CONTACT: Phillip Cantrell
Public Information Officer
Desk: (520) 229-4772
Cell: (520) 549-9953
pcantrell@orovalleyaz.gov
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (July 15, 2026) – The Oro Valley Town Council has adopted the OV Trails Connect Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for the Town’s trail, pathway and outdoor connection network. Approved at the Council’s April 22, 2026, meeting, the plan guides how Oro Valley maintains, improves and expands its trail and path system in the years ahead.
The OV Trails Connect Master Plan establishes a framework for the Town’s system of unpaved trails, paved multi-use paths and key community connections, with an emphasis on accessibility, safety, environmental stewardship and implementation. It is designed to create a more connected network that links neighborhoods with parks, schools, businesses, civic destinations and regional recreation opportunities.
The effort is timely. Oro Valley’s previous trails planning work was completed in 2010. Since then, the community has grown, trail use has evolved and expectations around connectivity and accessibility have changed. Updating the plan allows the Town to respond to those changes and prepare for future needs.
OV Trails Connect will help guide decisions related to trail maintenance, capital improvements, future connections and funding opportunities. It will also strengthen the Town’s ability to pursue grants and prioritize projects based on community needs, impact and long-term value.
For residents, the plan represents an investment in one of Oro Valley’s defining assets. Trails and pathways support recreation, active transportation, access to open space and the outdoor lifestyle that many residents value.
Oro Valley residents were instrumental in developing the plan. Through an online survey, Trail Side Chats, and outreach with stakeholders and community groups, the Town gathered extensive public input on trail use, priorities, and opportunities for improvement. In total, more than 1,500 comments and responses helped shape the plan, reflecting the strong community engagement.
The OV Trails Connect Master Plan also advances the community vision that was identified during the extensive public engagement process for developing the Town’s proposed 2026 General Plan, OV’s Path Forward. That plan identifies outdoor recreation, connectivity and quality of life as key community priorities because 74% of residents who participated in the General Plan process said Oro Valley should be known as an outdoor and recreational community. The newly adopted trails master plan translates that vision into a focused strategy for the Town’s trail and pathway system.
Together, the two plans serve complementary roles. OV’s Path Forward establishes the Town’s long-term vision and policy direction, while the OV Trails Connect Master Plan provides a roadmap for implementing goals related to recreation, mobility, access and preservation.
While the vision and priorities identified during the public engagement process for OV’s Path Forward have been helpful in aligning these two plans, it is important to note that the 2026 General Plan, OV’s Path Forward, must still go before voters in the November election.
A dedicated OV Trails Connect Master Plan webpage is available on the Town’s website, where residents can review the adopted plan and explore its key recommendations. The page also serves as a central resource for information about the plan and its role in guiding future trail and pathway improvements throughout Oro Valley. To learn more, we invite you to visit the OV Trails Connect Master Plan webpage or visit OVAZ.gov and search for: TRAILS CONNECT.
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