This is Oro Valley

Welcome to What’s Happening in Parks and Recreation – your inside scoop on all things Oro Valley Parks and Rec! This season, we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing accomplishments happening right in our own backyard. From award-winning events to innovative new programs, improved trails, and community-driven projects, we're highlighting the cool things our Parks and Recreation team is making happen. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, special guest interviews, and a front-row seat to the fun, fitness, and forward-thinking ideas shaping Oro Valley’s outdoor spaces and activities. Whether you’re a long-time local or just getting involved, this is your go-to for celebrating what makes Oro Valley’s parks and recreation so special.

This episode we talk about our Youth Scholarship Fund: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Services/Apply-for-Youth-Scholarship-Funds

OV Trails Connect:
https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/OV-Trails-Connect

The Town of Oro Valley (Town or OV) offers a unique experience for folks of all abilities to connect with nature, people, and places by walking, hiking, biking, or horseback riding along the Town’s many pathways.

The Town is working on OV Trails Connect: Planning Future Trails and Paths—a planning effort to shape OV’s unpaved trails and paved multi-use path network. Whether you stroll, roll, hike, trot, or run, we want to hear from you.

Your part will make a difference! Opinions and ideas received from the community will have a direct impact on the development of the goals, objectives, and action items for OV Trails Connect.

Visit the OV Trails Connect website to ensure your feedback is counted. 

In this episode of This is Oro Valley, we sit down with Anizza Alvarez, Court Administrator for Oro Valley Courts, to discuss the vital role our courts play in keeping the community safe. Anizza shares insights into how the court system operates, the services it provides, and how it ensures fairness and justice for all. Plus, we dive into some exciting upgrades coming to the Oro Valley court building—enhancements designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and the overall experience for residents. Tune in for an informative look at the heart of our local justice system! 

This month Nick and Lois discuss some fun valentines day programming including Parent's Night Out, conveniently happening on Valentine's day itself, and some very cool rodeo break camp programming for kids. 

Also, exciting news! In future episodes we'll begin covering exciting parks and recreation stories while still giving you up to date information about the cool things happening within Oro Valley Parks and recreation. 

In this episode we sit down with Sasha Case, the passionate coordinator behind Oro Valley's beloved art tours. Sasha shares her insights on the transformative power of public art and how it fosters a sense of community, beauty, and identity. She highlights the town’s long-standing commitment to integrating art into public spaces, turning Oro Valley into a picturesque destination for both locals and visitors. Tune in to hear about the history, impact, and exciting future of the art tours as they make their much-anticipated return!

Ready to see some fantastic art? Register for the in-person art tours here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/sonorantastingtours/items/583077/calendar/2025/02/?full-items=yes

Happy New Year! Kick off your new year with some exciting programs including hiking opportunities for youth and seniors, as well as a fun senior trivia event - See all of the programming on playov.com.

Welcome to this month's episode, where we’re diving into all the exciting winter events happening in Oro Valley! The Parks and Recreation Department has something special for everyone this season.

🎄 SnOV Holiday Celebration: Get ready for a magical evening filled with holiday cheer! SnOV brings the spirit of the season to life with festive activities, live entertainment, and, of course, snow right here in Oro Valley. It’s the perfect event for families and friends to kick off the holiday season.

❄️ Winter Camp for Kids: Keep the little ones active and engaged during winter break. Our Winter Camp is packed with fun, games, and educational activities to keep kids smiling while school’s out.

🌄 Senior Hiking Adventure: For the outdoor enthusiasts aged 55 and up, this winter’s senior hiking trip offers a chance to explore the stunning trails around Oro Valley. Enjoy the crisp, cool air and breathtaking views with a group of fellow adventurers.

Tune in to hear all the details, including how to register and what to expect at each event. Oro Valley is the place to be this winter!

 In this episode, we sit down with three inspiring members of the Youth Advisory Council—Tanish, Allison, and Nihar—to dive into the incredible ways they’re making a difference in the community. They share their experiences, motivations, and the unique projects they’re passionate about, from local events to initiatives that amplify youth voices. Tune in to hear how these young leaders are shaping the future of our community and inspiring others to get involved! 

It's finally fall here in the desert, so throw on your coziest clothes and be sure to join us at our Parks and Recreation events including a campout under the stars, a hike in Alamo Canyon, and an outdoor film screening of Emperor's New Groove!

Register for these events on PlayOV.com. 

In this episode, we dive into the exciting happenings in parks and recreation this October! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no shortage of fun activities for everyone.

Join us as we explore upcoming events, including the highly anticipated "Halloveen Spooktacular." This family-friendly event promises thrills and chills with pumpkin carving contests, costume parades, and spooky storytelling sessions. We’ll also discuss other seasonal programs, such as nature hikes, fall festivals, and community workshops that celebrate the beauty of autumn.