Oro Valley’s popular Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is undergoing a major transformation, with the town council recently approving a design concept that includes a new irrigation pond and walking paths, and a showcase entryway.

Central to the proposal is the creation of a pond that will act as a key water-harvesting feature for the preserve, said Rebecca Field, a senior project manager from consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates.

This pond will not only capture water, but will also be used to irrigate newly planted trees and other vegetation, which Field told Tucson Spotlight will promote long-term growth and sustainability.

The pond is currently deeper than the design concept calls for, and Field said the plan would be to raise it up through earthwork and grading. She noted that a similar water harvesting project at Canoe Ranch had proven successful, leading to increased vegetation.

“We did have some really good tree establishment, and that location would be a similar thought,” she said.

In addition to the pond, Field detailed plans for two areas that would be transformed into high-intensity planting zones and feature containerized plants supported by the irrigation system.

“We would look to turn that area into a showpiece at the entry,” she said.

The  entry will not only be visually appealing, but also carefully managed to ensure long-term ecological health, Field said.

The plan also includes new paths for the preserve that align with the existing conservation easement. These are not new routes, but rather formalizations of trails already in use by visitors, Field said.

“The soft pathways that we’re adding are generally over where people are already walking today,” she said. “Those are paths that people are currently taking, so we’re formalizing that. We’re not creating any new paths throughout the site.”

While the restoration project hopes to bring new life to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, Field said it’s important to note that the plans aren’t yet set in stone.

Her pitch is part of an ongoing dialogue and at this stage, there’s no guaranteed architect or finalized design. The proposal still requires further input from the town council before moving forward.

There are also plans to repair the preserve’s maintenance building, which is not being used due to an unstable roof that’s caused safety concerns. The fiscal year 2024/25 budget has allocated $210,000 for roof repairs, but the council will need to decide on the future use of the facility before spending any of those funds.

The building, which includes six garage bays and some office space, is used to store equipment needed to maintain the preserve.

With the restoration project starting in early 2025, more maintenance hours will be required to manage invasive plant species, and additional equipment will need to be housed on-site.

The proposed repairs include removing the existing roof, installing new underlayment, and replacing the tiles or opting for a standing seam metal roof, which has been recommended for its longevity and low maintenance.

“A new roof will be instrumental in maintaining town equipment for as long as possible, as well as providing an enclosure for field staff work to be conducted in the extensive Arizona summer heat,” according to the project details.

The town council will review both the restoration plan and the maintenance building proposal before making final decisions on the future of the preserve

If approved, the project is expected to enhance both the ecological and recreational value of the preserve, and offer improved visitor amenities while preserving the natural landscape.

The town council will revisit the topic at an upcoming meeting.

Lauryn Abozeid is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at labozeid@arizona.edu.