Cronkite News: Officials build new homes for bats in Marana

Angel Mendoza of the Cronkite News profiled the efforts to relocate the bats living under the old Ina Road Bridge over the Santa Cruz to the newly constructed bridge.

Most people believe bats primarily live in caves, but the concrete crevices under the old Ina Road bridge in Marana have provided thousands of migratory Mexican free-tailed bats with perfect roosting habitats for years.

However, the crevices – the bats’ usual winter and summer homes – are now gone due to construction and replacement of the bridge, which began in 2016, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Instead, the Ina Road bats will come home to newly designed “Bat Boxes,” engineered specifically to fit directly within the concrete structure of the new eastbound Ina Road bridge – just in time for migration season.

In a refuge from external climate, the roosting bats could slow their metabolism down and use as little energy as possible, just as they used to in the bridge’s crevices, said Joel Diamond, a senior project manager with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The old bridge, a migratory corridor for about 25,000 bats, was deemed old and unsafe by officials several years ago, Diamond said. And the new Ina Road bridge, now flat-bottomed, initially wouldn’t have included the same nooks and crannies that protected the bats from Arizona’s hottest days and coldest nights.

But because of the combined efforts of environmental agencies, city officials and engineers, the bats – integral to agricultural pest control – don’t have to relocate this migration season.

Of all the bridges in Arizona, Ina Road Bridge is the first to see a design innovation in which bat habitats are prioritized during construction instead of post-completion, said Sandy Wolf, a wildlife biologist who has studied bat habitats in Tucson for decades.

“I’m hoping that this becomes a widespread practice,” Wolf said. “It’s been a very positive step.”

There are a couple thousand bats in nine boxes now, but Diamond, Wolf, and many others involved with the project hope to see more boxes installed, and at least 20,000 tenants by peak migration time in July.

Read the FULL ARTICLE which includes information on innovations in bat box technology, how bats serve the ecosystem, and the collaboration between the town of Marana, ADOT, AZGFD, RD Wildlife Management and several bat experts to make it happen.

Marana Founders' Day provides free family fun

Float through time and learn about the community's history at the annual Marana Founders' Day. This year Founders’ Day will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 in Downtown Marana.

EVENT SCHEDULE (subject to change)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Parade (food vendors will open at 10:30am)
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Founders' Day Festival
11:30 - 11:45 AM Chinese Cultural Center presentation
11:45 - 12:00 PM TBA
12:10 - 12:40 PM TBA
12:50 - 1:20 PM Ballet Folkloric Dancers                 
1:30 - 2:00 PM Saguaro Stompers

The parade is what makes Founders’ Day unique. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with a theme of “Float Through Time.” As in year’s past, the parade is a great way for all different aspects of Marana’s diverse community to be on display. This annual spectacle attracts lots of Marana residents to line the sidewalks and watch all the great vehicles, floats, and people glide by.

The parade has had a number of great features. There have been monster trucks, farm machinery, and even a marriage proposal. Floats with local school children and the great high school marching bands are a great way to celebrate Marana’s youth. You can count on local first responders to be part of the parade, and Marana’s great history is represented with antique tractors and plenty of skilled horseback riders.

The event emcee is Terri Murphy. No stranger to community, charity and events, Murphy has always had a passion for bringing people together and for assisting those in time of need. She has had the pleasure of working with several great people in our community to create and develop events such as the Marana Junior Rodeo Association and Marana’s Exceptional Rodeo for handicap children. She has served as Vice President for the Arizona Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, President for Cowboys Cowgirls Barrel Racing Association, has held numerous local fundraising events and sponsored several local charity events.  Teri’s main passion is preserving the western lifestyle and is able to do so by volunteering her time to the Western Heritage Committee and arena.  She has served as Chairperson for the Marana Main Street Festival and is avid with education and does fundraisers for both the University of Arizona and CAC College.

Like all of Marana’s Signature Events, there will be plenty of fun activities for young families. Inflatables are always a popular attraction, but there will be other fun things to do including artists doing temporary henna tattoos and fantastic balloon creations.

Founders’ Day is all about learning about the past. Visitors can explore booths and exhibits that display Marana's history. These exhibits are brought to you in partnership with Marana Heritage Conservancy and local historical organizations. 

There will be more than 30 non-foot vendors on hand as well as plenty of food options. More than 10 food vendors will be on hand serving everything from ice cream to German food to Hawaiian favorites, and more.

Previous Founders' Day Blogs:
A Kid's Eye View
Favorite Parade Moments

MPD holds their annual awards ceremony

The Marana Police Department held their annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, February 28 at the Stardance Event Center in Marana.

For his work in thwarting auto thefts in the Town, Clayton Strahle was named Officer of the Year. As an investigator for the Arizona Auto Theft Taskforce played a role in the of 56 grand theft auto recoveries, vehicles with a value over $390,000.

“Clay’s success in this position was due to his willingness to always be readily available as a resource to his fellow officers in the state of Arizona who need assistance in their investigations,” said Captain Roberto Jimenez, who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

In a new tradition, they combined the awards ceremony with a badge pinning ceremony. Seven new officers were welcomed into the fold.

“It goes together so well with the award ceremony,” said Marana Police Department Chief Terry Rozema.

Rozema believed it was important welcome in the newest members of the organization on the same day some of the top performers are also recognized for their accomplishment. Although all seven officers have been on the job for a bit, Rozema and the MPD like to conduct the badge pinning as a way for the new officers to be welcomed by their peers, and involve their friends and family who play an important role in supporting the men and women of MPD. 

“We see this as an opportunity to welcome them with open arms,” Rozema said.

12 civilian employees were recognized for reaching milestone anniversaries, including Sheila Blevins, Tina Davis, and Grace Neal, who have been with MPD for 20 years.

Special recognition was given to the Arizona Rangers for their help with various functions, including special events and times when the MPD needs additional help.

“They are an amazing bunch of people,” said Rozema of the un-paid citizens auxiliary. “We are grateful for what they do for us.”

12 individuals received the Chief’s Citation of Excellence. Thomas Cox and Kitty Goyne were recognized for their contributions to the MPD’s volunteer group, the VIP’s. Cox has been instrumental in implementing the Tri-Star program that keeps local apartment complexes safer, whole Goyne helped with digitizing older case files and paperwork.

Lieutenants Tim Brunenkant and John DeStefano, as well as sergeants Joe Castillo, Will Hess, Steve Johnson, James Paul, Jeff Pridgett, Chriswell Scott, Jake Shumate, and Chris Warren were recognized for their hard work in helping to develop the sergeants promotional process.

“A process such as this takes a lot of planning and effort to determine who will be the next leader in our organization,” Jimenez said.

Officers Bradley Clifford, Hayden Mosher, and Kevin Trapp, as well as Detective Debra Kesterson, were presented with the Distinguished Service Award.

Donald Stuab was awarded Volunteer of the Year, while Crime Scene Specialist Brian Aronson was the department’s Civilian of the Year.

PRESS RELEASE: Town of Marana names Mohammad El-Ali as Public Works Director.

Public Works Director Mohammad El-Ali

MARANA — After serving as the Interim Public Works Director for over 90 days, Mohammad El-Ali has been appointed as the Town of Marana’s Public Works Director. His tenure begins March 5.

“We are fortunate to have Mo already on the Marana team,” said Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta. “His prior experience in working with small, medium, and large-sized cities is an asset to our growing community.”

“I am humbled and honored to serve the Town and community in this capacity. The Public Works Department has amazing and hardworking employees and I am excited to be a part of this awesome team,” said El-Ali.

El-Ali has demonstrated the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive administrative processes for a team environment as a result of 31 years of progressively responsible planning and programming, project management, engineering design, construction, and maintenance management experience. Before working at the Town of Marana as the CIP Engineering Division Manager, he has served as the Assistant Public Works Director and Assistant Town Engineer for the Town of Sahuarita, the Capital Improvements Engineer for the City of Flagstaff, and the Transportation Administrator and City Engineer for the City of Tucson. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Engineering, is a registered professional engineer in Arizona and California, and has over 27 years of supervisory experience.

Marana PD Shop with a Volunteer / Shop with a Cop

Over the weekend the Marana Police Department and the Marana Police Volunteers hosted their first “Shop with a Volunteer/Shop with a Cop” event. On Saturday, February 25, thirty-five students from the Marana Unified School District went on a shopping spree at the Kohl’s in Marana.

The students were chosen based on their need and represented all ages, from the youngest elementary school students to an emancipated high school senior.

“These children and families are being selected by the school district as those who need a little help with some basic needs for the kids,” Marana Police Department Volunteer Thomas Cox.

Funding for the shopping spree was raised a few months ago at the Pride for the Patch golf tournament for first responders, military, and military veterans. The event was hosted by Marana Police Volunteers with support from the Marana Police Department.

“The plan with the proceeds from the event was to help our Marana community,” said Cox.

In addition to the funds provided by the Marana Police Volunteers, Kohl’s provided Kohl’s cash, as well as 25 percent off everything in the store.

“Kohl’s was fantastic,” said Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema. “They rolled out the red carpet.”

The store not only provided the discounts and bonus funds, but also had plenty of employees on hand to assist with their shopping needs. Students were able to purchase new clothing and shoes as well as other necessities.

This is the second donation from the golf tournament proceeds. The first occurred in December when the Marana Police Volunteers donated to Open Doors Community School. The school was selected due to its willingness to take in every student, including students who have struggled academically or with discipline issues at other schools.

This was their second Pride for the Patch golf tournament. In 2016 the Marana Police Department Volunteer Foundation presented a check for $12,377.07 to the pediatric unit at Banner University Medical Center.

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

2018 edition of MOVE Across 2 Ranges is a success

On Saturday, February 24, Marana Parks and Rec teamed up with their counterparts in Oro Valley to put on the 2017 edition of the MOVE Across 2 Ranges Hiking Challenge.

The event was designed as a way to explore nature and get active, by hitting the trails and experiencing the challenge and beauty of Southern Arizona’s Tortolita and Catalina Mountains in one day.

Marana hosted over 175 registered hikers who travelled distances ranging from 5 to 22 miles. The first group of hikers Group took off from Marana’s Wild Burro Trail head at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. 

There were over 20 trail volunteers who helped make the seventh edition of this event a success. The volunteers supported by providing guidance and ensuring the safety of the hikers

The event raised a $2,500 donation from sponsors Summit Hut and Patagonia to the Friends of Catalina State Park.

Marana Parks and Recreation hosts monthly guided hikes, horseback rides, and mountain bikes on the trails of the Tortolitas. For more information see their website.

Marana News: Conroy happy at the helm of Marana Parks and Recreation

The Marana News profiled Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. Conroy and his team manage 54 miles of trails, a wide array of amenities, and a lot of great programs for the public.

Managing the 54 miles of trails and the wide array of amenities which comprise Marana’s parks and rec system may seem a daunting task, but not when you have over 30 years of recreation experience and have ridden in El Tour de Tucson 22 times.

Jim Conroy, Marana’s new parks and recreation director, may as well have bike paths for veins and turf for hair. Prior to getting this new job on Nov. 6, Jim worked at Green Valley Recreation, the City of Tucson, the Grand Canyon and more. But after all that, the small town appeal drew him in.

“Marana has always been an area I’ve thought was exceptional,” Conroy said. “I think the potential of what we can do with the trails, fields and rec facilities here is great.”

Conroy became director of parks and rec during a period of great expansion and improvement in Marana, and hopes to continue that growth throughout his career. This summer alone, the town is slated to open the 17-acre Tangerine Sky Community Park, a new “splash pad” at Crossroads District Park and a new park in the Honea Heights neighborhood.

“It’s going to be a big summer for us,” Conroy said. “I see [Tangerine Sky Park] being particularly popular, especially with youth sports.” 

“With hiking, cycling, birding and youth sports communities, the level of support for outdoor amenities in Marana is outstanding,” Conroy said.  “This is the best community I’ve seen in regards to making parks and trails a reality. The connectivity to our parks is outstanding. You know, I’ve heard about the desire for recreation in Marana, but now that I’m here, I see it every day.”

Read the full story at the Marana News

MPD, Border Patrol, and Sheriff Dept. team for Coffee with Cop

The Marana Police Department is participating in another Coffee with a Cop event on March 2, Hosted by the Tucson Border Patrol Station, the event will also feature the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

The event is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Dunkin Donuts at 8002 North Cortaro Road and is designed to give community members a chance to ask questions and discuss issues of concern with officers, agents, and deputies. The hope is to strengthen the relationship between the community and law enforcement officers.

“The Coffee with a Cop events have been fantastic ways to interact with the community,” said Marana Police Department Community Resource Officer David Danielson. “We are excited to participate with other law enforcement agencies, to allow our residents to interact with more of those serving the community.”

 “Coffee with a Cop” is a national campaign started in 2011 as a way for law enforcement to interact with the citizens they serve.

The Border Patrol is hosting these events in an effort to have residents to ask agents questions and learn more about this hot button topic that impacts Southern Arizona. The Border Patrol is dedicated to reducing illicit activity along border communities, as well as fostering and contributing to the betterment of the communities in which they live and serve. 

For more information contact Officer David Danielson at the Marana Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051 or 520-382-2055.

Union Pacific Emergency Work on Tangerine Road

Union Pacific will be performing emergency repairs on Tangerine Road today February 22, 2018. The work will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Please take an alternate route. Flagman will be present to assist with traffic.                                        

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.                                       

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

A Look At Pavement Preservation, Pt. 1

Marana’s Pavement Preservation Program was designed to give Marana great roads. There is a lot to the program, from what the program hopes to accomplish, what methods are utilized, and how the roads are selected for repair. In this multi-part series, we will look at all aspects of the program. Part 1 is an overview and explanation of the program.  

The Town of Marana instituted the Pavement Preservation Program in an effort to keep their roadways in the best possible condition and to do so in a cost-effective manner. As of 2016 the town had 511 miles of road, roughly the same distance between Marana and Malibu. 

The first goal of the program is to maintain drivable roadways and do so in a cost effective manner. The preservation program’s specific goals follow a proactive maintenance philosophy to improve pavement conditions over time, reduce overall maintenance costs, and delay the rate of deterioration due to weather, chemicals, and wear and tear.

The second component of the goal is to increase safety and meet community satisfaction expectations that every road in Marana provides a safe and smooth surface for drivers and their passengers.

Although some roads are completely repaved, most are just repaired. This not only extends the life of the road, but reduces future repair costs. The proactive approach in the maintenance of the town’s roads can delay the rate of asphalt deterioration, reduce overall maintenance costs, and improve pavement conditions over time. While everyone loves to drive on a smooth road, comfort is not the only consideration. Repaired roads increase safety while reducing liability.

Operation costs are funded by Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF), state fees, taxes, and charges relating to the registration and operation of motor vehicles to fund road repairs. Over the past two years, 100 percent of HURF money has gone to the pavement preservation program. Salaries for employees are funded by the Town’s General Fund.

In part two of this series we will look at how the Town rates the roads and figures out which projects become a priority.

Founders' Day Blog: Favorite Parade Moments

One  major thing that sets Founders’ Day apart from the other Marana signature events is the parade. This annual spectacle attracts lots of Marana residents to line the sidewalks and watch all the great vehicles, floats, and people glide by.

The parade has had a number of great features. There have been monster trucks, farm machinery, and even a marriage proposal. Here is a list of some of our favorite moments at the Marana Founders’ Day parade.

Horses – Everyone loves horses (unless you have Equinophobia) and the Marana Founder’s Day Parade has plenty of horses. Horses are central to Marana’s farming and ranching legacy, and there are plenty of these majestic animals on display.

Marching Bands – Few things are more integral to a parade than marching bands. Both Marana and Mountain View High Schools have participated in the past and both do a fantastic job providing the soundtrack to the parade. With their colorful costumes and perfect formations, these are some musicians to be proud of.

Floats – The Marana Founders’ Day parade features some great people and organizations. Nearly every school is represented with students smiling, waving, and throwing candy. You are apt to get a teacher wearing a silly costume, and even a mascot or ten. Other floats feature non-profits, churches, and the local businesses that make up the backbone of the Marana community.

Shriner Cars –What could be more thrilling than people wearing fez hats and driving mini-go carts in tight formation before breaking off to do tricks?

Classic Tractors – Like the horses above, tractors are a key part of Marana’s heritage. The Marana Founders’ Day parade has a wide variety of tractors, most of them classic tractors. Some are quite recognizable as the recent precursors to today’s farming machinery. Most are painted the way they looked when they first hit the farm, while others have been painted a variety of bright colors, including a few all-pink tractors.

Police and Fire – The Marana Police Department and various local fire departments get to display their vehicles during the parade. Who is not taken back to childhood when they see a shiny, red fire engine? The MPD motor patrol are also a highlight as they ride together on their matte black motorcycles, showing off how well they handle the impressive machines.

Cool Cars – Whether you like classic cars, new sports cars, or off-road vehicles, the parade has plenty of  interesting vehicles. These cars are the perfect way to let those being honored in the parade to wave to the crowd, and even drop some goodies to the kids. From Town officials to beauty queens to worthwhile organizations, these slick rides have a little bit of everything.

Crowds/Candy – Happy families coming out to celebrate Founder’s Day is what it is all about. Of course, for the kids it is also about the candy being thrown by man in the parade. Children scramble to collect all the candy and goodies tossed out from the floats and vehicles. From some of Marana’s oldest residents, to tiny little babies who have just begun to make Marana their home, every type of person imaginable comes out to the parade.

Cement Trucks – What’s better than big, rumbly cement trucks? How about a bright pink, big, rumbly cement truck?

New free-standing emergency department brings jobs, amenities to Town

On behalf of Marana Town Council and staff, Vice Mayor Jon Post welcomed the new Northwest Emergency Center to the community on February 9. The new facility is located at Twin Peaks and I-10 at the Marana Center. 

The project brings jobs and services to Town residents. The facility costs an estimated $8.5 million and will bring more than 30 new medical jobs to Marana while providing 24/7 medical services to residents in the area including quick access from Dove Mountain and Gladden Farms.

“Healthcare is evolving and we’re excited to have a Free Standing Emergency Department (FESD) that will deliver full emergency care in Marana,” said Marana Director of Economic Development & Tourism Curt Woody. “In addition to a much needed amenity, the facility will employ 30 well paying positions that will add to our Town’s strategy of diversifying our employment sector.”

The facility is a somewhat unique concept in the area, though the model is quickly gaining popularity across the country. It is essentially an emergency room/emergency department without a larger hospital on-site. While it lacks inpatient beds and is not equipped for major surgery, it does have an ambulance bay, triage, radiology, and lab. A board-certified emergency physician is always on-site.

Like any hospital emergency department, the new NEC Marana will be equipped to treat patients with illnesses and injuries that require a higher level of care than urgent care facilities offer. Many emergency services can be effectively managed at an FSED without the need for transfer to a traditional hospital setting. If a higher level of care is required, a patient can be transported quickly to nearby Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital, or the facility of their choice.

Board-certified emergency physicians, registered nurses and other patient care professionals will staff the center, and 30 employees also will be hired to serve patients at the new center, including registered nurses and lab, imaging, admitting and environmental services staff.

It is the second such facility in Southern Arizona for Northwest Healthcare. The first opened in Vail in late 2015. The same company also owns Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital and five urgent care centers, in addition to primary care clinics and its freestanding ERs.

Northwest Healthcare has been serving the Marana area in various capacities for years and is looking at other ways to expand in the Town. The company owns 62 acres in the community that they currently have earmarked for a future hospital. 

Marana to take part in Joint Warrant Resolution Court on Mar. 3

The Town of Marana Municipal Court is participating it the Pima County Joint Warrant Resolution Court Event. On Saturday March 3, 2018 between 8:00 am -12:00 pm, all of Tucson’s area courts will join together at 240 N. Stone Avenue to help individuals resolve their outstanding warrant(s) and/or pending traffic or criminal case(s). 

Judges and staff from the following courts will participate in the Joint Warrant Resolution Court Event:

• Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
• Green Valley Justice Court
• Marana Municipal Court
• Oro Valley Magistrate Court
• Sahaurita Municipal Court
• South Tucson City Court
• Tucson City Court

Many of the outstanding warrants issued by these courts are for failure to appear in court on prior charges or for non-compliance with court sentencing orders.  Outstanding warrants may result in the suspension of a person’s driver’s license. The Joint Saturday Warrant Resolution Court Event will provide an opportunity for the public to take care of pending court matters during nontraditional court hours.

Court staff will be available to assist those who owe court fees and fines, setup or re-establish payment plans and lift driver license suspensions.

Project Ina Photo Gallery

This week marked the 1-year anniversary of the start of the Ina Interchange Project construction. A lot has been done in those 12 months and Arizona Department of Transportation photographers came out earlier this month to capture some of the progress that the project has undergone. 

With the completion of this project, Ina Road will become elevated and pass over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad. The existing frontage roads and ramps will require reconstruction to intersect with the crossroad in its reconstructed (elevated) position.

The project includes two-lane, one-way frontage roads along each side of I-10 and necessary crossroad widening at the frontage road intersections and eliminate the existing at-grade railroad crossings of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Ina Road.

As part of the project the bridge over the Santa Cruz on Ina Road will be rebuilt and expanded to four lanes. 

Tucson News Now: Project Ina hits 1-year mark

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the start of the Ina Interchange Project. Tucson News Now had a report highlighting some of the businesses who are doing well despite the construction challenges.

Tom Herrmann with Arizona Department of Transportation said the project is on track to be finished on time and on budget and so far there have not been an major snags.

Tucson News Now

Marana In The Media: Pinal Airpark "Boneyard"

Most of us never get to see the comings and goings out at the Pinal Airpark. ABC 15 in Phoenix's John Trierweiler got to tour the facility that employs around 350 people and has the capacity for more than 400 aircraft on-site, specializing in aircraft storage, reclamation and heavy maintenance. In fact, not all aircraft that land in the desert have been retired; many will either get maintenance work done or just sit in storage waiting for their next flight. 

He posted video of his time at the airpark.

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!

 

Founder's Day Blog: From the Mouths of Babes

Marana’s Founders’ Day has always been a family affair with a lot of activities geared toward kids. This year’s edition is no different, so who better to give a review of the event than a 7-year old? 7-year old Tyler Allis is a veteran of four Founders’ Days, and has provided a preview of next month’s event.

Tyler Allis - Parades are great, but I especially like parades where they throw candy! They throw a lot of candy at the Marana Founders’ Day parade. All you have to do is wave to the floats, and they throw you candy. 

Candy was not the only cool part of the parade- there is plenty to see. There are a lot of really neat vehicles you don’t get to see on most days. There will be kids on BMX bicycles and unicycles. These guys, called Shriners, drive around in little mini cars. They do tricks and then give high fives to all the kids. It is really cool.

There are always a bunch of people on horses and floats. There will be fire trucks and police motor cycles, and maybe even a monster truck. You get to see really cool old-time tractors! my sister really likes the all pink one, and some other old time cars and trucks. There will also be marching bands, cheerleaders, and people walking and waving.

The rest of Founders Day will be in downtown Marana, and there is so much stuff to do. I love food trucks. There will be lots of food trucks. Some have snacks, some have “real” food, and others have dessert. I will try to have a little bit of everything.

There will be a lot of really fun jumping castles and other inflatables. These are a lot of fun, and my dad is happy because they are free. A lot of the stuff at Founders Day is free.

There will be lots to see on the stage like music and dancers, and fun games like hula hoops, sack races, and beanbag toss. They do a lot of beanbag toss in Marana because it is a lot of fun. 

They also had this big area where all of these people gave me stuff. My dad called them vendors and he said they were all from Marana. Some of these people sell you stuff, and a lot just give you stuff! You can learn about businesses, churches, and even adopt a puppy. Last year I got a lot of pens, a ball, and some stuff to read. I can’t wait to see what else they have this year.

Marana Founders' Day in Downtown Marana is on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

THANK YOU TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS

Marana, Oro Valley partner to host MOVE Across 2 Ranges

Calling all hikers - the Towns of Marana and Oro Valley are once again partnering to host the 7th annual MOVE Across 2 Ranges hiking challenge. 

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. 

M.O.V.E., which stands for Marana Oro Valley Experience, gives outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities the opportunity to hike, stroll or trail run two beautiful mountain ranges in the Marana and Oro Valley area: the Tortolitas and Santa Catalinas. 

Participants can choose one of four hiking challenges:

1. Mighty Move – 6 miles
2. Major Move – 10 miles
3. Mega Move – 15 miles
4. Massive Move – 21.5 miles

After the hike, participants can recover, revive and refuel at the finish line party in Catalina State Park. Enjoy music, food trucks, raffle prizes and much more. 

Those interested in participating - registration is $30 in advance or $35 at packet pick-up or on event day. New for this year is the family registration rate, at $20 per family member.  The new rate is applicable for any of the four challenges, and there must be at least a family of two to qualify for the special rate. 

Registration for the event includes a meal and beverage ticket (to be redeemed at the Recover, Revive and Refuel Area after the hike), admission into Catalina State Park, and snacks and drinks at the Packet Pickup Party on Feb. 23. 

Event shirts are $10 and are also available for purchase on event day. Start times for the challenges vary, depending on which you choose. For more route details or to register, visit www.move2ranges.com or call (520) 229-5050.

Participants may pick up their event materials the morning of the event or at the special Packet Pickup Party on Friday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oro Valley Summit Hut, 7745 N. Oracle Road.

EVENT LOCATIONS 

• Tortolita Mountain Trailhead, 14810 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 
• Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ