,839 to construct a pathway around the planned VTNP pond, ensuring expanded accessibility while preserving the natural desert setting.
“This grant helps us make the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve more accessible for all visitors while ensuring safety and enjoyment for years to come,” said Oro Valley Town Manager Jeff Wilkins. “We appreciate our partnership with Arizona State Parks in providing this much-needed grant funding, and I want to personally congratulate our Parks and Recreation team, Director Roz Epting and Deputy Director Matt Jankowski, for their commitment to securing this funding for VTNP improvements.”
About the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, located on the former Golf Club at Vistoso property, was permanently preserved in 2022 through a community-driven effort. The Preserve showcases the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, featuring a 6.2-mile, eight-foot-wide concrete pathway that winds through desert vegetation with views of the Catalina and Tortolita mountains. Visitors can also enjoy abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in this protected open space. The Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, with temporary parking available at 945 W. Vistoso Highlands Drive.
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