Video: Tangerine Sky Community Park grand opening

On Friday, August 10, the Town of Marana opened Tangerine Sky Community Park with a grand opening ceremony. The ceremony attracted between 250-300 residents, employees, and stakeholders in the new park.

Marana Parks and Recreation Director, Jim Conroy, emceed this event and thanked all those who made the project possible, as well as giving some facts about the park and the project.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea discussed the importance of the park to this portion of Marana.

The Marana Town Council, several shareholders, and area children participate in the ribbon cutting.

KVOA previewed the opening.

KGUN 9 was also on hand for a sneak preview and had two live reports from the park.

Spaces open on Marana Citizens’ Forum

The Marana Citizens’ Forum (Forum) brings residents, business owners and community partners together to study and address multidisciplinary issues facing the Town. The Forum also functions as a focus group for special projects.   Outcomes and recommendations are presented to the Town Council.

The Forum meets for two sessions each calendar year.  Each session consists of six 1 ½ hour meetings, held every other Thursday in the Conference Center at the Marana Municipal Complex beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The next session will begin September 20, 2018.  

All applications will remain active for one year from the date of receipt. 

Applications are available at under Community/Marana Citizens’ Forum.  Applications can be submitted online.  Call 382-1960 for additional information.

Inaugural Youth Citizens Police Academy a success

The Town of Marana had some new and much younger faces around the Marana Municipal Complex during the week of July 16. The Marana Police Department conducted their first Marana Youth Citizens Police Academy, and it was a huge success. The young participants showed a thirst for knowledge when it came to learning more about law enforcement and the workings of the Marana Police Department.

“The Marana Youth Citizens Police Academy is designed to promote and enhance our teens’ understanding and awareness of the many duties and responsibilities of the Marana Police Department and the law enforcement community,” said Marana Police Department Community Resource Officer David Danielson.

Cadets of the Youth Citizen Police Academy had the opportunity to become familiar with the day to day operations of the Marana Police Department, which enabled them to gain a better understanding of the policies and laws that guide an officer's decisions as well as their own decisions as citizens.

The cadets witnessed a number of presentations made by police department staff on a multitude of topics including the Marana Police Department’s mission, ethics, crime prevention, community oriented policing, crisis negotiations, officer safety techniques, and more.

In addition to lectures, cadets were involved in physical activates each day that provided quite a challenge and helped them build skills in areas such as teambuilding, leadership, critical thinking, trust and health and fitness.

They participated in simulated traffic stops, role playing as both the drivers and the officers, and received immediate feedback on their performance by MPD officers.

Follow the Town of Marana and the Marana Police Department on social media for more information on future Youth Citizens Police Academies. 

Arizona Daily Star: Arts thrive in Marana

The Arizona Daily Star had a terrific article on the Marana Community Music Theater and their performance this Friday of The Wizard of Oz, as well as how the arts are thriving in Marana. 

Nearly 70 cast members, when you include the full orchestra, have spent weeks this summer getting ready for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 27.

 For the past six weeks, they have filled one of the conference rooms of the Marana Senior Center next to Ora Mae Harn Park two nights a week. For several hours on those nights, they follow the direction of MCMT founders Sarah Ross and Heidi Barker to prepare for that performance.

But this is about more than a night at the theater…

“If this is something that brings pleasure and gets people involved because you’re going to have young and old and every ethnic group and every neighborhood involved, we invest in our people,” said Mayor Ed Honea.

The town places artwork by high school students and area artists in its parks. One of the most ambitious recently was steel statues of a deer family designed by Tucson artist Trevor O’Toole and crafted by welding students from Marana High School that was installed on Tangerine Road as a centerpiece of the upcoming Tangerine Sky Park. It also hosts school choirs for performances at town events, from Founders Day to the Fourth of July.

Read the FULL STORY

Eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Cortaro Road closed night of July 26

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for an overnight closure of the Interstate 10 off-ramp at Cortaro Road on Thursday, July 26.

The off-ramp is set to close at 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m. the following morning while crews install an overhead sign structure.

Motorists on eastbound I-10 should use the Twin Peaks Road interchange and follow the frontage road to West Pavilions Drive to reach Cortaro Road.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Input wanted on the Marana Sign Code

Town of Marana is undergoing a review of its Sign Code in anticipation of the next update. They are interesting in what the public has to say regarding the Sign Code.

The Town would like to invite the public to participate by submitting review comment(s) to the Draft Sign Code Regulations. Please submit your comments using this ONLINE FORM. Forms will be accepted until August 24,2018.

For more information and public meeting dates, please visit http://www.maranaaz.gov/ldcinformation.

Flash Flood Safety Tips

The National Weather Service has provided some great tips for Flash Flood Safety:

On average, more people are killed by flooding than by any other single severe weather hazard, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Most of these deaths occur at night, when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers, and when people are trapped in vehicles. Do you and your family know what to do in case of a flood?

Remember…

• DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway.
• DO NOT drive through flowing water.
• If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN.
• Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road.

If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area…

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! Act quickly to save yourself, you may not have much time.
• Get out of areas that are subject to flooding and move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. Low spots such as dips, canyons, and washes are not the places you want to be during flooding!
• DO NOT camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• DO NOT drive if not necessary. If driving is necessary, do not attempt to drive over a flooded road, as the depth of the water is not always obvious, and the roadway may no longer be intact under the water. Never drive around a barricade, they are placed there for your protection! If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground before water sweeps you and your vehicle away.
• DO NOT try to walk, swim, or play in flood water. You may not be able to determine if there are holes or submerged debris, or how quickly the water is flowing, and you may be swept away. If water is moving swiftly, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off of your feet! There is also a danger of hazardous materials polluting the water. Also remember that water is an electrical conductor, if there are power lines down, there is a possibility of electrocution.
• Always continue to monitor the situation through the National Weather Service website, your NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards, or favorite local television or radio stations.

Why is “Turn Around - Don’t Drown” so important?

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.

More flood safety tips can be found on the National Weather Service website. 

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.

Photo Gallery: Star Spangled Spectacular

On Wednesday, July 4, the Town of Marana held their annual Star Spangled Spectacular. Nearly 17,000 people attended the free event that included a kids' area with inflatables, five bands, food trucks, and of course, fireworks. 

Relive the evening with this photo gallery by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography. 

Grants help fund airport repairs

On Tuesday, July 19 the Marana Town Council approved the Town Manager to execute a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for funding to aid in the Marana Regional Airport’s Apron and Taxiway Rehabilitation project.

The Marana Regional Airport will undergo total reconstruction of the asphalt for several aprons and one of the taxiways. This $5.1 million project will pay a number of dividends for the airport and the Town of Marana. 

“First and foremost, replacing the surface will make it safer,” said Marana Regional Airport Director Steve Miller. “As the surface gets older, it begins to degrade and can become dangerous to both people and planes. With corporate jets costing as much as $85 million, it is very important to make sure debris does not damage aircraft.”

This project is a complete removal and reconstruction of approximately one million square feet of pavement. The project will not only restore the surface, but improve it. Marana Regional Airport was never designed for jets and, save for the runways, the pavement was not meant for the larger aircraft that now land at the facility on a daily basis. The strength of the existing pavement is currently not sufficient to support the weight of some of the private jets that park on the aprons. The new pavement will be designed to accommodate the weight of the aircraft that utilize this airport.

The new surface will also be cost-effective because it will require less maintenance. Currently, staff must sweep the pavement and remove debris that builds up over time.

“With less focus on the pavement, staff can turn their attention to other operational needs,” Miller said.

The FAA grant is for $4,497,369 while the Arizona Department of Transportation will contribute $220,769. The cost to the Town is $476,724 some of which will come from other FAA monies that were set aside by the airport in anticipation of this project. Additionally, the Town is working with Pima Aviation to enter into an agreement to be reimbursed approximately $132,717 for the ineligible construction costs that are a benefit to Pima Aviation's operations.

With this reimbursement the Town's costs would be reduced to approximately $327,142. 

Interstate 10 eastbound frontage road near Ina Road set to open June 29

The Eastbound Interstate 10 frontage road between Starcommerce Way and Ina Road in Marana is set to open Friday, June 29.

The opening will improve access to businesses along the eastbound I-10 frontage road and along Ina Road. In addition, the opening will allow vehicles to continue straight down the eastbound frontage road to Ina Road and continue toward Sunset Road.

The roadway is scheduled to open by the end of the day, June 29. A single lane will allow one-way traffic from Starcommerce Way to Ina Road. The intersection of Ina Road and the eastbound frontage road will be controlled by an all-way stop sign.

The on- and off-ramps connecting eastbound I-10 and Ina Road will remain closed.

The overall I-10/Ina Road traffic interchange is currently on schedule. Portions of the interchange are currently scheduled to begin opening in the spring of 2019.

Learn more on the project website

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Town honored for support of Veterans Cemetery

On June 19, the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation presented the Marana Town Council with a piece of artwork to thank the Town for being community partners with the cemetery in North Marana.

The painting “Home at Dusk,” by artist Robert Taylor depicts a squadron of P-51 Mustangs flying in formation during World War II. It will be placed on permanent display by at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and will boast a commemorative plaque thanking the Town for their contributions.  

“Our foundation deeply appreciates the effort being made here in the Town,” said Sawn Pfund, a board member for the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation.

The Town of Marana has been committed to supporting its community of military veterans, and they do their utmost to honor them. Those efforts have led to Marana being designated a Purple Heart Town. 

“I’d like to thank the Town on behalf of the foundation. that continues to do work with us, to do what is right, what we normally say is the right thing to do for our veterans, both here in Marana and in Pima County,” said Pfund.

Pfund also gave praise to the Marana Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies who help provide traffic support for the foundation’s memorial events at the cemetery. 

The Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation is committed to the continued enhancement and beautification of projects inside the cemetery grounds.

Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 15950 N Luckett Road in North Marana.

Marana News: Marana performing strong through third quarter

Photo of the Marana Regional Airport by Tucson Local Media

Marana News published a story on Marana's third quarter financials on June 13.

As Marana finishes the third quarter of the current fiscal year, revenues continue to exceed expenditures, with few exceptions.

In the airport fund, expenses continue to exceed revenues; although the gap is shrinking. Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta said it’s rare for a general aviation airport, rather than commercial, to generate enough revenue to cover its expenses. Mehta added that the airport is estimated at bringing $18 million annually to the region in the form of jobs, local spending from visitors and money spent on luxury items such as high-end hotels and timeshare jets.

The airport is “generating wealth for the entire region,” Mehta said. “Don’t count it as a debt. Count it as an investment.” 

Future of Marana Regional Airport taking shape

There is a lot going on at Marana Regional Airport. Town staff are constantly working on ways to improve the facility and provide better service to those using the airport, whether they are long time tenants or travelers making a quick stop in Marana. 

Improvements at the airport are funded in a variety of ways, but the most significant improvements occur through grants. Since 2013, the town has collected $9.7 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At the end of August, the Marana Regional Airport will undergo total reconstruction of the asphalt for several aprons and one of the taxiways. This $6.3 million project will pay a number of dividends for the airport, and the town. 

First and foremost, replacing the surface will make it safer. As the surface gets older, it begins to degrade and can become dangerous to both people and planes. With corporate jets costing as much as $85 million, it is very important to make sure debris does not damage aircraft. 

This project will not only restore the surface, but improve it. Marana Regional Airport was never designed for jets and, save for the runways, the pavement was not meant for the larger aircraft that now land at the facility on a daily basis. The new pavement will be strengthened nearly three-fold over the previous surface, which not only makes it safer, but adds longevity. 

The new surface means less maintenance. Currently, staff must sweep the pavement and remove debris that builds up over time. With less focus on the pavement, staff can turn their attention to other operational needs. 

The reconstruction project will last about six months and, despite some temporary inconveniences to areas of the airport, I really believe the end result will be worth it. 

The FAA will fund the bulk of the project with their grants, paying for over 91 percent of the costs. ADOT and the Town of Marana will each cover about 4.47 percent of the project, with the airport using additional discretionary funds that come from the FAA. Every year, the FAA gives General Aviation Airports such as Marana $150,000, which the airport can bank for up to four years to fund a major project. 

Grant money also helps town staff plan for the future. Back in 2014, the town used grant money to update its Airport Master Plan and create a Strategic Business Plan. The master plan lays out how the Town envisions airport growth and expansion over the next 20 years. The plan not only provides a valuable guide for the future, but having the plan makes the town eligible for FAA and ADOT funding.  

The growth of the airport is predicated on bringing in more businesses and air traffic. These goals are addressed by the Airport Strategic Business Plan. The plan establishes strategies to achieve business goals, further establishes a vision for the facility and creates a focused strategy for development. 

Part of the current strategy is to reach out to corporations and its pilots to market the airport. It is typically pilots, not the passengers, of private jets who choose which airports to utilize. The airport will be more proactive in reaching out to organizations like the National Business Aviation Association and promoting Marana Regional Airport as a viable alternative to Tucson International Airport and other regional options. 

Keeping existing businesses and courting new businesses to Marana is also a key component to the future growth of Marana Regional Airport. The Town Council just approved new and consolidated leases with Pima Aviation Inc. that are going to be beneficial to both the town and businesses. 

The military uses Marana Regional Airport for over 22,000 operations a year. Military and defense are other avenues where the airport could continue to grow.

With over 300 days of sunshine and little in the way of competition, Marana is perfectly suited for new businesses. Marana Regional Airport hopes to bring an additional flight school to Marana, and staff has had many positive discussions. There is a looming airline pilot shortage, and flight schools are a lucrative business in the current climate.

So why should the town invest in the airport? Current estimates have Marana Regional Airport generating between $18 million to $20 million for Marana and the region. In fact, one of the reasons the Ritz-Carlton chose Dove Mountain was the proximity to the airport.

There are a lot of exciting things happening at the airport and many more to come. Much like the Town of Marana itself, Marana Regional Airport has room to grow and expand, and the best is yet to come. 

Steve Miller is the Town of Marana Regional Airport Director.

Traffic Alert: McDuff Road

Construction along McDuff Road between Grier Road and the eastbound I-10 frontage road will begin on Monday, 6/11/2018, and continue for approximately seven weeks. Workers will be removing the degraded pavement along the entire length of the roadway, stabilizing the subgrade, placing new asphalt, and installing new pavement markings. In addition, new curb, sidewalk, and access ramps will be built along the east side of the roadway. Crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

During the project, through-traffic along McDuff Road will be prohibited. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times. 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.

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.

Town, MUSD partner to provide School Resource Officer

Marana PD School Resource Officer (SRO) David Samorano and Marana High School Principal Dr. David Mandel. (Photo Courtesy Marana Unified School District)

On June 5 the Marana Town Council approved to extend a service agreement with the Marana Unified School District to provide a School Resource Officer at Marana High School in support of the District's School Safety Program.

In 2014 the Marana Unified School District, with support from the Town of Marana, applied for and received funding from the Arizona Department of Education to fund a School Resource Officer position at Marana High School. It was the first time the school had one on campus since 2009, and the Marana Police Department School Resource Officer has served at the school continuously since 2014, twice winning awards for School Resource Officer of the Year.

This year Marana Unified School District did not receive a grant award for the School Resource Officer position at the high school, but both parties want to continue to have the position at the school. The agreement between the Town and MUSD will have both parties share the costs of the School Resource Officer’s compensation during the term of the agreement. 

Officer David Samorano will serve as Marana High School’s School Resource Officer this upcoming school year, and believes the presence of an officer on campus creates a safer learning environment.

“Officer presence on the campus provides a quicker response to incidents whether small or extraordinary,” Samorano said.

MUSD will pay 50% of the School Resource Officer’s monthly compensation during each ten-month school year. The position will continue to function in the same capacity, teaching Law Related Education classes and maintaining a presence at the school to provide for a safe school environment. 

“Through a School Resource Officer, relationships are forged and the future leaders of our community are educated,” Samorano said. “With a curriculum focusing on law-related education and safety, we contact students on a level other than an investigative purpose. This allows open communication, understanding and trust between future leaders and the Marana Police Department.”

It is the intent of Marana Unified School District and the Town of Marana to apply for grant funding for the position during the next funding cycle.

Volunteers needed for bat study

 Were your hummingbird feeders mysteriously drained during the night this past summer? Did you know that the midnight raiders were bats? Most of Arizona’s 28 bat species eat insects, but two species drink nectar and eat pollen and fruits from plants such as the saguaro, agave and your hummingbird feeders. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with cooperation from the Town of Marana will be commencing their 2018 nighttime hummingbird feeder and bat monitoring project and they need your help! 

Photo by Doris Evans

Over the past 10 years, citizen scientists throughout southern Arizona have graciously volunteered numerous hours each summer to monitor their hummingbird feeders for signs of visiting bats. They have provided us with valuable information that allows us to better understand the behavior of the federally endangered lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) and the Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana), an Arizona species of concern. The lesser long-nosed bats migrate north from Mexico and arrive in southern Arizona as the saguaros begin to bloom. They continue to travel throughout southern Arizona feeding on the blooms of saguaros and agaves, as well as at your hummingbird feeders. 

If you enjoy watching wildlife and sitting on your porch during summer evenings please consider volunteering your time for this worthy cause. Your efforts will allow wildlife and resource managers in Arizona to better understand the ecology of these species. The goals of this project are to understand when these species arrive in southern Arizona, determine foraging habits and movement patterns, and to document when the migratory species depart Arizona. With your help, we hope to continue receiving valuable information and use it to understand their behavior as well as how to better protect these bats. 

If you are interested in participating in the hummingbird feeder monitoring project this year, please visit the official website sponsored by the Town of Marana, http://www.maranaaz.gov/bats. The website allows participants to sign up as volunteers and to download information about this year’s monitoring protocol. 

 For additional information please contact:
Emily Scobie, Volunteer coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department: escobie@azgfd.gov
Ted Fleming, Media coordinator: tedfleming@dakotacom.net
Janine Spencer, Town of Marana: jspencer@maranaaz.gov
Scott Richardson, U.S Fish and Wildlife: scott_richardson@fws.gov
Joel Diamond, Arizona Game and Fish Department: jdiamond@azgfd.gov 

Press Release: Town names new Public Works Deputy Director

After a competitive process, Fausto Burruel has been selected to fill the position of Public Works Deputy Director. He will assume the position effective June 18, 2018. Previously, Burruel served as the Town of Marana Traffic Engineering Division Manager.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Fausto’s professional skills, knowledge, abilities, and experience join the Public Works Department leadership team," said Public Works Director Mo El-Ali." Fausto’s significant experience in the public works field combined with his outstanding customer service and high emotional IQ will serve the Town well.”

Burruel brings 15 years of traffic engineering, traffic operations, project management, and maintenance management experience.

"I look forward to the new challenge the Public Works Deputy Director position offers and I believe my experience and leadership approach will blend well within the department," Burruel said. "Public Works is a strong group and I’m excited to be part of the team and help the department continue on a successful path. Additionally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how grateful I am to the Engineering Department for the experience, relationships, and support they’ve provided."

Before working at the Town of Marana as the Traffic Engineering Division Manager, Burruel served as the Traffic Section Chief for Pinal County and as the Engineering Project Manager for the City of Casa Grande. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master of Public Administration, is a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, and has 10 years of supervisory experience.

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.