June 2024 E-Mail Newsletter

Communications Committee Image

Greetings from the Board – June 2024

Vistoso Board of Directors Logo
Matt Wood, VCA President
Center Pointe Neighborhood

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Update

We have heard several members ask, “What’s going on at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve?”  I have reached out to the Town of Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation Department and they provided the following update:

  • One of their employees is on the preserve every week for 10 to 15 hours checking on the restrooms, picking up obstacles on the path and emptying the trash, etc.
  • Restrooms 2 and 3 have new locks installed and are open from dawn to dusk.  The restroom near the old driving range needs a little more work before it can be opened.
  • The concrete paths repair project is under way and should be completed in the next 3 to 4 weeks.
  • A “Request for Qualifications” has been prepared and sent to a large number of contractors to create a pool of qualified contractors to bid on the big projects of taking down the bulkheads around the former pond and reshape the area to create the desert gardens and to start the process of preparing and hydroseeding the former greens, tees and fairways with natural desert seeds.
  • The Town Council approved $2 million for the capital improvement project(s) for fiscal 2024/25 and hopes to double that amount through grants. 

For more information or questions please contact Oro Valley Parks and Recreation at: [email protected]

Did You Know – June 2024

Rob Feltes – Sunset Ridge

Our Governor recently signed into law AZ HB 2298 requiring HOA membership vote to preserve HOA CC&R parking restrictions.  In 2025 members will be asked to vote to allow the VCA to continue current parking restrictions. If the vote does not pass, the Town of Oro Valley becomes responsible for enacting and enforcing parking restrictions.

The Vistoso Community Association members will be given the opportunity to have their voices heard in early 2025 prior to the Annual Meeting.  

Safe and efficient access for emergency personnel (Fire, Ambulance and Police)

Many narrow and winding roadways and neighborhoods within Rancho Vistoso were developed with the understanding that parking restrictions would be in place.  Allowing unrestricted parking on these streets may slow or hamper timely emergency vehicle response to member residences

Maintenance of member’s quality of life and property value.

The VCA staff and board of directors at Rancho Vistoso have successfully managed parking regulations as part of our charter since inception 25+ years ago. All residences within Rancho Vistoso provide for on-property vehicle parking areas to help keep roadways clear. Without effective parking restrictions and enforcement the following will congest our association roadways negatively impacting quality of life for our residents:

  • Non-operating vehicles
  • Seldom used vehicles and vehicle trailers
  • RVs and campers
  • Storage units
  • Boats on trailers
  • Vehicle hording
  • Unlicensed auto repair
  • Large commercial vehicles such as trucks and semi tractor trailers
  • Etc.

Look for additional information regarding the impact of AZ HR 2298 on the Vistoso Community Association in future Newsletters.

Snapshot – June 2024

Barbara Daoust
General Manager
First Service Residential

If you missed the May 30, 2024, VCA Annual Meeting, here are the highlights of the Manager’s Report. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June 27, 2024.

Announcement
On May 20, 2024, Timothy Holt joined the VCA team as Assistant Community Manager. A short bio is below.
Born in the Great Lakes region of Ohio, Timothy is a true desert transplant and has called Tucson, Arizona home now for over 20 years. With a background of property management, hospitality, and customer service, Timothy has showcased his passion for serving the community to his utmost ability. He enjoys nature & being outdoors along with traveling and experiencing the simple pleasures in life. He currently has three furry pets that he calls his children who are Jaydie, Arnie and Tito. His favorite color is Blue and loves seafood! He lives his life by reminding himself of a quote he came across in his early twenties and is this… ”Always be the student in life.”

Board of Directors
Ted Dann recently resigned from the VCA Board and Treasurer’s position. We thank him for his contributions and efforts in serving the members of the community. Joe Affinati was appointed Treasurer and Kathleen Hernandez as Secretary.

Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Streetlights
In March the VCA owned streetlights were shut off along RVB. Options are being explored on the removal and disposal of the poles along with an analysis for pulling copper wire from the system. Over the past three years the board has considered several options to address the streetlight issue. Currently management is soliciting proposals to relight the neighborhood monuments at Las Colinas,
Sunset Ridge and Vistoso Highlands that were tied into the streetlighting system.

Entryway Monuments
The board has selected AAA Landscape to refurbish the entry way monument located at RVB and Tangerine Roads. On May 17th the irrigation has been shut off to the RVB and Tangerine monuments in preparation of the project’s first phase to have the turf die. Granite will be installed along with low voltage lighting and plantings. The focus of this project is to reduce water consumption in this location.
Territorial Sign Company has completed refreshing the monument signs at RVB & Oracle, RVB &
Tangerine, and RVB & Vistoso Highlands.

Capital Projects
Irrigation – The irrigation repairs along Innovation Park Dr. and Desert Fairway have been completed by AAA Landscape. A walk-through inspection is scheduled for the week of May 20. On Innovation Park Dr approximately 2,100 linear feet of irrigation line was repaired and about 2,300 linear feet on the north side of Desert Fairway Dr between Toucan Dr. and W Sand Rake Dr was repaired. Gravel replenishment for both locations will take place within the next few weeks.

Granite Replenish Project – At the May 13,2024 meeting the board approved additional tonnage of granite to complete the project in the below areas. Walk-through inspections and punch lists have been completed for Hohokam, Sunset Ridge, Wildlife Ridge Parks and Woodshade Trail.
➢ Common areas bordering Innovation Park Drive between Rancho Vistoso Blvd & Tangerine
➢ Common areas bordering the perimeters of Bella Vista, St Andrews Ph1 & Ph2
➢ Eastern corner of Innovation and Rancho Vistoso Blvd
➢ Common areas tracts at Horizons & Vistoso Heights
➢ Common area tracts bordering streets (W Moore Rd, Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Arrowsmith, and Woodburne Ave) throughout neighborhood 7
➢ Wildlife Ridge Park
➢ Hohokam Park
➢ Sunset Ridge Park
➢ Woodshade Trail – Sunset Ridge Park to Rancho Vistoso Blvd
➢ Big Wash Park

2024 Projects– Bids are being solicited for concrete repairs for common areas throughout the community and two areas within Siena. Once we receive three bids from qualified vendors, copies will be presented to the board for review and consideration.

Tennis Court Resurface Project – Received signed contract from APEX and waiting for a scheduled date from the contractor. New nets for both courts have been ordered. Bids for the windscreens will be considered by the board at the May 30th meeting. Asphalt repairs for the 27 Mile parking pad are on hold until the drainage project is completed.

Erosion Projects
➢ Big View Ct. Channel – VCA received approval from the Town of Oro Valley to proceed with repairs per the engineering designs. Bidders have met with WLB, for final details. Out of five vendors only two indicated interests and will be submitting proposals within the next few weeks. We are presently seeking a third bid.
➢ 27 Mile – The Town of Oro Valley has reviewed the design plans and has provided a list of questions which have been forwarded to WLB for a response. Total Maintenance Erosion Control has been advised on the progress and continues to show interest in the project.
Once all questions have been addressed and VCA receives approval to proceed we will request Total Maintenance Erosion Control to update their estimate.
➢ Bridal Veil – The Town of Oro Valley has reviewed the preliminary plans for this project and has presented questions for Tracy Bogardus to address. The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to see the current direction of improvement for this drainage channel.

Builder Transitions
➢ The Town of Oro Valley still holds the Pulte bond for the west side of Moore Loop Road near the Valley Vista neighborhood. A request has been made to have Pulte clean up the right of way in this location.
➢ The VCA Board will be reviewing the final agreement between Mattamy and the association for turnover of the Moore Loop Park.

Critter of the Month for June 2024

Our Critter of the Month Article is a safety reminder about your pets and heat!

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dog Paws?

When the thermometer registers 85 degrees Fahrenheit and stays elevated throughout the day, taking your dog everywhere you go, even for a short outing, can be dangerous. Spending even a few minutes to meander through an outdoor event can prove hazardous. That’s because you’re wearing shoes to protect your feet, but your dog isn’t.

“Pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burn a dog’s paw pads,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC and an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care.

Click Here for heat related safety tips from the Humane Society.

A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife

We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 911 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.

OV Path Forward Results Are In!

The path to Oro Valley’s future starts here!

Over 3,000 residents shared their perspectives and expectations about Oro Valley’s future through the BIG Community Survey. Public safety and OV’s natural beauty are highly valued by residents. How can the Town make sure these values are maintained and expectations are met?

The survey is just one tool being used to gather resident feedback that will build the next 10-year community action plan, known as OV’s Path Forward.

There’s still time to share your ideas! Read the survey report and join the online conversation at www.OVPathForward.com

Click HERE to view the results.

Oro Valley 4th of July Celebration

July 4th is Just Around the Corner

Celebrate July 4th with Oro Valley!
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 4, 2024) – Join the Town of Oro Valley at James D. Kriegh Park for its annual July 4th Celebration. This free, family-friendly event begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, with live entertainment and fun activities throughout the night. Then, at 9 p.m., we’ll light up the sky with fireworks!

WHEN: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 5 – 9:20 p.m.

WHERE: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia

PARKING: All designated event parking is located off Calle Concordia at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center’s east and west lots, Canyon del Oro High School parking lots, and the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene lot. ADA parking will be available in the Aquatic Center east lot.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
5:00 PM: Let the fun begin!
6:15 – 7:15 PM: Live music by Lucky Devils Band (a popular cover band playing all your favorites)
7:15 – 7:45 PM: Intermission entertainment from Frank!Powers
7:45 – 8:45 PM: Live music by Lucky Devils Band
9:00 – 9:20 PM: Fireworks show

FREE ACTIVITIES: Fireworks, live music, kids crafts, lawn games, and much more!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Food will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks, and a beer garden will be available for adults 21+.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES: Make sure you come prepared for the heat! The Town of Oro Valley encourages everyone to bring adequate water and sunscreen. In case you run out, we’ve got you covered; free water and sunscreen will be available at hydration stations.

For your safety, and the safety of others, the following are NOT permitted at this event: No pets No outside alcohol No smoking No personal shade covers (e.g. tents) No glass containers No personal fireworks (including sparklers) Coolers are permitted but will be subject to inspection.

ORO VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER: Enjoy reduced admission on July 4th, from noon to 5 p.m. ($1 for children, $3 for adults). The splash pad, waterslide and diving boards will be open. The Aquatic Center will close at 5 p.m. for the event.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Lisa Bayless Realtor, Fireworks Sponsor Tucson Local Media, Print Media Sponsor For more information, visit the Town’s event page: Oro Valley July 4th Celebration. For any questions, please contact Oro Valley Parks and Recreation at 520-229-5050.

Rancho Vistoso Fourth of July 2024

Rancho Vistoso 4th of July

This July 4th is the 248th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence and a day worth of celebrating with friends and family. Some VCA residents will want to light up some fireworks to celebrate.

When celebrating, be sure to keep your neighbors in mind. Be respectful by being aware of your noise level and ending your festivities at a reasonable hour. Also, fireworks aren’t fun for many of our furry friends. Keep pets locked up safely inside your home to prevent them from running away or getting lost and injured. Also, if your dog or cat seems particularly sensitive to fireworks, you can consult your vet for tips to help ease their anxiety.

If you would like to reserve a ramada for celebrations at Wildlife Ridge, Hohokam, and Moore Loop Parks, make sure to contact the VCA Office to make a reservation. For any questions, please contact the VCA Office at (520) 354 -2729 or [email protected].

Remember holiday decorations can be installed 30 days prior to the recognized holiday and must be removed 20 days after the holiday associated with the decorations.

There are some great fireworks displays around our community this year. Hopefully, we can all enjoy them and have a safe and fun holiday celebration.

New Oro Valley mural commemorates 50th Anniversary

 The Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) are proud to announce the completion of a new commemorative mural on the Oro Valley Aquatic Center building at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia. Created by local artist Ashley White, the mural captures the Town’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

The three-panel mural wraps around the southwest corner of the Aquatic Center, facing both Calle Concordia and the park’s entryway, offering a picturesque view and a great photo opportunity.

Click HERE for more information.

OV Police CrimeFighter Newsletter

The Oro Valley Police Department publishes a monthly newsletter.

Topics in the June Newsletter include:

  • Summer Water Safety
  • Preparing Your Home for Vacation
  • Question & Answer

Click HERE to view and subscribe to the newsletters.

OV Rec Center Updates

  • Aquatic Center Updates
  • The Aquatic Center schedule will be changing for the summer season! For details, visit www.OroValleyAZ.gov/Aquatics

In addition to lap swimming make sure to check out our new classes. Get enrolled at PlayOV.com.

Pickleball Updates – Open Play Schedule

  • Monday – Saturday: 6 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    • Courts 1-6: Intermediate/Advanced | Courts 7-10: Beginner/Intermediate
  • Evening Open Play on Courts 1-6:
    • Tuesday 5-8 p.m. All Levels
    • Wednesday 5-8 p.m. All Levels
    • Friday 5-8 p.m. Beginners

Tuesday Morning Open Play Beginning May 14
As of May 14, open play is now be available on Tuesday mornings until 11 a.m. Please note that when leagues return, it is likely that Tuesday mornings will no longer be available for open play. Please see the note below regarding leagues. 

 SENIOR PROGRAMS THROUGH OV PARKS & RECREATION
Oro Valley Parks & Recreation offers many senior-oriented activities and programs, such as painting and drawing, photography, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities and more! The Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center now accepts SilverSneakers, Renew Active and SIlver&Fit. Click here to learn about the activities we offer!