Oro Valley to cut the ribbon for Steam Pump Ranch restoration project
Published on July 07, 2023
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (July 7, 2023) – The Town of Oro Valley will hold a ribbon cutting for the Steam Pump Ranch Barbecue and Bunkhouse restoration project on Tuesday, July 18 at 10 a.m. The restoration project was identified as a part of the Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan and the months long improvement project will allow the public access to spaces that had previously been unavailable. For more details about the restoration project, please see the “About the project” section below.
The community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting which will be held at historic Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) on the patio and lawn on the east side of the barbecue building. The ribbon cutting will be outdoors, and parking will be available in the parking lot of Steam Pump Ranch by the farmers market ramadas. There will be directional signage to the ribbon cutting from the parking area.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Town purchased Steam Pump Ranch in 2008. In 2009, the 16-acre property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and since then, the Ranch buildings have undergone significant restoration for public access. The restoration projects were identified in the Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan which was developed by community stakeholders when the Town purchased the property.
By repairing the barbeque and bunkhouse, the Town continues to uphold its promise to preserve the rich history of Steam Pump Ranch. The bunkhouse, which formerly housed staff who worked on the ranch, will now serve as a multi-use space for events and activities. Public restrooms were also installed. The barbecue was originally open to the east and was a primary gathering space before being enclosed and used as a home for one of the former caretakers of the property. The barbecue is now returned to its open state and has shaded areas to picnic or reserve for small gatherings.
The Town hopes that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the restored facilities. The inclusion of amenities such as restrooms and electrical power will allow for increased use of Steam Pump Ranch for community and personal events like weddings. To reserve a space at Steam Pump Ranch, click here.
Steam Pump Ranch is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Staff is onsite Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Steam Pump Ranch is the home to the Heirloom Farmers Market which operates year round every Saturday, the Pusch House public museum operated by the Oro Valley Historical Society, and other community events such as Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch and Friday Night Concerts at Steam Pump Ranch. For more information about Steam Pump Ranch, click here or visit orovalleyaz.gov and search STEAM PUMP RANCH in the navigation bar.