As many longtime GVR members know, summertime is project season around campus. It’s when the Facilities Management team rolls up their sleeves to take on maintenance, repair, and replacement projects. This year, we also have several capital improvements underway.
Perhaps the most anticipated update is the Abrego South pool. At their regular meeting on April 22, the GVR Board of Directors approved concept drawings for a replacement aquatics facility. Next steps include developing full construction drawings, securing building permits, and going out to bid. Then staff will recommend a contractor to the Board of Directors for their final approval.
The design of the new facility has been shaped in large part by the pool’s regular users. Plans call for a 30' x 70' pool with a mostly uniform depth of about four feet, and entrance steps located on both sides of the pool. The design also includes grab bars for water aerobics, floor drains at one end to eliminate trip hazards on the volleyball court surface, receiving sleeves for net poles, and brackets for buoy lines.
The redesigned Abrego South spa is intended to accommodate more bathers and keep its original depth, but only at one end, so shorter folks might enjoy it comfortably (no snorkels required). In the plans, the restroom/locker room has been relocated to make access easier for shuffleboard, horseshoe, and sand volleyball players. Both indoor and outdoor showers are in the concept plan, along with shade structures on the south side of the pool deck. All the features of the previous facility are included or improved in the new design, except of course, the volleyball-puncturing cacti. Keep an eye out for more activity on this project later this summer.
There’s plenty happening at West Center as well. The lapidary shop expansion is already underway, and around midsummer, the pool and locker rooms will close for a facelift. West is expected to be the only pool with an extended closure this summer.
Renovations in the West Center auditorium lobby begin this month. The Box Office will be expanded and redesigned to offer all member services, from title changes to course
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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
MAY BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD WORK SESSION
Wednesday, May 13, 2–4pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 19, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, May 27, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 22, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• Approved concept drawings for the South Abrego pool, bathhouse, and related improvements.
• Approved awarding the contract for the West Center member services expansion.
• Approved committee member appointments, adding Chris McCrummen and Nellie Johnson to the Board Affairs Committee, and George Loselben and Michael Cataldo to the Investments Committee.
• Approved the Audit Committee recommendation to accept the 2025 audit.
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.
Did You Know?
It’s completely normal to see more bugs in the pool during hot weather.
As temperatures rise, insects and other small critters are naturally drawn to water sources to cool off or rest, just like people. While it can be frustrating to spot them, their presence doesn’t mean the pool isn’t clean. GVR’s Aquatics team services pools daily, removing debris and maintaining water quality so everyone can enjoy a safe swim. That said, because pools are outdoor spaces, it isn’t possible to keep an eye on them at all times.
If you notice a few visitors in the water, nets are available at all GVR aquatics facilities for member use. A quick skim can help tidy things up before you hop in. Thanks for your understanding as we share the space with a bit of seasonal wildlife during the warmer months.
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center
Weekdays: Noon–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.
Letter from the President
Dear members,
As I am beginning my third year on the GVR Board, I am honored to serve as GVR Board President for 2026–2027. Previously, I have served on the Board as both vice president and assistant secretary, chairing the Board Affairs and Nominations and Elections committees, respectively. I have learned much about the GVR organization, its administration, facilities, finance, and membership departments. Working closely with CEO Scott Somers, my fellow Board members, GVR staff, and GVR members, we are committed to developing a team of resolute individuals who strive for excellence in all that GVR does. From offering a wide variety of leisure education classes to amazing events and entertainment, GVR fulfills its mission: “To provide excellent facilities and services that create opportunities for recreation, social activities, and leisure education to enhance the quality of our members’ lives.”
As May approaches, we look forward to the lapidary and lobby renovations at West Center, the kiln room expansion for Desert Hills Ceramics, pickleball fencing at the Pickleball Center, and Board discussion for approval of design concepts for Abrego South. In addition, we have also awarded a contract for strategic planning facilitation as we begin developing our new five-year strategic plan. We’re also pleased to share that the Clubhouse Café is now open, offering a welcoming space for great coffee, beautiful views, and good company, with a limited launch menu and expanded breakfast and lunch options to come later this summer. It is going to be a busy few months, but with everyone’s support, we can continue making GVR a well-run, professional, and fiscally sound organization.
In closing, I would like to thank our past directors who have rotated off the Board after several years of service: past presidents, Kathi Bachelor and Marge Garneau, Bev Lawless, and Beth Dingman. We appreciate your sound leadership. We also welcome new Board members onto our terrific team: Kristy McCue, Chris McCrummen, and Barry Stock. As our fabulous CFO David Webster retired in April, we look forward to working with our new CFO Dave Dixon. Again, some exciting changes for GVR that can only prove to make us even better.
As always, we welcome members’ input, opinions, and suggestions. You are invited to attend our work sessions and Board meetings. Or if you would like to email the Board, please do so at: Board@GVRec.org or contact the GVR hotline at: Hotline@GVRec.org. We read every email that the Board receives. We really do.
Candy English GVR Board President
May Classes at a Glance
Welcome to May, a month that eases us into late spring. With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day ahead, it’s also a good time to try something new. GVR classes offer a little bit of something for everyone! Pick up a new spring/ summer catalog at any center or find the online flipbook at GVRec.org.
Upcoming opportunities offer plenty of ways to stay engaged. Explore topics like Pendulum Lifestyle for Beginners, Tarot Training for Beginners, Monthly Wonders of the Night Sky, and History and Geology of Kartchner Caverns.
Writers can get started with SelfPublishing 101: How to Share Your Book or shape their ideas in Novel Plotting Workshop: Outline Your Book.
Creative options include Boho Bracelet with Leather and Beads, Tiger Blossom: A Meditative Ikebana Art Practice, and Alcohol Ink–Basics.
If you’re looking to build skills, consider Active Hoops: Basketball Skills, Sous Vide Cooking, or Personal Defense: Firearms for Seniors.
For something more relaxed, try Karaoke for Beginners, A Dance Practice for You, Flamenco for Beginners, or Canta Comigo.
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
MAY 2026
WEDNESDAY
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
FREE: Morning Game Lounge 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
Sit Down with Scott 10–11:30am Continental Vistas Rec Room
FREE: Trivia 4:30–6pm Del Sol Clubhouse
10am–12pm
10am–12pm
7:30–9:30pm,
Del Sol Clubhouse
FREE: Morning Game Lounge 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Lions Club Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
FREE: Trivia 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse Whipple Walking Tour 9am
Wii Play 10am–12pm Clubhouse
FREE: Cases & Couch Cushions 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
FREE: Cases & Couch Cushions 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse Saturday Night Dance Club 6–8:30pm SRS Anza Room
FREE: Pool Flick Free Willy 7:30–9:30pm WC Pool
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air! Register now!
Mother’s Day Brunch
Saturday, May 9, 11am
Celebrate the amazing moms, grandmothers, and mother figures in your life with a delicious spread of brunch favorites.
Las Campanas
GVR Members/Guests $40
General Public $60
registration, in one convenient spot. Starting May 4 and continuing through construction, please take care of business at the Administrative Offices, 1070 S. Calle de las Casitas, Monday-Friday, 8am–4pm.
Major flooring replacement projects are planned for Las Campanas, Canoa Ranch, and East Center, so you may notice some summer classes and meetings being relocated as work gets underway. At Las Campanas, the fitness center will expand into the Cypress Room, and the locker rooms will receive new fixtures. Swimmers can use the racquetball building restrooms for changing, so no pool closure is expected during this work.
Continental Vistas has already received a fresh coat of exterior paint, and Casa Paloma II and Abrego North are on track to be completed by the end of May.
In between these larger efforts, crews will be busy with concrete repairs, parking lot sealing, roof work, sports court resurfacing, floor refinishing, and more. Each year, more than $100 of your annual dues is allocated for the Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Fund—a key resource that GVR relies on in its missions to provide members with excellent facilities and services.
The Clubhouse Café is open!
HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday, 7am–12pm
We’re excited to announce the opening of the Clubhouse Café, a welcoming space where great coffee, beautiful views, and good company come together. Stop by the café or go to GVRec.org to see the limited launch menu offering coffee, espresso, and pastries. As the summer progresses, watch for expanded breakfast options and eventually, lunch.
Find the Clubhouse Café at: 3355 South Camino del Sol. (Guests and the public are welcome when accompanied by a GVR member.)
South Site Plan
We know all this activity can be both exciting and, at times, a little disruptive. We truly appreciate your patience as we put your dues to work this summer and keep our community in great shape.
Free Tennis Opportunities
The GVR Tennis Club is offering three free skillbuilding opportunities: Drop-in Play, Pop Tennis Drop-in Play, and Tennis Clinics. For details, please go to GVRec.org and look under the Tennis tab, or contact Rich Walton for more information: richwalton380@gmail.com or 520-333-2532.
Abrego
Saturday, May 9, 11am Mother’s
Day Brunch
Celebrate the amazing moms, grandmothers, and mother figures in your life with a delicious spread of brunch favorites, from sweet treats to savory delights. New This Year: Build Your Own Mimosa Bar: You provide the bubbly (or other favorite beverage) and mix it with our mixers for the perfect brunch sparkle. Enjoy live Mexican soloists and vibrant folklórico dancers as you raise a glass and celebrate the women who make life beautiful.
Las Campanas Agave Room Member/Guest $40; General Public $60
May Happenings
Monday, May 18, 9am
Whipple Science Center and VERITA Walking Tour
Discover the Whipple Observatory on a guided walking tour, with time to explore the Science Center and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch (choose boxed lunch or bring your own).
Del Sol Clubhouse Member/Guest $79; General Public $99
Add your choice of a boxed lunch for $16.50
Wednesday, May 20, 8:30am Arizona Diamondbacks v. San Francisco Giants
Pool Flicks
FREE at West Center Pool
Register for dive-in movie nights starting at dusk (usually around 7:15pm), weather permitting. Grab your floaties, purchase some concession snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars: poolside or floating in the pool.
The Parent Trap Wednesday, May 13
Free Willy Thursday, May 28
Dirty Dancing Wednesday, Jun 10
The Little Mermaid Thursday, June 25
Monday, June 1, 1pm
Paint & Sip: Small Courage in Soft Summer
Sip, swirl, and paint with step-bystep guidance from a professional artist. Bring your own beverage, enjoy light snacks for a playful, laughter-filled afternoon of creativity and fun.
Canoa Hills Saguaro Room | Member/Guest $40; General Public $60
Tuesday, June 16, 8am Day Trip: Bisbee
Visit the Bisbee Mining & Historic Museum, then venture 1,500 feet underground on the Queen Mine Tour, riding a train through historic tunnels and hearing stories from former miners. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring Bisbee’s unique shops, galleries, and winding streets.
Del Sol Clubhouse | Member/ Guest $89; General Public $109
June Happenings
Tuesday, June 2, 2pm
FREE: PBS Screening of Grantchester Season 11 (Final Season!)
Enjoy this British mystery drama set in the 1950s following a Cambridgeshire vicar who solves crimes alongside a world-weary police detective.
West Center Auditorium | Free Please resgister at GVRec.org
Tuesday, June 4, 7am Day Trip: Kartchner Caverns
Begin at the Discovery Center with museum exhibits, a short film about the caves’ preservation, and a stroll through the hummingbird garden. Next, join the Rotunda/Throne Room Cave Tour that showcases striking formations, followed by scenic trails, picnic spots with mountain views, and a stop at the gift shop.
Del Sol Clubhouse | Member/ Guest $89; General Public $109
Saturday, June 20, 6pm
Father’s Day Pool Party
Dive into Father’s Day with a fun-filled pool party! Join us for dancing to live music from Johnnie & the Rumblers. This is the perfect way to celebrate dads with good food, great music, and an unforgettable afternoon in the sun!
Canoa Hills Poolside | Member/ Guest $40; General Public $60
Thursday, June 25, 9:30am Day Trip: VIP Wine Tour
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 sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
West Center Lobby | Member/ Guest $139; General Public $159
