Advisory board backs proposed parks and rec fee schedule, sends recommendation to council

The Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend that the town council consider the department’s proposed fee increases for parks programs, fields and facility drop‑in rates.

Parks staff told the board the proposal is unchanged from the version presented in May and that staff held a town council study session and a virtual public engagement meeting in July. Staff said about a dozen public questions focused mainly on clarifying which activities would be affected and how the department set rates.

On pickleball, staff said they received a comment from a member of the public who believed the town’s proposed nonresident drop‑in fee was high compared with other facilities. Staff explained the nonresident drop‑in fee being proposed is $10 per hour — the same rate charged by Kino — and that members pay nothing to reserve courts. Staff also noted there are free, first‑come courts at Naranja Park and Riverfront Park and that the town invested about $2 million in combined pickleball and tennis court improvements over the last four years.

Parks staff said the fee increases were intended to be moderate; for many organized‑sports fees the increase would be about $2 per hour, and some fees had not been adjusted since 1999, staff said. Staff also highlighted a scholarship program that provides up to $300 per year for residents on government assistance to offset program costs.

After discussion, a board member moved “I recommend that we send this as is to council,” the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The advisory board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Town Council for consideration.

Ending: The board approved forwarding the proposed fee schedule and asked staff to include the public feedback and comparative rates in the council transmittal.