Mayor Winfield honored as Public Official of the Year by Arizona Parks
Published on August 23, 2024
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Aug. 30, 2024) – The Town of Oro Valley proudly announces that Mayor Joe Winfield has been named the 2024 Public Official of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA). This prestigious award was presented during APRA's annual conference on Aug. 26, 2024, recognizing Mayor Winfield's exceptional dedication to parks and recreation and unwavering commitment to conservation.
The APRA’s annual awards program seeks to celebrate public officials and programs that have made significant and consistent contributions to enhancing a community’s quality of life, particularly in the areas of parks, recreation, and cultural preservation.
“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” said Mayor Winfield during his acceptance speech. “I am standing here because of the dedicated staff of Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation, who help bring our community’s vision to fruition. Vision without action benefits no one. It’s your talent, passion, and joy that brings those visions to life. You provide the events and experiences that bring communities together. Thank you for the work you do, day in and day out, to make our communities exceptional places to live and to play.”
The Mayor’s nomination highlighted his “tireless advocacy for parks, conservation, and community engagement, which has enriched the lives of Oro Valley’s residents and visitors alike.”
Mayor Winfield's leadership has been instrumental in guiding several transformative projects in Oro Valley to meet the diverse recreational needs of the community. Key initiatives include: the Naranja Park Expansion Project, which entailed a splash pad, skate park, pump track, pickleball courts and multi-sport field; expansion of the community’s multi-use path system; parking lot and ADA improvements at the Community and Recreation Center; and the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, which protects 202 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape for current and future generations to enjoy.
Mayor Winfield's contributions extend beyond infrastructure. At the core of these efforts lies a desire to provide quality recreational spaces where residents and guests can enjoy the outdoors, build community, and tend to their physical and mental well-being.
OV Nature Camp receives 2024 Outstanding Educational Program Award
In addition to Mayor Winfield’s award, the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Nature Camp was named APRA's 2024 Outstanding Educational Program. This camp program was lauded for its creative approach to fostering a love for nature, respect for the environment, and community engagement among Oro Valley’s youth.
Oro Valley’s Nature Camp, which is held during the fall and spring breaks, provides full-day, immersive outdoor experiences for children at locations like Steam Pump Ranch, Catalina State Park, and Honeybee Canyon Park. Participants get hands-on experiences with nature, including activities like hiking, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship. The program’s success is a testament to the creativity and dedication of Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation staff, who continuously innovate to engage young minds in meaningful ways.
Above: Mayor Winfield, center, accepts his award for Public Official of the Year from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association representatives.
Above: Mayor Winfield and Oro Valley Parks and Recreation staff display their awards.