Apr 6 - Free Music In Marana: Caiden Brewer
Apr 27-28 - Camping Under the Stars/Free Movie in Marana
May 4 - Ina Road Celebration Weekend
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
Municipal Sewer and Water Magazine recently profiled the Town of Marana in their March 2019 edition:
Few communities in America are more conscious of their water supply than Marana, Arizona.
Located a few miles northwest of Tucson along Interstate 10, Marana relies on Colorado River water through the Central Arizona Project(CAP), groundwater and reclaimed wastewater to deliver a reliable supply of high-quality water to its 8,000 customers.
The utility aggressively promotes conservation and recently received an award for participation in a forward-looking multicommunity project that will help reduce groundwater overdrafting across the region.
At the same time, it plans to build brand-new water treatment facilities to remove unregulated compounds from groundwater wells in two of its water systems.
“Water is critical here,” says John Kmiec, water director. “Our growth depends on it.”
Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy provided the following Manager’s Message on the upcoming Cape Chase to the Marana News/Explorer News.
At Marana Parks and Recreation, we try to serve the diverse needs of our residents. We have events for the most elite athletes to those just beginning their fitness journey. We offer classes to enrich the mind, and we provide training to those just starting their first jobs as a baby sitter or lifeguard.
Now, we are proud to expand our programming to serve our special needs community.
The Town of Marana is excited to bring the first Marana Cape Chase Adaptive Fun Run to the community Saturday, March 9 at Ora Mae Harn Park (13250 N. Lon Adams Road). This non-competitive course is designed for tots, youth, teens, families and participants with disabilities who seek adventure and want to stay active.
When we assessed our programming last year, we realized we could bring great recreational opportunities to this previously underserved segment of the population. We began our sensory splash classes at both the Marana Pool and the Splash Pad in Marana, which are designed as a safe, positive and exclusive aquatic and social “meet up” experience for individuals with special needs.
After seeing the success of our sensory splash programs, we began exploring more ideas. We took inspiration from other communities and came up with the Cape Chase Fun Run. Like our other races, this event has a fun theme, and participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite super hero.
The Cape Chase is a sensory obstacle course perfectly suited for a variety of young competitors, no matter what their challenges may be. Dodge speed bumps, navigate the bubble pit, traverse through the pool noodle pass, and explore the cone maze.
There are eight different obstacles, but staggered start times mean that no one has to worry about going too fast or too slow while navigating the course.
We expect our park to be filled with super heroes March 9. Not only do the first 200 participants get their very own cape, but we have it on good authority that several super hero guests will be turning Ora Mae Harn Park into their own Hall of Justice.
Reveal your secret superhero identities and conquer this adaptive fun run in Marana. Sign up now. Visit maranaAZ.gov/recreation.
Jim Conroy is the Marana Parks and Recreation Director.
Curb Removal and Various Concrete Work
On Wednesday, February 27, 2019 the Town of Marana and its contractor will begin work to remove and replace areas of failing curb and various other concrete work installations on Coachline Boulevard, from Twin Peaks Road north to Silverbell Road
The contractor will complete work along the northbound side of Coachline Boulevard first and then work on the southbound side of the roadway.
Traffic will be shifted around the work area.
Bike lanes will be closed. Cyclist should use an alternate route when possible.
Access to residential areas will be maintained.
Work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 (weather permitting) and is expected to take approximately two-months to complete.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Last night, Town Council held the second of two Planning Commission Public Hearings to discuss the Final Draft Make Marana 2040 General Plan. The final public hearing with Town Council for the General Plan will take place Tuesday, December 10, at the Marana Municipal Complex Council Chambers.
Beginning October 30 through December 10, the Town of Marana will hold three public hearings for the Make Marana 2040 General Plan Update.
A presentation and possible direction on comments received in the 60-day statutory review period of the Make Marana 2040 General Plan will be presented at the October 8 Town Council study session. Development Services Director Jason Angell will give the presentation.
Motorists who use Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect lane closures the nights of Feb. 23 and Feb. 26.
On Saturday, Feb, 23, eastbound I-10 will be reduced to a single lane between Cortaro and Sunset roads from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. Crews will shift eastbound traffic to the inside lanes by the time all lanes re-open to traffic.
On Tuesday, Feb. 26, westbound I-10 will be reduced to a single lane between Sunset and Cortaro roads from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning for barrier work.
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 Bilingual Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or go to azdot.gov/contact and select Projects from the drop-down menu. 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.
The asphalt milling operation scheduled to begin this week, and the paving operation scheduled for the week of February 25 through March 1, along the two southbound lanes and one northbound (curb) lane of Coachline Boulevard between Silverbell Road and the recently repaired low water crossing area, has been postponed.
Postponement is due to inclement weather with additional forecasted rain through the week. The milling andpaving operations will be rescheduled for a later date.
New details for the milling and paving operation will be provided prior to work beginning.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
During the week of February 18, 2019, the contractor will begin operations to mill (remove existing pavement) and pave portions of Coachline Boulevard south of Twin Peaks Road.
Work will occur along the two southbound lanes and one northbound (curb) lane of Coachline Boulevard between Silverbell Road and the recently repaired low water crossing area.
North and southbound traffic will be shifted as work progresses
Access to side streets will be intermittently impacted as work crews and equipment move through the area
This phase of the milling and paving operation is scheduled to be completed by March 1, 2019
REMINDER – Vehicles parked on Coachline Boulevard will be towed at owners’ expense
Inclement weather or mechanical failure may impact this operation
The new pedestrian crossing at Rivulet Drive will re-open after the final paving and striping operation is completed. Weather permitting, paving of this section of Coachline Boulevard is expected to be complete by mid-to-late March 2019. For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
MARANA – Marana residents can now carry Marana Parks and Recreation services around with them in the palm of their hand. The Town of Marana has released the Marana Parks and Recreation Mobile App for both Android and iOS mobile devices.
Developed for both Marana recreation regulars and those new to the Town, this app provides residents and visitors with everything they need to stay up-to-date with park closures, programming events, and trail conditions. Users can check the status of their favorite park amenities in real time, and sign up for activities.
The Parks and Recreation Mobile app is designed as a one-stop shop for Marana Parks and Recreation information.
“Our goal with this app is to improve the service experience of Marana residents, customers, and visitors,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “It encompasses so many different services in one easy-to-use interface. This provides our Marana community with a truly unique experience of their parks.”
The Parks and Recreation app is the latest mobile app produced in-house by the Town of Marana, following the My Marana, Marana Events, Marana Pets, and Project Ina apps.
The Parks and Recreation app is currently available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
When the new interchange at Ina Road and Interstate 10 in Marana opens in the coming weeks, it will include state-of-the-art technology helping Arizona Department of Transportation engineers adjust signals to keep traffic flowing.
Work on the $128 million project, which began two years ago, includes significant improvements to the interchange and to Ina Road in a growing area northwest of Tucson. The new interchange is expected to open in early spring, while work on improvements to Ina Road and new bridges over the Santa Cruz River will continue for several months.
Traffic signals where the new I-10 ramps intersect with Ina Road will include cameras that collect data on traffic moving past. That data will help traffic engineers decide whether to alter the length of green lights to move traffic more efficiently. Marana also is adding cameras for the same purpose along Ina Road at Starcommerce Way and Camino de la Cruz.
The cameras give a 360-degree view of the intersections and replace sensors placed in cuts made in the pavement. Already is use at a number of Pima County intersections, the cameras are used only for traffic management and not for law enforcement.
The cameras are just one of the changes that will help traffic flow more smoothly through the Marana intersections.
Crews have added a lane in each direction on I-10 and on Ina Road west of the freeway. That will allow both to carry more traffic with fewer delays for drivers.
Before work began, Ina Road was at ground level and crossed railroad tracks before traveling below I-10. The new configuration includes bridges carrying Ina Road over the railroad tracks and I-10, eliminating delays when trains move through the area.
A single two-lane bridge over the Santa Cruz River has been replaced with two bridges, each carrying two lanes of traffic. The eastbound bridge opened in December 2017 and carries one lane in each direction. The westbound bridge will open this spring.
The Town of Marana is making improvements to Ina Road just east of I-10 to benefit businesses and drivers in the area.
The Ina Road improvements are just the latest in a number of interchange improvements being made along I-10 in the Tucson area. Interchanges at Prince Road and Twin Peaks have been improved in recent years. A similar project at Ruthrauff Road is expected to begin by this summer.
Download the free ADOT Alerts app to your iOS or Android mobile device and know before you go!
During their February 5 meeting, Marana Town Council proclaimed February 7-14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.
During the meeting, Mayor Ed Honea presented the proclamation to Jennifer Pajor, whose son Brendan was born with a congenital heart defect that required two open heart surgeries before his first birthday.
“I am very pleased this proclamation has been issued to raise awareness,” Pajor said at the meeting.
Pajor, a Marana resident, approached the Town of Marana about recognizing the issue, and she told Marana News that having Town Council take the time during the meeting to recognize the issue as well as her family meant a lot.
“I feel like they care about this issue, and that they are willing to bring more awareness to a situation that’s really near and dear to my heart,” she told the paper.
Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year with a congenital heart defect. While some are minor, some require very serious and immediate surgeries. The issue hits close to home as congenital heart defects are among Arizona’s most common birth defects.
Marana Parks and Recreation Parks Superintendent Dave Herman loves baseball. With his ever-present baseball cap and his bushy mustache, he looks like every 80’s movie idea of a baseball manager.
The rototiller breaks up the infield clay so that it may be redistributed and leveled.
The only thing Herman loves more than baseball is his family and his parks. Fortunately, his love for the game and his love of his job came together recently.
Herman and his team have been hard at work getting the Town’s little league fields ready for the upcoming season. Not only are they trying to make the fields as nice and playable as possible, but they are also working hard to make sure both the infield clay and the outfield grass is as safe as possible.
It turns out a safe playing surface is also a great playing surface.
Herman and his team are spending a lot of time on the infield clay. Their first job was to determine just how deep the clay was. In many places it was 5-6 inches deep. Having that much clay can cause the ground to become very hard, which can lead to dangerous plays for young infielders.
“We are trying to make it safer for the kids,” said Marana Parks Maintenance Supervisor Donna Chambers. “If the field gets too hard, that ball can come up at them too fast.”
To make the surface safer as well as play better for teams, Herman and his crew have a multi-step process. First, they use a rototiller to turn up the clay. Once they have the loose dirt, they redistribute it across the infield and then use a laser level and a 60” paving roller to roll out the clay and make it level.
“It is a challenge to get it just right,” said Herman. “You want the field to have to some give, but not too much. You don’t want it so loose that it is like a sandbox, but also not so hard that it like playing on asphalt either.”
Using the laser level, they were not only able to find the depth of the clay, but figure out where the hardest portions were. Not surprisingly, the clay was the most compacted in front of home plate and in the high traffic areas around the bases.
While the field itself will be level, the areas around home plate will be rolled so that water will drain away from home plate.
Dave Herman and the laser level.
The outfield grass will also be in great shape this season. Parks and Recreation crews have aerated the grass, which is the process of poking holes into the turf and getting air into the soil. Herman was thrilled that they were able to use a device called a Terra-Spike perforate the grass nine inches down. Aeration gets air into the soil, and the ambient air temperature actually warms up the grass, and not only helps get more water and air into the soil, but also creates more areas for the root hairs of the grass to spread.
“It will give us both a safer playing surface and a better turf quality,” Herman said.
One issue last year with some of the fields was the presence of burrs that were difficult to remove from clothing. The burrs came from khaki weed, and Town staff was able to use a Toro Rake-O-Vac to remove nearly all the pesky burrs. The device does just what the name implies- it rakes up the burrs, then vacuums them up. Not only did the process work well last season, but this season they have virtually no khaki weed on the fields.
The Parks and Recreation staff will complete the project in time for the little league season in March, but this is not a one-time project. Next year they will start the process all over again. Herman said that this is the same process that professional and college fields undertake, and it will create the best possible playing surface for little leaguers.
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.
The Sandario Road Roundabout will close for one month beginning on February 18, 2019. The closure will occur to install a new inner curb and truck apron that will aid in smoother traffic flow for large vehicles.
Traffic will be detoured around the round-about using a paved detour. Trucks with trailers should use the frontage road to Grier as an alternate.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Town of Marana has released its sixth episode of "Marana Town Talk", a local government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events.
Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the episode with a brief discussion on current events (1:05), followed by an interview and tour of the Ina Road Beautification Project with Construction Manager Mac Murray (3:30). Listeners can then learn from Water Director John Kmiec about the entertaining but important role the Arizona Pure Water Brew Challenge plays in water conservation. (24:28).
Allow extra time as I-10 is narrowed to one lane in each direction
Motorists who use Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect lane closures for barrier work the nights of Monday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday, Feb. 12.
I-10 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction between Sunset and Cortaro roads from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.
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.
During the week of February 11, 2019, the contractor will begin work at the pedestrian crossing on Coachline Boulevard near Rivulet Drive and the Continental Ranch Community Association Center.
Work at the crossing is scheduled to take approximately one month to complete*. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists in the area should expect the following:
Pedestrians and cyclists wishing to cross at this location will be directed to a temporary crossing location during this work.
Rivulet Drive, at Coachline Boulevard, will have intermittent closures during this work.
Coachline Boulevard will be reduced to one travel-lane in each direction. Traffic will be shifted as work progresses across the roadway.
Left-turn movements will be permitted but will not be from a dedicated turn lane.
Access to Continental Ranch Community Center will have intermittent restrictions while work is completed.
Sidewalk and ADA access at the intersection of Coachline Boulevard and Rivulet Drive will be restricted during this work. Residents who typically use Rivulet Drive should utilize Maple Ridge Drive for access as often as possible while the pedestrian crossing operation is underway.
REMINDER – Vehicles parked on Coachline Boulevard will be towed at owners’ expense.
*The new pedestrian crossing at Rivulet Drive will re-open after the final paving and striping operation is completed. Weather permitting, paving of this section of Coachline Boulevard is expected to be complete by mid-March 2019.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
On Monday February 11, 2019, the left-turn lane on Ina Road and Meredith will be closed from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
The left-turn lane is being closed to install vehicle detection equipment necessary for proper functioning of the traffic signal. Please use an alternate route.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
A local dog owner and his four-legged friend were reunited earlier this week by the Marana Police Department (MPD). The officers noticed the missing dog while working to solve a different case.
Marana police officers were looking for a “porch pirate”, a person who had been caught on a porch camera stealing packages from Marana-area homes. MPD released images of the man and his vehicle to the media and were quickly inundated with information about the suspect from both citizens and other law enforcement agencies.
“We had multiple tips,” said Detective James Jolly.
Officers had gone to the suspect’s address and sat surveillance until they saw the suspect and another person leave in a vehicle matching the one used in the thefts. The vehicle fled the scene. The police officers chose not to give chase, and instead interviewed the home owner.
During the interview, they noticed a white bulldog running freely around the house, and when officers tried to return to their vehicle the dog attempted to go with them. When they asked the homeowner about the dog, she informed them that it “just got here yesterday.”
Officer Kevin Trapp remembered that a white bulldog had been reported stolen from a Marana-area backyard the day before, and he reviewed the case report to make sure that the dog they were seeing matched the missing dog. He and Detective Jose De Torre were able to photograph the dog and confirm with the owner that it was indeed the missing dog.
The officers reunited the dog with his owner in a happy reunion.
“He was very happy,” Jolly said. “He said the dog was like his son.”
The dog was also very happy to be back with his family, though we are sure he enjoyed his ride with the Marana police officers as well.
The suspect in the thefts was apprehended on Wednesday night by the Tucson Police Department’s Team 1 Bravo Unit in their jurisdiction.
Detective James Jolly, Detective De La Torre, and Officer Trapp were responsible for identifying and catching the thief, reuniting the lost dog with his family, and doing so without anyone being hurt.
Marana Police Department encourages residents to have someone at home when they are expecting packages, and if that is not possible to try and use post office boxes whenever possible. Doorbell and porch security cameras can be a great way to identify “porch pirates.”
Reporting all crimes, no matter how small, can be a great way to discover a pattern of criminal behavior. MPD would also like to remind people to lock their homes and to remove all valuable and lock their vehicles. Getting to know your neighbors and helping to look after them and their property is also a great way to keep a neighborhood safe.
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
Fodor's Travel Guide, one of the leading authorities on travel, had an article on their website regarding Tucson being designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The story devoted several paragraphs to Marana and the Marana Gastronomy Tours.
Located just northwest of Tucson, the river valley town of Marana is a modern-day haven for local farmers and producers, but what makes it especially unique is that it is home to easily accessible archaeological sites linked to the first evidence of modern agriculture in the United States. On a Marana Gastronomy Tour, participants get an immersive, full-circle experience that rolls the Tucson area’s food history and the current innovations of the local dining scene into one afternoon. Seasoned experts with personal connections to the region lead these outings.
our participants can pick from one of two tours, depending on their tastes. The traditional, slightly highbrow, Marana Gastronomy Tour, visits two archeological sites, including the recently discovered Las Capas, which is oldest known agricultural irrigation system in the U.S. The tour concludes with a small plate and cocktail tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, which is known for creating innovative dishes featuring heirloom and wild ingredients such as the ancient tepary bean, cholla cactus buds and barrel cactus seeds.
The other, more salt-of-the-earth tour option, titled “A Taste of The Wild: The Marana Wild Foods Gastronomy Tour,” also visits Las Capas, but then delves into the more than 450 edible wild foods that grow in the Sonoran Desert. After participants get a chance to do a little foraging of their own, the tour concludes with a tasting at Marana’s Catalina Brewing Company, where folks can sample beers made using local ingredients, including the brewery’s flagship Mesquite Agave Ale. Food for this tour’s tasting menu is brought in from the local Bean Tree Farm, which specializes in wild-crafted foods featuring ingredients sourced from the Sonoran Desert. Local Fiore di Capra goat cheese and heirloom grain loaves from Tucson’s Barrio Bread bakery round out this wild feast.
For tour information visit www.TownOfGastronomy.org .
For tour reservations visit www.GrayLineArizona.com .
Main line: 520-382-1999
Emergency: 911
Police: 520-382-2000
Development Services: 520-382-2600
Animal Services: 520-382-8020
Parks & Recreation: 520-382-1950
Court: 520-382-2700
Airport: 520-382-8052
Water: 520-382-2570
Public Works: 520-382-2536
General admin hours of operation:
Mon-Fri 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Cashier:
All financial transactions occur at the first floor reception counter of the Administration building.
Main Address:
Marana Municipal Complex
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653
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The Make Marana 2040 General Plan was unanimously approved by Town Council on December 10, 2019. The General Plan reflects the vision and goals of the community, recommending policies and strategies to protect and enhance what is important into 2040 and beyond.