Marana Parks and Recreation leaders share the town’s comprehensive plans to build out recreational opportunities for our residents.
Marana Rotary Club
Weekly Meeting
February 21, 2023
The meeting was Hybrid with Harold, Peter, Mark, and me joining remotely and started at 7 a.m. Ten minutes of social time preceded the formal beginning of the meeting. Due to time constraints of our guest speakers, Laura asked that we switch things up and begin with the guest presentation.
Guest Speakers
Jim Conroy, Director, and Wayne Barrett, Deputy Director, of Marana Parks and Recreation Department presented the town’s plans various community recreation projects under their responsibility. Jim and Wayne have extensive backgrounds and experience in parks and recreation. They have collaborated with other Arizona communities as they plan for Marana’s future parks. Wayne is currently vice president and the incoming president of the Arizona Parks Association. Together, he and Jim have visited numerous projects across Arizona as they plan and execute Marana’s parks program.
Jim and Wayne presented an in-depth view of the Marana’s main recreation and facilities plans, which include a new aquatic center, indoor recreation facilities, and much, much more than can be described here. The Marana Park System connects The Loop bicycle and pedestrian path system, which encircles greater Tucson and features spurs to Marana, Oro Valley, and east of Tucson. They manage an annual operating budget of $5.4M, which does not include voter-approved bond issues, grants, matching funds or developer contributions designated to build the town’s new recreation center and aquatic center, and build out enhancements to existing park facilities and fields.
Announcements
Dan reported that there were 310 riders registered for Tour de Cookie and, based upon past years where 40% signed up during the final two weeks, there could be as many as 430 riders!! Beckie reported three cookie booths yet to be claimed, and she and Dan were working on additional sponsors.
Laura reminded the group that next week’s meeting will be Zoom only for business and that the Board meeting will immediately follow.
There being no further time, Happy Bucks was deferred, and the meeting adjourned at 8:05 with the Four-Way Test.