Survey results shed light on OV trail usage

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ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 8, 2025) – As part of the Town’s OV Trails Connect planning, a communitywide survey and various events were conducted in February and March 2025 to understand how residents use and experience Oro Valley’s trails and paved path network. The community is invited to join and further the conversation on May 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

OV Trails Connect is a resident-driven effort to enhance connectivity, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure that trails and multi-use paths serve users of all ages and abilities.

The draft Vision and Guiding Principles, survey results, as well as input from trailside chats and the first Trails Stakeholder Group meeting, are now available at OVTrailsConnect.com.

More than 735 community members completed the online survey, and hundreds of additional comments were shared through in-person trailside chats and the Town’s first Trails Stakeholder Group meeting in April. From hikers, walkers, runners and cyclists, to equestrians, participants shared how they use OV’s paths and what they’d like to see improved.

Key findings from the survey include:

•Maintaining existing trails and amenities is a top priority.

•Enhancing connectivity from neighborhoods directly to trails is a key priority for residents.

•Nearly half of respondents were willing to donate time and/or money to support the Town’s trails and paved paths programs.

The community’s voice has resulted in a Draft Vision and Guiding Principles for the OV Trails Connect Master Plan. The draft Vision is:

          Oro Valley residents value a comprehensive trails and paths network that brings all users into the scenic beauty of the desert environment. Through thoughtful planning and design, the network will be increasingly safe, interconnected, maintained, and accessible for all abilities. Enjoyable routes provide outdoor recreation, social interaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and a deeper connection to nature for generations.

What’s Next: Join the Conversation May 14

The Oro Valley community is invited to the next Trails Stakeholder Group meeting:

          May 14, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Virtual Zoom Meeting (link)

Let’s discuss the survey findings, as well as draft vision and guiding principles. All are welcome — residents, business owners, trail users, and community groups.

To learn more about the project and this upcoming meeting, please check out the following:

•Survey report and draft Vision and Guiding Principles at OVTrailsConnect.com.

•Share your feedback on the interactive maps and comment tools online.

•Need inspiration? Watch this fun video!

•Attend May 14 and future Trails Stakeholder Group meetings!

Whether you stroll, roll, hike, trot, or run, your participation matters. OV Trails Connect is your opportunity to influence the future of trails and paved paths in Oro Valley. Visit OVTrailsConnect.com to learn more and stay involved.

CONTACT: Jeffery Hidalgo
Public Information Officer
desk: 520-229-4772
cell: 520-549-9953
jhidalgo@orovalleyaz.gov