After getting into the golf and recreation business, Oro Valley leaders now have started to consider the performance venue business.
An item on the Oro Valley Town Council agenda for Wednesday looks at the possibility of entering a public-private partnership with Tohono Chul Park to build an event pavilion.
“It’s OK, if we can afford to do it,” said Oro Valley Town Councilman Mike Zinkin.
Zinkin said the park is a good asset for the region, bringing tourists from all over the world, but said the town should be cautious before making any financial commitments.
“I don’t mind giving the town manager approval to waive fees, but that’s as far as I’m going,” he said.
The proposal before the town council on Wednesday would have the town participate in developing a design for the proposed event pavilion and agreeing to waive as much as $7,800 in development fees.
Town documents say park operators have private donors willing to help with associated costs but would do so only if the town agrees to partner with the park in the development.
If the council agrees to participate with the design phase then the town manager and staff would later hold meetings with park officials and others involved to develop the partnership and decide whether to go forward.
Zinkin said he thinks that would give town staff and the manager too much authority, especially if the town agrees to spend money on the pavilion.
He said the final decision needs to be left to the council.
Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath said the council would have the final decision.
Town Manager “Greg Caton does not execute any intergovernmental agreement or other contracts without majority council approval,” Hiremath said.
He said Caton would act only with a go-ahead from the council.
Hiremath also said he thinks the proposal is worth the town’s consideration.
“They have already agreed to raising the lion’s share through fundraising,” he said.
What form any potential public-private partnership might take is unknown at this point.
The proposed performance pavilion would seat as many as 350 people, include a stage and provide shade and weather protection.
Hiremath said it would likely be a multiuse facility more than a concert-type venue.
Tohono Chul did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Oro Valley bought the El Conquistador Country Club in December and increased the sales tax by a half-cent to raise funds for renovation projects and convert the facility into a community and recreation center.
The town paid $1 million for the facility, a 45-hole golf course, swimming pools and tennis courts.
The move has caused strife in some parts of the community and spurred a recall effort that targets three council members and the mayor.
Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, is a botanical garden with an art gallery and restaurant near West Ina and North Oracle roads. Oro Valley annexed the area in 2013.
The park opened in 1995 and covers 49 acres of desert.
In 2010, Travel and Leisure magazine included Tohono Chul on its list of the world’s best botanical gardens.
