Things to do in Marana for August (and Beyond)

August 3 - Free Music In Marana: Gray2Red

Gray2Red is made up mostly of local “seasoned” rockers who have been playing in bands since the 60’s. They'll deliver finely aged, crowd-pleasing classic rock to your event from artist like Steve Miller, the Eagles, Van Morrison, Eddie Money, CCR, Joe Cocker, Clapton and more.

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August 17 - Free Movie In Marana: Hotel Transylvania 3

The Marana Splash Pad is the home for August's Free Movie In Marana, featuring "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation". Join Dracula and all his ghoulish friends as they embark on a summer cruise that promises to be more than they expected. Show starts around 7: 15 pm, once the sun has gone down.

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September 7 - 80's Doggy Paddle Pool Party

It’s an 80’s doggy takeover of the Marana Pool. Reserve your pup’s spot today to take a 30-minute sim session and catch a wave. Don’t forget there will be an 80’s themed best-dressed pooch and owner contest.


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September 7 - Free Music In Marana - Strait Country

STRAIT COUNTRY - A TRIBUTE TO COUNTRY MUSIC'S LIVING LEGEND. Kevin Sterner and Strait Country, performing the critically
acclaimed "Tribute to the Music of George Strait," re-create the exact arrangements that you have heard on this Country Legend’s CD’s and in
his concert performances.

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September 21 - Free Movie in Marana: Paddington 2

Free Movie in Marana at the Tangerine Sky Park: Paddington 2
Show starts at 6:00 pm, once the sun has gone down. Bring something to sit on, or borrow a chair or blanket from us. We will have a snack vendor present with movie treats for purchase.

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On The Horizon

Oct 19 - Marana Fall Festival
Nov 2 - Dirt Dash
Nov 16 - Turkey Trot
Nov 23 - El Tour De Tucson - Marana Segment
Dec 7 - Marana Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting

Manager's Message: Enjoy the summertime in Marana

Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta provided this Manager’s Message to the Marana News and Explorer News.

Free music is a feature of the Star Spangled Spectacular.

School is out, the temperature is rising and summer is upon us! At the Town of Marana, we look forward to the summer months because there is so much to do in our community. 

Celebrate our nation’s birthday this Fourth of July at Marana’s Star Spangled Spectacular. This annual event at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park (7548 N. Silverbell Road) has become a regional draw, attracting thousands of people from around the community and beyond. 

Because of the large crowds, we have been working hard to create a safe environment for everyone. This year, the entirety of the park will be fenced, and members of the public will enter through designated entrances. With the exception of diaper bags, a clear bag rule has been instated, and bag checks will be conducted upon entry. 

We are excited about our line-up of entertainment. Our musical acts span a wide variety of genres, including country, pop, ’90s alternative, grunge and classic rock. To learn more about our musical attractions and much more, visit our website at MaranaEvents.com. 

In addition to our signature events, we love providing smaller community experiences to our residents. We have three free movie showings throughout the summer, including “A Wrinkle in Time” this Saturday, June 15, and “A Dog’s Way Home” on July 20. Both events will be held at the Ora Mae Harn Park pool (13250 N. Lon Adams Road). On Aug. 17, we move from the pool to the Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad (12375 N. Heritage Park Drive) for a showing of “Hotel Transylvania.” 

The pool at Ora Mae Harn Park, the Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad and the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad are open every day for the summer, and all three amenities are free of charge. 

Our events aren’t just about entertainment. We also encourage civic engagement. On June 19 and 20, we will hold our “Make Marana 2040 General Plan Update” community open houses. These open houses provide opportunities for the public to review the draft of the Make Marana 2040 General Plan and provide feedback. Community input is an essential part of developing a plan that serves our community. To learn more, visit MakeMarana2040.com

Our Animal Services Division has much to offer during these summer months, including free microchip clinics. We are partnering with No Kill Pima County for a free microchip clinic on Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marana Community Center (13250 N. Lon Adams Road.) 

Sports Camps for kids are new this summer.

Marana Parks and Recreation has a wide variety of programs for every age and interest. There are several camp options, including art camps, horse camps and sports camps. Teens looking for something to do during the day should check out our “Teen Extreme Day Camp Adventures.” Participants get to attend trips to a Diamondbacks game, Big Surf Waterpark, and Arizona Zipline Adventures. 

We have day trips for our seniors as well. There are two trips left to Mt. Lemmon, and a steamboat trip on Canyon Lake. Our senior center has a wide variety of activities, including games, physical fitness classes and arts and crafts. 

Are sports your thing? We have open gym for basketball and pickleball, with our pickleball league starting up in July. For our youngest residents we have the “Tots & Me Story Art” classes and the “Nature to You: Youth Garden Education Series.” 

To learn more about all our recreation programs, visit MaranaAZ.gov/recreation.

It may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide inside! There is something for everyone in our community. Whether you want to hone your skills, attend a festival, or participate in civic engagement, Marana has plenty of options for you. 

Jamsheed Mehta is the Marana Town Manager.

Gallery: Dog day at the park

Seventy dogs and their owners came to the Ora Mae Harn dog park to receive services at the Marana Animal Services’ dog vaccination clinic held in conjunction with the Marana Council Connections event. Dogs were offered dog-friendly ice cream treats while their humans engaged with Town Council and staff.

“I love living in Marana because of things like this,” a resident commented.

Things to do in Marana for February and beyond

On The Horizon

Mar 30 - Marana Founders' Day
Apr 6 - Free Music In Marana: Caiden Brewer
Apr 27-28 - Camping Under the Stars/Free Movie in Marana
May 4 - Free Music In Marana: Kate Becker
May 18 - Free Movie in Marana: Emoji Movie
Jun 1 - Free Music In Marana - The Drift
Jun 15 - Free Dive-In Movie - A Wrinkle In Time

After one year, Animal Services a success

The Marana Animal Services Division rounded out its inaugural year of operation on July 1, 2018. The program was implemented to provide top tier customer service to Marana residents, while trying to curtail skyrocketing costs. The data is in, and the first year of the program has been a success.

Town of Marana Community & Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer, who oversees the Animal Services Division, gave an update to the Marana Town Council at their October 16 meeting. 

“We had a very successful first year,” Shafer said.

The primary goal in creating the Animal Services Division was to provide a better level of service to the Marana Community. By having Animal Control Officers dedicated to the Town, response times are quicker based on their more intimate knowledge of the area. One immediate advantage to the Animal Services Division is their success rate in reuniting families with their pets. In the first year of the service, Town staff picked up 263 stray dogs and cats, and 133 were taken directly back to their owners. Another 38 strays were returned to their owners by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, who the Town has contracted with for kenneling services.

The return rate for all Marana strays was 49.6 percent, with Marana Animal Control officers able to return more than half of the strays they encountered. The numbers are already showing an increase in performance this year, with over 72 percent of strays returned over the past three months. 

“We are having a fabulous first three months,” said Shafer.

According to Shafer, the fast response by the Town’s Animal Control Officers has also reduced the burden on the Marana police officers. She explained that many residents had to rely on Marana Police Department for calls due to the long response times from the previous animal control services.   

“[residents] were giving up and just calling 911,” Shafer said. “Our PD in years past were taking a lot of barking dog complaints, as well as vicious dogs.”

The Town of Marana Animal Services Division has also proven to be cost effective for the Town. The first year of the new division saw expenditures reduced by $9,635 or four percent from Fiscal Year 2017, while revenues were up by $12,069 (14 percent) from dog licensing and donations.  

The Town issued over 4,400 Marana Dog Licenses in that first year.

Busy weekend in Marana

It is a very busy weekend in the Town of Marana. There is something for everyone, whether you want to meet the police, watch a free movie, view some art, or get your dogs vaccinated.

Marana based animal shelter in dire need after flooding

Hope Animal Shelter opened its doors in Marana in August 2015. Yesterday’s flooding destruction is by far the worst they have seen. Tuesday’s monsoons flooded much of the outdoor facilities and all the rooms in the shelter. The roof is also leaking in many locations.

Town of Marana Animal Services will be collecting donations for the next week. The shelter is in need of cleaning supplies, trash bags, dog and cat food, and general animal supplies.

Donation can be dropped off at the 1st floor reception area of the Marana Municipal Complex at 11555 W Civic Center Drive, or at the Water Department portion of the Marana Operation Center at 5100 W. Ina Road.

Monetary donations can be made through HOPE Animal Shelter. They are also in need of assistance repairing the shelter, outside fencing, sheds, and water lines. If you would like to help repair the shelter, please contact Justin Gallick or Susan Scherl at 520-792-9200 or 520-820-9448.

6 months, 30 miles later, dog reunited with family

Panda the dog had been missing from her south side home for over seven months. Her family had lost hope of ever finding her again, but this week Panda and family were reunited thanks to Marana Animal Services and a microchip.

When Marana Animal Services picked up Panda at the convenience store on Cortaro Road, they assumed she had wandered off after getting scared on the Fourth of July. While fireworks were indeed the culprit, it was actually the New Year’s Eve fireworks that led to her becoming separated from her family seven months ago.

Luckily, Panda had a microchip and Marana Animal Services was able to get in contact with the family and reunite her with her people.

“It made my week,” said Marana Animal Control Officer Shane Elliott who had picked up Panda from the convenience store.

Elliott was told by the family that they had given up hope of finding Panda and were surprised she turned up over 30 miles away from home.

Marana Animal Services has been in place since July 2017 and has had great success reuniting families with their pets. During the first six months of operations, the division returned 47 percent of pets they picked up back to their families before reaching the shelter. Those numbers have remained consistent in the months following.

“This is why we do what we do,” Elliott said.

Panda was not the only successful reunification. Roxy the terrier-mix was lost in the Continental Ranch area. Marana Police Officers found the missing dog and were able to return her to her family in a tearful reunion at a local veterinary office.

Marana Macro Machines: educational and fun

The Town of Marana capped off Public Works Week 2018 with the first Marana Macro Machines event. Upwards of 1,000 people showed up to Marana Heritage River Park to check out all of the vehicles from Public Works, Police, Northwest Fire District, and more:

• Public Works provided vehicles, demonstrations, and a few giveaways. 
  • The Public Works Department had a wide variety of vehicles including a motor grader, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a drum roller, and more.
  • They gave children a hands on demonstration on how they locate and mark pipes, gas lines, and power lines underground. 
  • They handed out free flowers, ice pops, and plastic hard hats. 
• The Marana Police Department provided vehicles, demonstrations, and music.
  • Among the vehicles on hand were patrol cars, motorcycles, and SUV's. Children were allowed to explore the police vehicles, including turning on flashers and talking into the radio. 
  • Pima Regional SWAT had their armored vehicle on hand as well, and children were allowed to climb in that vehicle as well. 
  • The Marana Police Explorers, teens learning about law enforcement, conducted a simulated traffic stop. 
• Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations provided displays and presentations. 
  • Among the displays were information on traffic signals, traffic control plans, roundabouts, and traffic signs.
  • They handed out stickers made from the same reflective material that is used on stop signs to make them visible at night. 
• The Marana Water Department provided the water purification display vehicle. 
  • The vehicle opens up to show all of the various filtration and purification processes including chlorine disinfection, granular activated carbon, UV/advanced oxidation, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. 
• Animal Services and the Humane Society showcased some adorable puppies, as well as displays on their services.
• The Marana Regional Airport had a table where they educated people about the facility, and helped organize the helicopter landing from one of their tenants. The helicopter landed on the street in front of the park, and then was opened up to allow children to sit inside. 
• Northwest Fire DIstrict brought out a fire truck, while the NW Fire Local 3572 grilled up hotdogs and hamburgers.
• Thanks to Parks and Recreation for making sure Marana Heritage River Park looked great and showcased their community garden and event spaces.
• Credit also goes to the City of Tucson, the National Weather Service, and Pima Regional SWAT.

Marana hosting a trio of community conversations

During the month of March, the Town of Marana will be hosting three neighborhood meetings at various locations within the Town. Among the topics being discussed will be:

• Commercial, residential, and roadway construction projects
• Community policing
• Parks and recreation
• Town budget
• upcoming Town Council elections

The Town will also have staff on hand to answer questions regarding code enforcement and animal services. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

The meetings will be held in Dove Mountain, South Marana, and North Marana and are designed to educate the public, as well as let residents interact with Town staff. 

Each meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until approximately 7:30 p.m.

March 8th
The Highlands at Dove Mountain- Ball Room
4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

March 14th
Wheeler Taft Abbett Library- Children's Room
7800 N. Schisler Dr.

March 22nd
Town of Marana- 2nd Floor Conference Center
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please call (520) 382-1926

Love Your Town

Happy Valentine's Day! Are you looking for ways to show your love to the community? The Town of Marana offers several programs that will help you do just that. 

Volunteer your time

The Town has many opportunities for volunteers from one-day projects to ongoing programs. Whether you'd like to contribute your skills in administrative work or help out with special events or public safety programs, we are happy to have you on board. Learn More.

Nominate someone for a Town of Marana community award

Every year the Town of Marana recognizes one organization and one individual for making their "mark" on the community with the Branding Iron Awards, and one youth age 18-and-under with the Youth Legacy Award. Know someone who is passionate about community service? Tell us all about them! We are accepting nominations now.

Community Clean-up Trailer Program

Studies show that clean neighborhoods have lower crime and greater residential satisfaction. The Department of Community Development- Code Enforcement Division provides a community clean-up trailer as a resource for residents who do not have the means and/or equipment to maintain their properties. It also provides a great opportunity for neighbors to come together to complete community beautification projects.  Learn More.

Download the Marana Animal Services App

Next time you see a stray dog or cat, you can help bring them back to their owners by posting them on the Marana Animal Services App. The app leverages the power of communities to reunite families with their four-legged members. Learn More.

Adopt a Trail

The Town of Marana currently owns and maintains just over 57 miles of paths and trails. The Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Adopt-A-Trail Program allows an interested individual, informal group, or formal organization to volunteer their time to help maintain Marana’s trail system. Learn more. 

Adopt a roadway

Help keep the roads clean! Adopt a roadway and participate in quarterly cleanups. Public Works will provide supplies for your use. To learn more, call Public Works at 520-382-2536. 

Enhance your skills, save a life

Learn valuable skills that you can use to help others. Marana Parks and Recreation currently offers lifeguard certification training and lifeguard refresher training.

Give back to the community AND GET school credit

Do you need to work on a public project for school credit? The Town of Marana works with student groups to accomplish big community-impact projects. This is a great opportunity to earn real-world working skills as you prepare for your future after school. Learn more.

Conserve water

Because we live in the desert, water is a most precious resource. We must all do our part to use water wisely to ensure an adequate and safe supply for future generations. There are many ways that the Water Department is working to conserve water, and you can learn more on how you can make a difference here. 

Join the police explorers

Our mission is to work hand in hand with the members of the Marana Police Department to educate today's youth who are interested in a law enforcement career. We are dedicated to building a positive image of law enforcement by earning the mutual trust and respect of the community through our professionalism and commitment to excellence. Learn more.

Learn more about public safety

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to provide our citizens and business community with a greater understanding of the Marana Police Department and its operations through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. This Academy is a 42-hour block of instruction taught by department employees that showcases several units in the department. Learn more.

See something? Say something!

Whether it's reporting a crime by calling 911 or reporting a pothole, let us know when something seems amiss. Visit the Report a Problem page for non-emergency issues, or download the My Marana App on your Apple or Android phone.

If you are interested in more ways to show your love to the community, please contact the Town of Marana at contact@maranaAZ.gov or leave a comment below. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

 

Town of Marana introduces Marana Pets App

Town of Marana unveiled the Marana Pets app at a press conference Tuesday, October 10. Members of the media and Town staff learned more about Marana Animal Services and what the new app can do to for the Marana community. 

The Town of Marana established the Marana Animal Services Division in July to bring increased customer service to the Marana pet owners. The creation of the Marana Pets App is the latest way the Town is serving both our two-legged and four-legged residents.

"The Marana Pets is not the first original app created by Town of Marana staff," said Vickie Hathaway, Town of Marana Communications Director. "Our Technology Services department has also worked with our special events team to create the Marana Events app, and with Engineering and Development Services to created the Project Ina app. Both of those apps provide innovative ways for our residents to engage with our staff, and the new Marana Pets app is no different. But it does provide one additional opportunity, and that is to leverage the power of our community to reunite pets with their families."

"The primary objective of the app is to reunite Marana's pets with their owners should they wind up lost," said Marana Technology Manager Brian Stein, who headed up the team that designed the app. "The app is designed to harness the powers of community, to allow citizens to engage with one another to help with the reunification process."

The app is designed to reunite pet owners with their lost pets and will allow people who lose or find animals to post pictures and information, facilitating a quick reunification. Marana Animal Services Animal Control Officers will also be using the app to share any found animals. The app along with the Town's website and social media, are all tools to help lost pets in the Town limits find their way back home. 

"Social Media has been a great avenue for us," said the Town of Marana's Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer. "So this is that one next step that we are going to take."

Shafer noted that in the first three months of Marana's Animal Services division in operation, nearly 40 percent of strays picked up by the Town's animal control officers have been reunified with their families immediately, without having to be taken to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Town's partner for sheltering.

Social media and microchips have both been effective ways for the the unification process and the Town offers free microchip clinics.

"With the microchip clinics, as well as this app we are going to see this high rate of return with our animals just skyrocket," Shafer said.

Until September 30, no late fees on new or renewed dog licenses

The Town of Marana is committed to the safety or our residents and their pets. The new Animal Services Division is working hard to get the word out on the importance of licensing and vaccinating all Marana dogs. Many of our residents are still acclimating to dealing with the Town and not the county for their animal services. As such, there are currently no late fees being assessed on any new or renewed dog license through September 30, 2017. 

Town code requires that owners of dogs ages 3-months and older obtain a dog license within 30 days of being in the Town of Marana incorporated limits. 

Owners must show proof of current rabies vaccinations to get a dog license. Licenses can be applied for on-line, by mail or in person. 

Licenses obtained through the county prior to July 1 are still valid until their expiration. At that time renewals should go through the Town of Marana’s Animal Services division.

Low-cost spay and neuter clinic

Town of Marana Animal Services is held their first low cost spay and neuter clinic on Saturday, August 26, 2017.

The cost of the procedure is just a $15 co-pay, due at the time of services.

There are just 45 total slots available, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Those interested must complete and turn in a pre-authorization form to us before Friday at 5:00, or until all spaces are filled.

The clinic is being held at the Marana Community Center at Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road.

For more information or pre-authorization call 382-8020 ext. 0.

The clinic is provided by Marana Animal Services in partnership with Asavet Charities.

Marana Welcome Center open for business

The Town of Marana has introduced their new Welcome Center on the first floor of the Municipal Complex. The Welcome Center is a one-stop shop for most of the public’s needs; getting answers and making payments.

In addition to being the Town’s main reception area, the new Welcome Center is a place where residents can pay their water bills, business licenses and animal licenses in person. Payments for building permits and all development-related fees will now be accepted at the first-floor counter.

Many of these services were on the second floor but have moved downstairs in an effort to improve the customer experience and help make things smoother and easier for Marana residents and businesses.

Marana to Create Animal Services Division

On March 14, the Marana Town Council voted to begin the process of providing animal care and enforcement. As part of this new program, the Town will contract with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to provide sheltering service, while the Town itself will hire two new animal control officers who will respond to resident calls. By adopting this new framework, the Town hopes to ensure the highest quality of support for all Marana residents.

The Town has decided to pursue this strategy after nearly a year of staff research, including site visits to nearby jurisdictions, interviews with support agencies like the Humane Society, and budget analyses of projected costs. This approach will allow Marana to provide a direct customer response to residents who request animal services. By adopting this model, the Town will be better able to achieve our community-wide vision of excellence. In the long term, Marana’s enforcement efforts will result in more animals returned quickly to their homes and fewer stray animals in need of rescue.

“Our top priority is to be responsive to resident requests,” says Town Manager Gilbert Davidson. “By managing our own animal control officers, the Town will be able to tailor animal care to the needs of our community. We will be able to respond promptly to all calls and meet the high expectations our residents have for their government.”

In addition to hiring two animal control officers and providing shelter services through the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Town also plans to partner with local veterinarians to provide emergency care for animals picked up by Town officers. Lisa Shafer, Marana’s director of community development and neighborhood services, will oversee the implementation and operation of this new program.

“One thing we want to emphasize is that from the public perspective, the list of services which residents currently enjoy will not change,” explains Shafer. “They will still be able to adopt pets, drop off strays, license their dogs, and so forth. The only difference is that now the Town will be able to enhance those offerings for everyone involved.”

Marana is already considering several potential enhancements which Town staff will continue to research and evaluate. For example, Marana’s Technology Services department will develop a mobile app for pet owners that will enhance the customer service experience. With projects like the MyMarana app, the Marana Events app, and the Project Ina app, the Town has demonstrated a success record in developing this type of tool.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity which this program affords,” says Shafer. “We feel very strongly that every animal in Marana deserves to be treated with care and compassion. This new program will help us achieve that vision.”