TA Tidbits #66-Jim Conroy Retires-Trail Stats & Maintenance
- Mark L. Johnson
- Oct 18
- 2 min read
Jim Conroy Retires
Jim Conroy served as Director of the Marana Parks & Recreation Department (MPR) for the last 8 years and retired on 10/10/25. Jim was responsible for several achievements for the Town of Marana, including: (1) Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2020-2030), (2) Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center, (3) numerous park and trail improvements, and more.
Tortolita Alliance (TA) worked closely with Jim from the beginning of our organization in 2019. We collaborated with Jim and his staff on several projects, including; (1) Tortolita Preserve (TP) Trailhead Improvements (Moore Road), (2) TP Trailhead Improvements (Brittlebush Dr), (3) TP Western Fencing Project, (4) TP Cattle Relocation, (5) TP and Tortolita Mountain Trail Improvements, (6) TP BioBlitz (2023) and more.
TA met with Jim and his staff on 9/3/25 to review our next set of projects, and we wished Jim the best in his retirement on behalf of all the TA members.
Wayne Barnett will be taking Jim's place as MPR Director, and we have worked with Wayne for the same period of time and wish Wayne the best in his new position.
Tortolita Preserve-Trail Counter Stats
Tortolita Alliance (TA) contributed $500 to Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR) for the purchase of a Trail Counter to monitor hiking and biking activity in the Tortolita Preserve (TP) and other MPR trails. The Trail Counter was placed in service in late March 2023.
The report for September 2025 is shown below. The data includes hikers and bikers going both directions. Bikers, hikers, runners, and horseback riders are fully enjoying TP, with just over 24,000 users over the last 12 months and an average of 66 users per day. See the detailed stats below:
Trail Crew Volunteers-Upper Javelina Trail Maintenance
Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR) offers a Trail Crew for a Day program whereby participants work alongside experienced crew leaders to clear trails, repair erosion, and ensure the trails remain safe and accessible. A group of volunteers recently participated in the program and worked on repairs and improvements along the Upper Javelina Trail. Jay Grodman (MPR Natural Resource Supervisor) provided the following photo collage. Thanks to all the volunteers for all their hard work!
