Super El Niño + Monsoon Season = Unknown Conditions Ahead
While disruption knows no season, the monsoons of southern Arizona can really knock routines out of whack. If this is your first summer in Green Valley, you will soon find that it can rain on one side of your house and not the other. Keeping the possibility of localized conditions in mind will help members find open pools and centers through the weeks to come.
The Arizona monsoon officially starts June 15 and ends September 30. A typical monsoon season brings heavy rains, gusty winds, and lots of lightning. Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage structures, flooding roads, paths, and buildings. Microbursts can tear roofing off buildings, uproot trees, and throw outdoor furniture around. Haboobs—large, intense sandstorms—can ruin your poolside afternoon and bring traffic to a standstill. This year, with a strong El Niño predicted, GVR is preparing for all that and more.
When lightning approaches closer than five miles from any GVR center, all GVR pools and pool decks are evacuated and closed until thirty minutes after the last local lightning strike. Please don’t wait for the staff to provide direction in these circumstances. The National Weather Service says, “When thunder roars, go indoors!” In typical years, most lightning storms start in the mid to late afternoon. Scheduling your swim time for earlier in the day can be helpful.
With the rains come the critters. Beetles can hatch out in enormous numbers. Lizards, snakes, and toads can be alarming, but for the most part, they pose no real threat to you if you don’t threaten them. Bats like to sip from the pools on the fly, causing concern among evening swimmers, but remember, they are eating the mosquitoes you don’t want to encounter when you climb out of the water. Bees and wasps are a different story, and staff do their best to locate and remove nests and attractants as soon as they are identified.
So how does a person navigate all this and get to the pool, gym, court, or mahjongg table? First, assume that some modification to your usual plan will be needed. Then, if all goes smoothly, you can enjoy a pleasant surprise! Before you head out, check the GVR website at GVRec.org. At the top of the homepage, select News and Info, then Closures for up-to-date information on pool and center status. To keep the information one click away on your phone, you can also download the GVR app via Apple App Store or the Android Play Store. If it is raining heavily, consider the possibility that a wash or two along your route will be running and think about
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
JULY BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
INVESTMENTS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 15, 9–10:30am, West Center Room 2/Zoom
(There are no Board meetings in July)
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• Awarded the design-build contract for the Abrego South pool
• Approved changes to CPM 1.1.6: MCF refunds
• Approved recommendations from the Ad Hoc committee and accepted the informational report to disband the Ad Hoc committee
• Pulled from the agenda: CPM naming compliance for the Pickleball Center; will discuss in a future work session
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 the sizzling summer months of Southern Arizona! Activities around the GVR centers are heating up as well, with renovations and expansions continuing and on schedule (i.e. West Center Lapidary Club expansion, West Center Membership Services improvements, and Las Campanas Fitness Room expansion).
The GVR Board continues to make progress in developing a new five-year strategic plan. Aided by Zelos, LLC, a professional strategic planning consultant firm, GVR sent a survey to randomly selected GVR members and provided a separate survey URL for non-sampled members so that all members who wanted to give us feedback could participate. This survey, made available from June 14–June 26, focused on GVR’s current mission and vision, programs and activities, GVR Board performance, and future needs and trends.
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center
(closed for maintenance until July 31)
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.
Thank you to all members who completed the survey! We appreciate your responses as it is one of the first steps in developing our five-year strategic plan. Member feedback is always key to making GVR the best it can be! Survey results will be shared in August.
The Board is not scheduled to meet in July; however, during this time, Zelos will be analyzing the survey data, identifying strengths and areas for continued improvement. When the Board reconvenes in August, we will be delving into the actual writing of the strategic and management plan, focusing on specific goals and outcomes.
Have a wonderful July!
Warmest wishes, Candy English, GVR Board President
Did You Know?
GVR has a surplus of inventory and would like to pass the savings on to you! Looking for a great deal? As we update our facilities, we’re offering a variety of surplus items for sale. These items may have been replaced, but many still have plenty of use left in them.
Watch for new items being added regularly. The price of all items includes Arizona sales tax.
Check out the available inventory on GVRec.org under the News & Info tab. See something you like? Email surplussale@gvrec.org or call 520-838-0158 for more information.
The Value of Time
After years of busy schedules and competing priorities, it’s time to enjoy life on your terms. At GVR, we offer the largest Leisure Education program in the United States, giving you countless opportunities to explore activities that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Personal growth doesn’t have an expiration date. Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing talents, discover a new passion, or simply try something different, our classes provide engaging and rewarding experiences that inspire lifelong learning. You may even surprise yourself by building confidence and developing skills you never imagined.
Just as valuable are the practical tools and knowledge that help you navigate life’s transitions. From retirement and recovery to major life changes, GVR offers resources and programs designed to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance overall life satisfaction.
No matter where you are on your journey, you’ll find a welcoming community at GVR. We meet you where you are, without pressure, and provide a supportive environment where meaningful connections can flourish. Here, you’ll find opportunities to stay engaged, combat social isolation, and discover that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
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 Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm WC Auditorium
Singles Club Mtg. 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Learn from the Master: Navigating Change 10–11:45am Del Sol Clubhouse Trivia 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Singles Club Mtg. 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Learn from the Master: Happy Clothes 10–11:45am Del Sol Clubhouse Trivia 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Summer
JULY 2026
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Coffee & Crafts 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Amigas Meet & Greet 4–5:30pm Santa Rita Springs Anza Room
GVR offices and customer service desks are closed in honor of Independence Day. Centers are open as usual.
9–10:30am 2 / Zoom
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm Clubhouse and Crafts Summer Project Hills, Room A
Coffee & Crafts 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries 9:30am–5pm Meet at Del Sol Clubhouse
Project Procrastination 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse
11 4 16 9 2 23 30 17 10 3 24 31 18 25
Celebrating 250 Years of Independence 4–7pm WC Auditorium
Doors open at 3pm Game sales start at 3:45pm Bingo begins at 5pm West Center Auditorium
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air! Register now!
delaying your trip to the rec center for a bit. If you like to be the first or second person through the door in the morning, realize that overnight storms may have caused problems that have not yet been resolved or even fully reported. Your patience with these unexpected closures and delays is greatly appreciated.
In the event of downed trees or flooding, staff will be busy managing the top priority hazard. At those times, the most helpful thing members can do is to head home if it’s safe to drive, or settle into the lobby and wait until it’s safe to drive.
Big Changes at the Clubhouse Café
With a fresh coat of paint and desert-inspired décor adding to its Southwest charm, the Clubhouse Café is shaping up to be one of the area’s favorite spots. And it’s not just the Java-lina—made with rich, smooth Mexican chocolate—that keeps people coming back for more.
With permits nearly finalized, guests can soon enjoy breakfast favorites like paninis, sandwiches, and burritos. So the next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop in, grab a coffee, and see for yourself why so many people are calling it the best cup in town.
Visit the café inside the Del Sol Clubhouse at 3355 S. Camino del Sol, open daily from 7am–12pm.
Please do not attempt to manage hazards yourself. If there is a power outage, emergency lighting will illuminate the interior of the buildings, but parking lots will be dark. As available, staff with flashlights can accompany members to their cars, but they are urged to prioritize safety, so they may not be willing to cross the parking lot if lightning is a threat (and you probably shouldn’t either).
We may be in for a bit of a wild ride this summer, but GVR is prepared to take things as they come and manage the unexpected in good spirits.
Personal Training
Whether you’re new to fitness or looking for an extra push, personal training can help you reach your goals faster. Work one-on-one with a trainer to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Choose from 30-minute sessions, 60-minute sessions, or Individual Boxing Training. Not sure where to start? Take advantage of our complimentary Health & Wellness Consultation or 30-Minute Personal Training Consultation. With many trainers to choose from, you’re sure to find the right fit.
To sign up, please contact LeeS@GVRec.org.
Summer Events
Saturday, July 4, 4pm
July 4 Party: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
Join your friends and neighbors for patriotic Independence Day performances and tributes!
Dress in red, white, and blue for a chance to be named Best Dressed, and honor our veterans and military during a special slideshow. Nibble on concession snacks and please bring your favorite beverage.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest FREE (please register online at GVRec.org)
Monday, August 3, 1pm
Paint & Sip: Summer Sunset
Sip, swirl, and paint with step-bystep guidance from a professional artist. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks.
Canoa Hills Saguaro Room
Member/Guest $28
General Public $48
Tuesday, August 18, 7pm
The Tributaries: Return to Woodstock
The Tributaries revive Woodstock’s spirit with riveting performances, authentic sounds, and Summer-of-Love energy in a hit-filled celebration of 1969.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest: $30
General Public: $50
Free Events at Del Sol Clubhouse
RockStar Bingo
First and third
Tuesday of the month, 10am;
Second and fourth
Wednesday of the month, 10am
First and third
Thursday of the month, 10am
Fourth Thursday of the month, 10am
Second and fourth
Monday of the month, 4:30pm
Third Wednesday of the month, 10am
Thursdays: July 23 and August 20, 9:30am
VIP Wine Tours
The tour dates feature different wineries so you can join us more than once for these Sonoita winery visits! 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.
Del Sol Clubhouse
Member/Guest $139
General Public $159
GVR Day Trips
Sunday, September 20, 7:15am AZ Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Come along on an adventurous day of football. 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.
Del Sol Clubhouse
Member/Guest $299
General Public $319
Sunday, September 27, 10am
Borderlandia Nogales Taco Tour
Bring your comfortable shoes for a one-and-a-half mile walking tour in Nogales, Sonora. We’ll be stopping at multiple authentic, local taco shops while soaking up the region’s history and culture along the way.
Burger King, Nogalas, AZ
Member/Guest $100
General Public $120
West Center Update
There’s a lot happening at West Center! Renovations are progressing well, with the pool and locker room projects expected to be completed by the end of July. We’re also aiming to have operations back up and running in the lobby by the end of August. Looking ahead, the Lapidary project is on track for completion around the end of the year. We appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to welcoming you back to these improved spaces.
