2026
What is the Big Event?
GVR Now! sat down with Steve Kindred, Recreation Program Director, to discuss the upcoming Big Event. Let’s find out more!
GVR: What’s this Big Event you mention?
Kindred: It’s not just one event, but a lot of individual events, over seven weeks in October and November ’26. Many are things we regularly schedule—showcases, arts and craft sales, concerts, dances, tours and such—we’re just having more of these during a shorter period of time, plus some new events.
GVR: What new events?
Kindred: There’s a golf tournament: a scramble, which is as fun as a golf event as can be! Never broke 80? You will. Maybe even break par! Teams of four play for a single score, using the best shot as the location for the next shot. There are also some surprises around the course that include a swag bag of balls, tees, and more—all for the low price of $95. Register as an individual or for a group, just as you would with any other event through customer service at 520-625-3440 (there is no online registration). This event will take place at Haven Golf Course on Saturday morning, November 7, with lunch afterward at East Center. Guests of members are allowed, but only one per member, please. Event #15694.
GVR: How do I register a foursome?
Kindred: The easiest way is for a member to register and pay for four players at one time; we’ll reach out to gather the names of the other three members/guests who’ll be part of the foursome. Or, individuals can register themselves, and email scramble@gvrec.org to let staff know which foursome they’re
part of. You should register soon, there will be a lot of demand, and only so many spots available. By the way, if you’re not part of a foursome, you can still register. We’ll create some teams from those members who register individually.
GVR: Sounds easy enough. What’s another new event?
Kindred: Three words: NASCAR Pace Car. GVR is going to the Freeway Insurance 500 in Phoenix on Sunday, October 18. The NASCAR folks are great; they’re sending the pace car to GVR’s West Center on Thursday, October 29. Get your photo taken with the pace car and a NASCAR driver (well, a cut-out of a driver). We’re showing American Graffiti in the auditorium, selling hot dogs, popcorn, and the other GVR specialties. Except for the food, it’s all free to members.
GVR: Exciting stuff. Anything else?
Kindred: The first week of October, we’re hosting the Southwest Skies Festival, presented by the Whipple Observatory. Whipple’s lectures have packed West Center for years, now they’re upping their game and will have activities, booths, star parties, and visits to some of Arizona’s largest research observatories from October 1–3. This is going to be fantastic.
GVR: I think you’ve filled my calendar!
Kindred: Please, that’s just the start. Our events folks have come up with an incredible season of fun. There are tributes to Elton John, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Carpenters,
CONTACT US — 520-625-3440
Operational matters hotline@gvrec.org
Board policy matters board@gvrec.org
Customer Service 520-625-3440
RECREATION SERVICES
The following centers are open daily from 5:30am–9pm
MAJOR CENTERS
Canoa Hills
Canoa Ranch
Desert Hills
East Center
Las Campanas
Santa Rita Springs
West Center
3660 S Camino del Sol
5750 S Turquoise Mtn Dr
2980 S Camino del Sol
7 S Abrego Dr
565 W Belltower Dr
921 W Via Rio Fuerte
1111 S GVR Dr
(520) 631-7151
(520) 631-0761
(520) 631-8060
(520) 631-8072
(520) 631-7068
(520) 631-8092
(520) 631-7909
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
SATELLITE CENTERS 520-549-9733
Abrego North
Abrego South
Casa Paloma I
Casa Paloma II
Continental Vistas
Madera Vista
Del Sol Clubhouse, 3355 S Camino del Sol, 6am–9pm Pickleball Center, 2612 S Camino de la Canoa, 6am–dusk
AUGUST BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD WORK SESSION
Wednesday, August 5, 1–3pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 18, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom
BOARD REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, August 26, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium/Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
GVR BOARD
1601 N Abrego Dr
1655 S Abrego Dr
400 W Circulo del Paladin
330 N Calle de las Banderolas
906 W Camino Guarina
440 S Camino del Portillo
GVR BOARD OFFICERS
President: Candy English
Vice President: Steve Reynolds
Secretary: Kristy McCue
Treasurer: Lanny Smith
Assistant Secretary: Jodie Walker
Assistant Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Audit Committee: Dave Barker
Board Affairs Committee: Steve Reynolds
Fiscal Affairs Committee: Lanny Smith
Investment Committee: Bart Hillyer
Email: Board@GVRec.org
Can’t attend a meeting in person?
Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Letter from the President
Dear GVR members,
Welcome to August and more cooling monsoon rainstorms! And despite the pop-up rainy weather, our GVR staff is committed to maintaining and improving our beautiful facilities. Renovations continue on schedule (Upgrades to pool plaster at West Center, West Center lobby and lapidary expansion projects, new flooring at Las Campanas and expansion of the fitness room, and annual maintenance and bumper renovations on the bocce courts at Canoa Hills).
Since the last GVR Board meeting on June 24 (The Board did not meet in July), a contract with Durazo Construction Corporation has been approved to rebuild South Abrego pool. Construction on the pool will begin sometime in September and should be completed by April 2027. This is exciting news for all of us as we await the unveiling of the new South Abrego pool next year. As always, we appreciate member input in the discussions concerning the design of the pool. We especially would like to thank the water volleyball club, the neighborhoods around South Abrego, and the general membership who sent us emails, letters, and voiced their concerns at several GVR Board meetings.
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center (closed for maintenance)
Abrego North (during West Center closure)
Weekdays: 12pm–9pm Weekends & holidays: ALL day
All other pools Daily: 11am–1pm AND 4–6pm
No guest pass required for kids! Children seventeen and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children six and younger must have an adult in the pool with them at all times.
Because member feedback is so essential in creating the vibrant learning and leisure community of GVR, the Board will review the results of the June GVR member survey at the Work Session on Wednesday, August 5, and will be published for member review that Friday, August 7. Watch for it in the weekly eblast. Led by Zelos LLC, a professional strategic planning consultant firm, the Board will discuss survey responses as our first step in developing the new five-year strategic plan. We will also revisit our mission, vision, and goals to see if they are in alignment with current member feedback.
Have a wonderful August. Stay cool!
Sincerely,
Candy English GVR Board President
Did You Know?
Who to Contact
The best way to be sure you’re heard when it comes to operational questions about GVR is to email hotline@gvrec.org. The hotline is monitored Monday–Friday from 8am–4pm for queries regarding questions about GVR pools, buildings, and property. If it’s a weekend or evening concern, please call a COA (Center Operations Assistant) at 520-343-2440. COAs are on the job 5:30am–9pm, seven days a week to:
• Resolve conflicts
• Report injuries
• Report needed repairs
• Purchase same-day guest passes
The Latest Abrego South Pool Update
In the June 24 Board of Directors meeting, the design-build contract was awarded to Durazo Construction for the Abrego South Pool. This means, starting sometime in September, GVR will be moving forward with rebuilding the pool, spa, deck, and change rooms/restrooms.
Learning on Your Time
Summer is a wonderful time to explore interests, revisit an old hobby, or simply enjoy learning something new, and GVR’s air-conditioned classrooms offer a comfortable place to do just that.
If your calendar is already full, or you’d like to try a class before committing to an entire session, take a look at pages 40–41 of the spring/summer catalog. You’ll find a selection of drop-in, evening, and weekend classes that make it easier to fit learning into your schedule. These options are especially helpful for members who work, volunteer, care for family, or have other weekday commitments, as well as anyone who prefers to sample a class before enrolling for the full session.
There’s still plenty of time to enjoy all that Leisure Education has to offer this summer, with classes spanning creative arts, fitness, languages, gardening, personal enrichment, and more. You may even discover a favorite pastime along the way.
As the season continues, keep an eye out for the 2026 fall catalog, which will be available in GVR centers no later than August 3. Registration opens Monday, August 10, both online and in person, with telephone registration beginning the next day. We hope you’ll join us for another season of learning, creativity, and connection.
How to Register for Classes
• Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, in person at 1070 S Calle de las Casitas or by phone at 520-625-3440
• Anytime online at GVRec.org
Singles Club Mtg 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Paint & Sip: Summer Sunset 1–3pm CH Saguaro Room
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
Fall registration begins, 8am
NFL Sunday Football 10am–2pm 1:05–5:05pm 1:25–5:25pm 5:20–9:20pm
DSC Game Room
NFL Sunday Football 10am–2pm 1:05–5:05pm 1:25–5:25pm 5:20–9:20pm
DSC Game Room
NFL Sunday Football 10am–2pm 1:05–5:05pm 1:25–5:25pm 5:20–9:20pm
DSC Game Room
NFL Sunday Football 10am–2pm 1:05–5:05pm 1:25–5:25pm 5:20–9:20pm
DSC Game Room
Learn from the Master: A Sommelier’s Snob-Free Guide to Wine 10–11:30am DSC Game Room
Trivia 4:30–6:30pm, DSC
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
NFL Monday Football 6:15–10:15pm DSC Game Room
Learn from the Master: Food, Stories, and Connection 10–11:30am, DSC Trivia 4:30–6:30pm, DSC
NFL Monday Football 6:15–10:15pm DSC Game Room
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
NFL Monday Football 6:15–10:15pm DSC Game Room
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Day Trip: IKEA You Buy It, We Bring It Back 8:30am–5pm DSC/IKEA
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
FAC Meeting 1:30–3pm WC Room 2/Zoom
The Tributaries: Return to Woodstock 7–9pm, WC Auditorium
Learn the Master: 10am–12pm DSC Game
GVR Arts and Association Summer 1–4pm, DH RockStar 10am–12pm, GVR Arts and Association Summer 1–4pm,
AUGUST 2026
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Coffee & Crafts
10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Amigas Meet & Greet
4–5:30pm SRS Anza Room
Room A
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm Clubhouse and Crafts Association
NFL Thursday Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
Summer Project 1–4pm Room A
NFL Thursday Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room from Gut Health 10am–12pm Game Room and Crafts Association Summer Project DH Room A
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm, DSC and Crafts Association Summer Project DH Room A
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries 9:30am–5pm, Meet at DSC
Coffee & Crafts 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
NFL Thursday Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
15 8 20 13 6 27 21 14 7 28 22 29
Project Procrastination 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
NFL Thursday Football
5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
2–4pm Auditorium/Zoom
GVR AmigOs Meeting 9–10am EC Auditorium
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am SRS Anza Room Directors
Registration begins August 10. Event tickets are on sale now!
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
DON’T MISS OUT!
The Tributaries: Return to Woodstock
Tuesday, August 18, 7pm
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30 General Public: $50
Register any time!
Huey Lewis, Abba, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Cher, and Janis Joplin. Also, there’s a magic show, a disco night, a comedy night, and a special Veteran’s Day salute. Don’t miss the tours to Laughlin, NASCAR, two NFL games, Queen Creek, and the Mesa Marketplace. Plus, folks can enjoy all the regular offerings: Del Sol events and movies, including Rocky Horror. The events staff set the bar pretty high for the other recreation areas, and they’ve accepted the challenge.
GVR: What other areas?
Kindred: A number of clubs have come forward to host special events. Billiards, Computer, Line Dance, Photography, Pickleball, Tennis and Volleyball are hosting some open houses, special events, and a couple of tournaments. More details to come. Let’s not forget the Lapidary’s annual Artisan
Show during the second weekend of November. On October 1, the first day of The Big Event, our Leisure Ed instructors are taking over Las Campanas for the afternoon for a special showcase where they’ll be available to talk about class content and offer some demonstrations. We’ll be there to register you into a class that very afternoon.
GVR: When and how can I get more details?
Kindred: The fall recreation catalog will list the events that are mentioned. A newsletter will be out in early September that provides details for all the other things I’ve mentioned. Plus, look to the weekly eBlast, future GVR Now! issues, and the GVR website. This is going to be a Big Event. But not the biggest—that’ll be next year!
Stay active with the GVR Racquetball Club
The Clubhouse Café continues to expand, adding breakfast bagel sandwiches to the menu. The same great flavor combinations you have grown to love with the breakfast panini are now available on a bagel. Don’t delay, your new favorite is waiting. Pease go to GVRec.org for the full menu.
$8 breakfast panini: egg and cheese
$9 breakfast panini: meat (bacon/ham), egg, and cheese
$8 bagel sandwich: egg and cheese
$9 bagel sandwich: meat (bacon/ham), egg, and cheese
Visit the café inside the Del Sol Clubhouse at 3355 S. Camino del Sol, open daily from 7am–12pm.
The Racquetball Club is open to all GVR members who are looking for competitive, but friendly play. With over 60 members at various skill levels, you’re sure to find your perfect match! Off the court, there is just as much camaraderie with potluck socials held from October–April for members and their spouses. The Racquetball Club meets six days a week, Monday–Saturday, 9am–12pm. To find out more, please email GVRacquetball@gmail.com.
The Racquetball Club is located behind Las Campanas at 565 West Belltower Drive. Drop in and say ‘hi’!
August/September Day Trips
AZ Diamond Backs vs. Chicago Cubs
Wednesday, August 26, 8:30am
Grab a seat for this VIP baseball day trip in Phoenix that includes round-trip transportation and Club Level access: all-you-can-eat food package, private restrooms, and wider seats with extra leg room.
Departs from Del Sol Clubhouse. Member/Guest: $129; General Public: $149
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries
Thursday, August 20, 9:30am
Spend a delightful day exploring three different wineries where you’ll indulge in three to five tastings at each stop. Round-trip transportation is included, so all you have to do is six back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Departs from Del Sol Clubhouse. Member/Guest $139; General Public $159
AZ Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, September 20, 7:15am
Hop on board for a day of football and a VIP experience at the State Farm Stadium. Your ticket includes round-trip transportation and a rooftop tailgate party featuring all-you-can-eat food service and all-you-care-to-drink beer, wine, and seltzers. Departs from Del Sol Clubhouse. Member/Guest $299; General Public $319
Borderlandia Nogales Taco Tour
Sunday, September 27, 10am
Get your passport and comfy shoes ready. We’re going on a walking tour in Nogales, Sonora, to explore the region’s history and culture one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy authentic tacos from El Galena all the way to La Roca. Don’t miss this popular day trip!
Depart from Burger King, Nogales, AZ. Member/Guest $100; General Public $120
August Events
Paint & Sip:
Summer Sunset
Monday, August 3, 1pm
Sip, swirl, and paint with step-by-step guidance from a professional artist. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks.
Canoa Hills Saguaro Room
Member/Guest $28
General Public $48
The Tributaries: Return to Woodstock
Tuesday, August 18, 7pm
The Tributaries revive Woodstock’s spirit with riveting performances, and authentic sounds in a hit-filled celebration of 1969.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30
General Public: $50
