UPDATE: Large dog park at Naranja Park will now close Sept. 27

Published on September 26, 2023

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Sept. 26, 2023) – In a press release dated Sept. 13, the Town of Oro Valley announced that the large dog park at Naranja Park would temporarily close for the reinstallation of grass; however, there has since been a change to the turf design, which requires additional trenching and irrigation installation. To accommodate these changes, the original Oct. 2 closure date has changed. Closure of the large dog park will now begin on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

The good news is there are no changes to the tentative re-open date on Nov. 3, and there are no changes to the turf installation size, which remains at 14,400 square feet of sod (120’x120’).

As a reminder, only the park for large dogs will be closed for improvements; the small dog park and the vulnerable/elderly dog park will remain open. The extended closure is needed for successful establishment and long-term sustainability of the new turf. The Town appreciates your patience as we work to further improve Naranja Park.

Accommodations for large dogs during the closure:

• Large dogs are allowed to use the vulnerable/elderly dog park for the duration of the closure.
• Vulnerable/elderly dogs and small dogs will share the small dog park.
• Owners of large dogs are also welcome to use the dog park at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia.

The updated project timeline is as follows:

• Large dog park closure begins Sept. 27
  The large dog park will close on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Town staff will be extend the existing irrigation, level the area and prepare the soil before the turf is installed. Once the turf is installed, it will be watered and fertilized for roughly four weeks.

• Large dog park tentatively reopens Nov. 3
  The large dog park area is tentatively scheduled to reopen to the public on Friday, Nov. 3. The recommended growth period for the turf is about four weeks from installation. Town staff will evaluate how the turf is growing to ensure the sod is established before the dog park reopens. If the closure needs to be extended, the Town will communicate the timeframe via social media, in the Parks and Recreation weekly email and on-site signage at the dog park.

For news and updates about the dog park grass reinstallation project, be sure to sign up for the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation weekly email by clicking this link, and follow Oro Valley Parks and Recreation on social media. 

Pictured: Naranja Park large dog park turf installation measurements