Oro Valley adopts OV Trails Connect master plan to expand multi-use paths, improve signage and increase ADA access

Council unanimously approved the OV Trails Connect Trails & Paths Master Plan after public comment from trail advocates and residents. Stakeholders, including Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists and local equestrian representatives, urged adoption and offered volunteer support.

Senior Planner Kyle Packer summarized the plan's outreach (an online survey with roughly 735 responses, trail-side chats and stakeholder meetings) and three key asset areas: multi-use paved paths, formalized unpaved trail corridors (including Big Wash and Honeybee), and loop connectivity and trailheads. Major actions include improved directional signage and maps, mile markers with QR codes, adding MUPs along arterial streets such as Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, expanded northern-loop connections through regional coordination, and ADA-accessible loops and trailheads with restrooms and parking where feasible.

Funding and implementation: Packer said implementation would proceed incrementally through annual strategic planning and rely on a mix of federal/state grants, regional partnerships, volunteer labor and town staff time; a Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommendation supported adoption. Councilmembers discussed tying the trails plan into the town's 10-year general plan implementation actions to avoid the plan becoming a report that sits on a shelf.

Vote and next steps: The motion to adopt passed 7-0. Staff said the PDF will be converted to an interactive online format and staff will provide periodic implementation updates to council.