Mayor Honea and the Marana Town Council commend and thank Keith Brann for his lengthy career in public service and his dedication to the Marana community, and urge its citizens to join them in congratulating him on his new position in Iowa, and his family for sharing him with the Marana Community for 18 years.
Marana’s engineering team is keeping busy with road and sewer work
Traffic Alert: McDuff Road Pavement Sealcoating Rescheduled for October 17th
TRAFFIC ALERT: McDuff Road to be closed for pavement sealcoating on October 14th and 15th
Traffic Alert: McDuff Road to be closed for pavement repairs beginning July 24
Pavement repairs along McDuff Road between Grier Road and the eastbound I-10 frontage road will take place beginning on Wednesday, July 24. Crews will be milling, repaving, and re-striping a short section of the roadway just north of the Grier/McDuff Intersection. Additionally, improvements will be made to the surface drainage conditions along the east side of the north half of the roadway. Workers will be present from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. All work is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
During the project, through-traffic along McDuff Road will be prohibited. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to detour traffic around the work area. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Traffic Alert: Construction of Silverbell Road Sidewalk Infill Project
Beginning Monday, July 1, the Town of Marana and its contractor, Falcone Brothers & Associates, will be constructing new sidewalks, upgrading various curb ramps, improving various driveway aprons, and installing handrail along the south and west sides of N. Silverbell Road from N. Silvermoon Way to N. Wade Road. Also, new sidewalks and curb ramps will be constructed along a segment of N. Continental Reserve Loop in front of the Quik Mart convenience store. The purpose of this project is to provide pedestrians with a continuous, safe and accessible way along N. Silverbell Road from W. Twin Peaks Road to N. Wade Road. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 1.
Construction crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these hours, adjacent to the designated work areas, right-lane closures will be implemented along southbound/eastbound Silverbell Road, southbound Continental Reserve Loop, and at various intersecting side streets and driveways. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to detour vehicles around the work area. Access to businesses will be maintained at all times.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Traffic Alert: Ina Beautification
Southern Arizona Paving, in conjunction with the Town of Marana, will be installing monuments in the median at each end of the boundaries of the Ina Road Beautification project beginning Monday, June 17th and ending by Wednesday, June 19th. Traffic lanes next to the median will be closed in each direction of travel at both locations.
One monument is located west of Ulene Place and the other monument is on the west side of the Canyon Del Oro Wash Bridge. Work hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction will restrict traffic lanes and may create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Traffic Alert: Scenic Drive
Portions of Scenic Drive will be closed on Monday, June 17.
Scenic Drive will be closed for construction operations on Monday, June 17. Road closed signs will mark the construction zone between 9021 and 9011 residences. The construction zone is closed to the public and should never be entered.
Access to 9021 N Scenic Drive and any residences north will need to use Twin Peaks/Silverbell Road to the north. Access to 9011 N Scenic Drive and any residence south will need to use Pima Farms Road to the south.
For Residents of Scenic Drive: A sign will be placed at each driveway along Scenic Drive with an arrow showing the direction of ingress/egress for that day. We will make every effort to keep this direction the same throughout the day.
If garbage cans are within the construction zone, they will be moved outside of the zone to allow for pickup. Our crews will help with mail delivery access if mailboxes are within the construction zone.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Tangerine Corridor Project wins the Timothy M. Ahrens Partnering Award
2019 Timothy M. Ahrens Partnering Award.
Accolades have been pouring in in for the Tangerine Road Corridor Project since its completion in 2018. Now, this joint Town of Marana, Oro Valley, and Pima County project can add the 2019 Timothy M. Ahrens Partnering Award from the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority to its list.
The success of the project was demonstrated in the following areas: achieving a common goal, embracing regional stakeholders, resolving conflict, improving communication on the project with all audiences, incorporating team-building activities, delivery of a quality product, finding innovative funding solutions, and perpetuating the spirit of cooperation.
The Town of Marana partnered with the Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, the Psomas Design Team and contractor Tangerine Corridor Constructors (TCC) - a Granite Construction/Borderland Construction on the project, to improve a five-mile segment of Tangerine Road from Dove Mountain Boulevard/Twin Peaks Road to La Cañada Drive.
The newly constructed roadway delivered to the public:
A four-lane roadway with landscaped medians
The elimination of dip crossings and upgraded culverts to provide 100-year flood access
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
The installation of additional turn lanes and signalization at key intersections
Wildlife linkages for wildlife corridors along this stretch of roadway
Tom Houle served as the Project Manager for the Town of Marana.
The Tangerine Road Corridor Project was selected as one of Public Works Projects of the Year by the American Public Works Association’s for 2019 in the category of Transportation - $25 million to $75 million. In addition, it was also named as the Southern Arizona Branch of the American Public Works Association also named it Project of the Year, Transportation, $25M-$75M category.
Additional awards include the 2019 IPI Partnered Project of the Year Award from the International Partnering Institute, and the 2018 Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award.
AMENDED Traffic Alert Twin Peaks-Blue Bonnet Road Gravity Sewer Project
Because of mechanical problems, the traffic control changes originally scheduled to begin Wednesday June 5, have been delayed until Friday June 7. Details below:
On Friday, June 7, the contractor will begin sewer installation along Hartman Lane between Avenida Tierra Alta and the cul-de-sac on Hartman Lane, just south of Eaglestone Loop. (SEE MAP) This closure will be in place 24-hours per day.
Southbound only turn movements will be permitted from Avenida Tierra Alta to Hartman Lane.
North and southbound travel will be permitted on Hartman Lane between Cortaro Farms Road and Avenida Tierra Alta.
There is no access to Cortaro Farms Road from Hartman Lane north of Avenida Tierra Alta.
Residents and the traveling public should watch for informational signs with detour information.
Emergency access will always be provided.
The above work schedule may be impacted by weather or mechanical failure.
During the sewer pipe installation, there will be extensive trenching and
large equipment entering and exiting the work area.
Motorists should remain alert and use caution when driving near construction activities.
Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) and their contractor, Achen Gardner, have begun installation of a 15-inch sewer interceptor line along Hartman Lane, between Linda Vista Boulevard and Cortaro Farms Road.
The contractor began work south of the intersection at Cortaro Farms Road and is working northward toward Linda Vista Boulevard. The sewer installation along Hartman Lane is expected to take approximately 5 months to complete.
Sections of Hartman Lane will be completely closed to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists in the area where the contractor is working.
For additional project information visit www.sewerimprovements.info or call 520-622-2527
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction update
Lane restrictions on Coachline Road between Silverbell and Twin Peaks.
The Town of Marana is currently working on the Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements. The work is being completed by Sunland Asphalt & Construction Inc.
On Friday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the contractor will pave a portion of Continental Reserve Loop south of the Silverbell Road intersection (near the QuikMart). Continental Reserve Loop will be closed to all traffic at its intersection with Silverbell Road. This closure will be in place from 4:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m..
On Wednesday, May 29, the contractor began the final paving operation on Coachline Boulevard, between Twin Peaks and Silverbell roads. Southbound Traffic only will be permitted during this operation. Motorists should expect intermittent side street delays during this work as paving crews move through intersections.
Paving is scheduled to be completed by Monday, June 3, depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen issues.
Bicycle traffic will not be permitted through the work area. Bike traffic is asked to use sidewalks.
DO NOT park vehicles in the area of construction. They will be towed at owner’s expense.
Watch for heavy equipment and large trucks entering and exiting the work area.
Please use caution whenever passing through the construction zone
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Traffic Alert: Ina Road night work
Nighttime utility work will occur at the Ina/Thornydale and Ina/Old Father intersections.
Night time road work with daytime lane restrictions will occur at the Ina/Thornydale and Ina/Oldfather intersections beginning Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23, 2019. This operation is to facilitate utility valve adjustments in the intersections. Construction operations will begin at 8:00 P.M though 6:00 A.M. Day time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the day to allow the curing of the concrete.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Re-planted Saguaros decorate Shared Use Path
Marana Parks and Recreation has worked with local developers and other Town departments to re-purpose cacti and other desert plants to decorate the new section of the Shared Use Path (SUP) in north Marana.
This past week they moved Ocotillos and Saguaros from in front of businesses and construction on Cortaro and Serius Stra and re-planted them next to the SUP. Due to a new turn bay being added at that location on Cortaro Road these Saguaros and Ocotillos had to be moved because they were a visual obstruction.
The project had to be coordinated between Marana Parks and Recreation, Engineering, and Public works.
“They are a nice addition to our nodes on the new section of Shared Use Path,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “I appreciate the on-going, good coordination of efforts, between our department and other departments and divisions within the Town. It was good Town of Marana teamwork and environmental awareness between Engineering, Public Works and Parks and Recreation.”
The Saguaros weighted between 1500 – 2000 pounds each and due to their position, traffic control was necessary, but was next to no problem thanks to the efforts of Donna Chambers and Nathan Jansky of Marana Parks and Recreation.
Marana Parks Superintendent Dave Herman said their efforts were vital in making the project safe, cost effective, and lessening the impact on motorists. He noted that similar traffic control in other jurisdictions could have run at least $1,000.
Signs and Markings Technician Rich Jacinto was able to temporarily remove a road sign, allowing crews safer access to one of the Saguaros, then replaced the sign as soon as it was safe.
Community Conversation Videos - Finance, Planning, Engineering
Principal Planner Steven Cheslak
The Town of Marana frequently hosts Community Conversation events where staff members interact with residents. These events allow staff to speak to the public about their area of expertise and answer any questions they may have.
This spring the Town of Marana hosted a trio of Community Conversations with talks by the Finance, Planning and Engineering. Here is video from the three presentations.
Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis discussed the process the Town goes through to create the budget for the 2020 fiscal year as well as taking a detailed look at the numbers.
Principal Planner Steven Cheslak discussed the new businesses and building projects coming to Marana. Among the projects he covered were new businesses coming to North Marana, Cortaro, and near Marana Center and the Premium Outlets.
The Town of Marana's Assistant Director of Engineering Jennifer Christelman discussed a number of the Town's infrastructure projects. She went into detail on the Tangerine Corridor, Ina Road, and upcoming projects at Adonis Road and Lon Adams.
UPDATE: Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction Project
Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction Project – Twin Peaks Road south to Silverbell Road and from Twin Peaks Road north to Silverbell Road
The Town of Marana is currently working on the Coachline Blvd. Reconstruction and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements. The work is being completed by Sunland Asphalt & Construction.
On Monday, May 6, the contractor will re-open Coachline Boulevard to two-way travel from Silverbell to Armor Crest roads and will also begin the reconstruction of Coachline Boulevard from Armor Crest Road south to Twin Peaks Road. (See map)
Due to the existing roadway width, this phase of work will require restricting traffic in a one-way (southbound) only configuration between Armor Crest and Twin Peaks roads. Northbound travel along this portion of Coachline Boulevard will be not be permitted. Work is expected to be completed in early June 2019.
Construction-related issues to be aware of:
Northbound turn movements and through traffic at the Twin Peaks and Coachline Boulevard intersection will not be permitted
Access to side streets will be permitted from southbound Coachline Boulevard
Left turns only (southbound) will be permitted for motorists exiting side streets at Coachline Boulevard
There may be temporary side street restrictions while work crews pass in front of them
Bicycle traffic will not be permitted through the work area.
DO NOT park vehicles in the area of construction. They will be towed at owner’s expense
Watch for heavy equipment and large trucks entering and exiting the work area
North and southbound travel will be permitted from Silverbell Road to Armor Crest Road (see map – Phase 1)
Work during phase 2 will include:
Milling and removing the existing asphalt
New asphalt paving and striping
Side street paving at “tie-in” with Coachline intersection
Residents and the traveling public should watch for heavy equipment in and near the construction area. For the safety of you and the workers, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and detour signs.
Scheduled dates are weather dependent
Updates will be provided periodically. For additional project information, call Tom Houle, Town of Marana Project Manager at 520-382-2684 or Kathy at 520-885-9009.
Manager's Message: Ina Road corridor celebrates re-opening
Most of the work on the Ina Road Interchange Project has been completed.
Every month Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta provides a Manager’s Message to the Marana News. This month the topic is the Ina Road corridor.
This weekend, the Town of Marana will welcome the community to the improved Ina Road corridor at the “Ina Road Celebration Weekend” on May 4 and 5. The public will be treated to a kick-off ceremony May 4 at 9 a.m. with Town council and guests from Arizona Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority and Marana Chamber of Commerce, and will be held at the Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot near the Ina and Thornydale intersection.
Ina Road Celebration Weekend begins Saturday, May 4.
Businesses will then celebrate with a weekend-long block party, where everyone is encouraged to shop local and support their neighborhood businesses along the Ina Road corridor. I greatly encourage members of the public to join in the celebration as we look on with pride at what this region has accomplished together.
ADOT’s Ina Road Interchange project involved rerouting local street access away from the interstate in order to reconstruct an entirely new interchange that stretches over both the interstate and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. This eliminated at-grade crossings and widened both Interstate-10 and Ina Road, effectively making the area safer and more accommodating for continued growth.
The Town’s Ina Road Beautification project was done in conjunction with the Ina Road Interchange project in an effort to improve portions of Ina Road. The repaving project includes landscaping along both sides of the road and in the center median, and adding street lights and traffic signal improvements. Now, when people drive down this corridor, their first impression of our community and businesses will be a positive one.
Projects such as these are tedious for everyone during times of construction, but the payoff is clear once the dust has settled. Improved infrastructure serves as the literal foundation for a healthy community.
Marana has experienced a surge in growth in recent years, projecting consistently as one of the fastest growing communities in southern Arizona. In 2018, over 800 new single-family resident homes were built in our community. By our calculations, this means approximately 2,300 new people moved to Marana, bringing our overall population to exceed 47,000 people.
Marana is a much larger town than it was a decade ago, and large projects like the Ina Road Interchange and Ina Road Beautification Project serve to help support the community we will become in the future. Now, as we end this 2-year construction period, our focus is on revitalizing our affected business community.
The “Ina Road Celebration Weekend” kicks this effort off with a bang, and I look forward to joining the businesses as they welcome the community back to the corridor.
Jamsheed Mehta is the Marana Town Manager.
Paving complete on Ina Road
Paving is complete on Ina Road.
The paving portion of the Ina Beautification Project has been completed. The final mainline pave was the final step of the project that included a complete milling and repaving of the Ina Road and several side streets in the area.
Traffic control markers will remain in place through next week, though all lane restrictions and road closures have ceased.
Town of Marana crews will stripe and paint the roadways next week, but there will be no road closures or expected delays. Next month new light poles will be installed, but traffic restrictions are expected to be minimal.
The Ina Beautification Project was a comprehensive beautification/improvement project is designed to make the area even more appealing for customers now that the Ina Interchange is accessible again.
Town of Marana did a complete mill and fill of the asphalt on both Ina Road and Aerie Road. All Town streets north of Ina Road, except Camino de Oeste, will have a surface treatment added.
Landscaping was added to bring additional color and plant life along the corridor. New street lights, sidewalks, and accessibility ramps will improve safety and visibility.
Tangerine Corridor Project wins multiple awards
The Tangerine Road Corridor Project has been selected one of Public Works Projects of the Year by the American Public Works Association’s for 2019 in the category of Transportation - $25 million to $75 million.
Tangerine Corridor Project won several awards.
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who working together to complete public works projects.
Projects eligible in the Transportation category include roads, bridges, mass transit that serve any or all modes of travel, including bicycles and foot traffic.
The Town of Marana partnered with the Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, the Psomas Design Team and contractor Tangerine Corridor Constructors (TCC) - a Granite Construction/Borderland Construction on the project, to improve a five-mile segment of Tangerine Road from Dove Mountain Boulevard/Twin Peaks Road to La Cañada Drive.
The newly constructed roadway delivered to the public:
A four-lane roadway with landscaped medians
The elimination of dip crossings and upgraded culverts to provide 100-year flood access
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
The installation of additional turn lanes and signalization at key intersections
Wildlife linkages for wildlife corridors along this stretch of roadway
Tom Houle served as the Project Manager for the Town of Marana.
To be eligible for the national award, the project first had to be honored at the state level. The Southern Arizona Branch of the American Public Works Association also named it Project of the Year, Transportation, $25M-$75M category.
The Deer Sculptures on Tangerine Road.
Those were not the only awards for the project. The project also won a 2019 IPI Partnered Project of the Year Award from the International Partnering Institute. The Partnered Project of the Year Award recognizes teams who distinguish themselves by implementing IPI’s best practices and by fostering high-trust and collaborative relationships on their projects. Those involved in the project “demonstrated a commitment to the partnering process, achieved excellent results and delivered an outstanding project.”
The award level for the Tangerine Road, Dove Mountain Blvd./Twin Peaks Road to La Canada Drive Project will be revealed at the IPI Awards Ceremony luncheon on Friday, May 17.
“All of these awards are true honors,” said Houle. “This one means a lot because we were judged by international competition.”
The project also received the 2018 Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award.
The award, established in 2005, recognizes partnership teams who “demonstrate a high degree of achievement through the practice of partnering principles” as well as “display the application of the partnering processes related to the transportation industry.”
According to Perry Powell, the Chair of the AZ Transportation Partnering Excellence Award Committee, the project impressed the judges because the “partnering approach gave great evidence for how important it was to the success of your project.”
Traffic Alert: Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction Project
Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction Project – Twin Peaks Road south to Silverbell Road and from Twin Peaks Road north to Silverbell Road
The Town of Marana is currently working on the Coachline Blvd. Reconstruction and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements. The work is being completed by Sunland Asphalt & Construction.
-On Friday, April 19th, the contractor will begin the reconstruction of Colony Park Drive, from Coachline Blvd. to Weather Hill Drive. During this work, Colony Park Drive will be open to local traffic only and construction will last approximately 2 weeks, weather permitting.
-On Friday, April 19th, the contractor will begin the reconstruction of Coachline Blvd., from the Pump Station (north of Oak Stream Road and El Rio Neighborhood) to the low-water crossing on Coachline Blvd. north of Twin Peaks Road, between Idle Wild Drive and Armor Crest Road. (See map – Phase 1)
Once this northern portion of Coachline is complete, the contractor will begin the reconstruction of Coachline Blvd., from the low-water crossing on Coachline Boulevard, between Idle Wild Drive and Armor Crest Road, to Twin Peaks Road. (See map – Phase 2).
Due to the existing roadway width, these phases of work will require restricting traffic in a one-way (southbound) only configuration. Northbound Coachline Blvd. will be completely closed. Work on both phases of Coachline Blvd. is expected to be completed in early June.
Scheduled dates are weather dependent.
Work during these phases will include:
Milling and removing the old asphalt
Cement treatment of the subgrade soils
New asphalt paving and striping
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) ramp removal and replacement on streets and sidewalks.
Construction-related issues to be aware of:
Heavy equipment and large trucks during the milling and paving
Temporary driveway access restrictions while crews are in front of homes and/or businesses.
Travel lane restrictions and short-term sidewalk closures while ramps and crossing signals are upgraded.
Please DO NOT park vehicles in the area of construction as they will be towed at owner’s expense.
Bicycle traffic will not be permitted through the work area.
Pedestrians will be permitted along Coachline Blvd., but be aware of equipment and workers in the construction area.
Residents and the traveling public should watch for heavy equipment in and near the construction area. For the safety of you and the workers, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and detour signs.
Updates will be provided periodically. For additional project information, call Tom Houle, Town of Marana Project Manager at 520-382-2684 or Kathy at 520-885-9009.
Marana State of the Town 2019 presentation summary
Mayor Ed Honea speaks at the 2019 Marana State of the Town held at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
MARANA - Mayor Ed Honea along with members of Town staff gave a presentation at the annual Marana State of the Town luncheon held at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain on Thursday, April 18. Topics discussed included latest developments, parks and recreation programming, and strategic planning for the future.
NOTABLE TAKEAWAYS
Marana is one of the fastest growing communities in Southern Arizona. This past year, over 800 new single-family resident homes were built, yielding approximately 2,300 new people moving to the Town of Marana and making our population surpass 48,000 people.
Increased development has led to the creation of a new Marana Unified School District School in Dove Mountain, and a new Northwest Fire District station in both Dove Mountain and Gladden Farms.
Marana welcomes the film industry to the region with the opening of Modern Studios. Located near the AZ Pavilions Shopping Center, this 12,000 square foot facility features 7,000 square feet of production studio space, more than any other facility in the entire state. It also features the most advanced high-speed camera in the film industry, the BOLT Highspeed Cinebot.
Two new Parks and Recreation facilities were opened to the public, including Tangerine Sky Community Park in northeast Marana and the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad.
A brand new Parks and Recreation mobile app takes program accessibility to a new level, where users can now stay up-to-date with park closures, programming events, and trail conditions. Users can check the status of their favorite park amenities in real time, and sign up for activities.
In North Marana, the Town completed the new water reclamation facility and aquifer recharge facility. These plants can now handle up to 10,000 new homes or businesses coming into the area. The recharge facility will receive credits for 100 percent of the water stored from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. These credits allow the town to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable resources for our customers, and it secures Marana’s water needs for future generations.
In December, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona approved a $15 million-dollar loan to the Town of Marana to address the issue of unregulated compounds affecting two Marana Water systems. Staff is now working on the design and construction of two unique advanced water treatment plants to reduce or remove those unregulated compounds.
After nearly two years, one of the region’s largest projects has come to completion. The reopening of the Ina Road Interchange has revitalized our major commercial hub making it a destination once again.
2018 also saw the grand opening of the new Police facility located at the Marana Municipal Complex. This building was the result of months of public education and outreach, years of planning and development, and paid for with a community-supported half-cent sales tax.
The Town of Marana is designing the blueprints for the future. Important documents in the works include the 2040 General Plan Update, Land Development Code, Marana Parks and Recreation 10-year Master Plan, North Marana Drainage Study, Sewer Conveyance Master Plan, and Potable Water Plan.
PRESENTATION TRANSCRIPT
EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN MARANA
Economic Development Specialist Heath Vescovi-Chiordi speaks on the development in Marana.
Marana is one of the fastest growing communities in Southern Arizona. This past year, over 800 new single-family resident homes were built in our community. By our calculations, this yielded approximately 2,300 new people moving to the Town of Marana, making our population surpass 48,000 people. Because of this rapid and sustainable growth, developers have plans to expand those numbers and challenge the 824 single-family home permits we issued in 2018.
Right now, we have ten new subdivisions with 1,500 new lots planned throughout the community, including the Gladden Farms area, Dove Mountain area, and Saguaro Bloom.
This year, Encantada at Continental Reserve began construction. The addition of this 304-unit multifamily residential product gives rise to new living opportunities for both young families and young professionals alike. With this addition of multifamily housing to Marana, we position ourselves to better attract and retain a newer skilled workforce. In addition, this housing product will help increase the critical mass of people in this area that is necessary for further development of quality retail, restaurant, and other valuable commercial activities.
2018 saw many new businesses and restaurants come to Town, which not only enriches the local economy and quality of life in our community, but serves as great destinations for people passing through or visiting our beautiful region.
Last year, the new Hampton Inn & Suites at Marana Center opened next to the Tucson Premium Outlet Mall, creating an amazing retail opportunity for our region. With the pairing of the hotel and the luxury shopping experience at the Outlet Mall, Marana is now able to attract a significant number of travelers from Mexico who come solely for the purpose of shopping and staying overnight in our community. This retail-tourism helps contribute significantly to our sales tax and bed tax, allowing the Town to continue its strategic efforts related to Tourism-based Economic Development. Not only has Marana Center attracted multiple types of new developments, but it has become an area of note in our region, helping to solidify the identity of Marana in Southern AZ.
In 2019 we will welcome Dutch Bros., located at Cortaro Road and Interstate 10. Dutch Bros. will be just one small part of a larger master development on this corner. Also, in this new retail and service center, we will see a new 32,000 sq./ft micro hospital featuring a 14-bed emergency department and two operating rooms. ATI Physical Therapy will also join the mix, as well as a Tucson area favorite- Serial Grillers.
Top Golf celebrated their first full year here in Marana, and continues to be a destination for people all over our region.
Playing sports is a vital past time in this community, and we are so excited to welcome the Hitting Factory for ball players both young and old.
Modern Studios in Marana, Arizona.
In the spirit of Tourism, The Town of Marana has also bid welcome to a new type of entertainment industry sector with the opening of Modern Studios. Located near the AZ Pavilions Shopping Center, this amazing 12,000 square foot facility features 7,000 square feet of production studio space, more than any other facility in the entire state. Including two studios, dressing and makeup, a post-production editing suite, and the most advanced high-speed camera in the film industry, the BOLT Highspeed Cinebot, Modern Studios truly has revolutionized the film production game in Marana and the entire region.
Medical and healthcare is an industry that is finding a home in the Town. Last year we welcomed the Northwest Emergency Center at Twin Peaks, and the Watermark at Continental Ranch Senior Living. 2019 will see a continuation of that, as the Carondelet Health Network Micro-Hospital and Dove Mountain Senior Living facilities will open. With the healthcare industry rapidly expanding, and Marana seeing much benefit from this expansion, we will continue to facilitate appropriate healthcare sector development to add quality jobs to our community, and quality services for our residents. To that point, we are currently working on six expansions of current businesses within the Town, and two brand new locates.
Due to the Town’s growth, Northwest Fire District is relocating one of their stations, and building a brand new one to better serve the Marana community. Station 37 in Dove Mountain is moving to its new location near the Gallery Sports Club. Upon its completion later this year, Station 37 will better serve the northern portions of Dove Mountain, while Station 39, located at Thornydale and Tangerine, is optimally located to serve the southern portions of Dove Mountain.
The resurgence of development in the Gladden Farms community has also spurred the construction of Station 41, located on Tangerine Road near the Gladden Farms II development. This station will improve response time and increase overall safety in north Marana.
Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School.
Growth also means more schools. The new Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School opens this fall, providing even more opportunities for our children to get a good education. Students will experience rigorous computer science, technology, engineering, and math academics with direct relevancy to real-world challenges.
At the Town of Marana, we pride ourselves on being business friendly, but to do that we have to continue to evolve and innovate. This year, we will begin using a new business license software package that will aid in making the process easier than ever. By streamlining several processes and procedures, and making the overall process easier to understand, this will allow future business development in the Town with even more ease than we currently offer. When you come do business in Marana, you’ll quickly find out that Marana means business.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN MARANA
Technology Services Director Isaac Abbs speaks on quality of life in Marana.
It is important to invest in the qualities that make living in Marana meaningful. And for our residents, we understand how important the everyday experiences are for you and your family. Whether it’s participating in your very first race, teaching your child the fundamentals of a new skill, or enjoying a walk outside in nature, we understand how impactful those moments are and why having a strong quality of life means having a strong Parks and Recreation department.
I am excited to share with you the following accomplishments from the past year.
Tangerine Sky Community Park
Marana Council cut the ribbon on two new attractions. Tangerine Sky Community Park is the first major public park serving our northeast Marana residents— nestled in the natural desert environment against a stunning Tortolita Mountain backdrop. It features ramadas, playgrounds, trails, dog parks, ziplines, and a basketball court. The field is even powered to accommodate small concert events, including our free Movies & Music in Marana series.
Located in the heart of Continental Ranch, the new Crossroads at Silverbell District Park splash pad enhances an already robust district park where families can now splash in the water by day, and enjoy a stunning light show by night. The splash pad is located close to the existing playground area and several ramadas, making it the perfect destination for parties. And when the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular comes around this year, the music, fireworks, and water will top off a perfect evening with your family and friends.
Both amenities bring new recreational opportunities to key areas around the community. Vibrant and dynamic communities are where residents can walk to, and from, a park in just minutes. Now, both north, south, and east Marana have access to park amenities and programs.
The Town also grew its recreational offerings this year by 30 percent, including horseback riding, art expos, job training, painting in the park, and musical theatre.
We also created two inclusion programs for our residents with special needs. Last year, Marana Parks and Recreation began offering Sensory Splash classes at the Marana Pool where people can meet up in a safe, positive and inclusive aquatic environment.
Cape Chase Adaptive Fun Run.
This year, the Cape Chase Adaptive Fun Run debuted with over 120 participants. Young athletes with special needs traveled through a sensory obstacle course, including a cone maze, bubble pit, and mirror tunnel—all while dressed as their favorite super heroes.
Experiences like this matter for our residents, where opportunities are accessible by anyone in the community.
Now, we take that accessibility a step further with the release of the new Parks and Recreation mobile app. This app provides residents and visitors with everything they need to stay up-to-date with park closures, programming events, and trail conditions. Users can check the status of their favorite park amenities in real time, and sign up for activities.
Our success isn’t just measured by the new programs and events we roll out each year, it’s also measured by the continued maintenance of all our facilities, and by our strategic planning as we anticipate the future.
This year, we extended our Tortolita Mountain trail system and the Santa Cruz shared use path. We completed facility improvements throughout all our parks, including installing the new solar structure over the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park basketball court. This very simple upgrade opened up new opportunities for events, and in celebration, this facility became home to the new Hoops for Heroes Challenge between Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District. We won this year, but who knows what the future may bring for Northwest Fire?
We continue to find recreational opportunities in surprising places. Even in the heart of the desert, residents can enjoy the waterfront at El Rio Preserve. We plan to bring back disc golf with the addition of a recreation area nearby, and we are accommodating our nature lovers and bird watchers with an observation deck. This surprising oasis is one of Marana’s best kept secrets, but now we plan to maintain and enrich this preserve so anyone can come and enjoy the beautiful outdoors that is unique to our community.
We understand that people come to Marana for our quality of life, and we are dedicated to keeping this momentum going as we grow into a larger community. Marana is truly a place where you can live, work, and play.
PUBLIC SERVICES IN MARANA
Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser speaks on public services in Marana.
Right now, the Town of Marana is working hard to secure continued growth for our community by making essential investments in our built public infrastructure. A strong foundation for growth means a strong investment in infrastructure.
From water improvements to major roadways, 2018 had several fantastic projects that directly benefit our citizens’ quality of life and ensure businesses can thrive.
North Marana water reclamation facility.
In North Marana, we completed the new water reclamation facility and aquifer recharge facility. These plants can now handle up to 10,000 new homes or businesses coming into the area. More importantly, the recharge facility will receive credits for 100 percent of the water stored from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. These credits allow the town to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable resources for our customers, and it secures Marana’s water needs for future generations.
In December, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona approved a $15 million-dollar loan to the Town of Marana to address the issue of unregulated compounds affecting two Marana Water systems. We are now working on the design and construction of two unique advanced water treatment plants to reduce or remove those unregulated compounds.
Investments in new water resources are essential to attracting new residents; however, the Town of Marana is just as committed to ensuring our current residents have the most up-to-date infrastructure necessary for an enhanced quality of life. The Adonis wastewater system project is just such an example of the Town’s continued commitment. This project replaces one of our historic neighborhoods’ outdated over-capacity lagoon system by connecting residents to our new wastewater reclamation facility.
Tangerine Road.
This past year we had two major road projects that will address the future traffic needs of Marana. The Tangerine Road expansion involved the combined efforts of the Town of Marana, the Town of Oro Valley, the Regional Transportation Authority, and Pima County. All of us worked together to build this major transportation corridor between our communities while maintaining wildlife linkages. This project literally paves the way for future development, and it establishes Marana as a regional destination. We anticipate that this road will serve as a center for commercial activity creating economic development opportunities for our local community for years to come.
After nearly two years, one of the region’s largest projects has come to completion. The reopening of the Ina Road Interchange has revitalized our major commercial hub making it a destination once again. This project was an incredible feat by the Arizona Department of Transportation. It eliminated at-grade crossings for the Union Pacific Railroad, it reconstructed the frontage roads, and it installed fiber optic communication cables. The Town of Marana and the Pima Association of Governments designed and funded two bridges over the Santa Cruz as part of the Ina Road Interchange project.
Yes, losing access to 1-10 during construction was challenging for both residents and businesses. But all good things are worth the time and the effort to do it right. With this new overpass, we now have improved accessibility to Ina Road. Thank you to the Department of Transportation for pulling off this amazing project.
The Town also made significant investments in the functionality of the Ina commercial area. The Ina Road Beautification project makes the area even more appealing to our customers and residents. It includes new asphalt pavement, fresh landscaping in the right of way, new street lights, sidewalks, accessibility ramps and fiber optic cables. By early summer this project will be entirely completed, and Ina Road will be unrecognizable from what it was over two years ago. The Town is excited for Ina Road’s re-opening and we invite the community to join us on May 4th for the kickoff of the Ina Road Celebration Weekend.
Ina Road has been a team effort, and I would like to thank the Regional Transportation Authority for the role they played helping to get information out to our businesses. I would also like to thank the Marana Chamber of Commerce for their continued advocacy of the business community.
Marana Police Facility grand opening.
Let’s not forget that 2018 also saw the grand opening of our new Police facility located at the Marana Municipal Complex. This building was the result of months of public education and outreach, years of planning and development, and paid for with a community-supported half-cent sales tax. The new Police Facility is state of the art with amenities to accommodate our department’s various services and our officers’ continued focus on “unparalleled service, unwavering protection”. This new building has the capacity to meet the safety needs of Marana’s growing population for the next twenty years.
All of these amazing projects took years of strategic planning, and they were not designed or built in a day. Providing citizens good public service, means foreseeing the future needs of the community, and making strategic decisions now, in the present, to ensure Marana is a better place for future generations.
At this very moment, the Town of Marana is designing the blueprints for the future.
The General Plan is the Town’s roadmap for tomorrow. Town staff is working hard with members of the public to draft the 2040 General Plan Update. This visionary document along with the updated Land Development Code will help guide all aspects of the town, from growth and development, to health and safety, to town services, and the environment.
Other strategic documents in the works include the Marana Parks and Recreation 10-year master plan, the North Marana Drainage Study, the Sewer Conveyance Master Plan, and the Potable Water Plan.
These strategic plans and our many public infrastructure projects lay the foundation upon which the Town of Marana can support a strong quality of life for our residents and businesses. However, it is just as important that we continue to provide a high-quality level of service to maintain our assets. Our Public Works Department works hard every day in our community, and the Town is proud of the work they’ve done to keep Marana clean and beautiful.
Thank you for this opportunity to share the amazing things we’re doing here in Marana. We’ve accomplished so much, and we have plans to accomplish so much more. Thank you.
