This is Oro Valley: Recent Episodes
Town of Oro Valley Communications Division
Each month, the Town’s Communications Division will produce a podcast and a highlight video focusing on a different area of Town services. Our hope is that this series will help you better understand the programs and services funded by your hard-earned, taxpayer dollars. We want you to feel proud of this place you call home.
In this episode, the Town of Oro Valley sits down with Michael and Bonnie Quinn, founders of Rockin’ 4 Heroes — a charity event that brings the community together through music, gratitude, and giving. The Quinns share how their passion for live music and love for those who serve inspired them to create an annual concert honoring veterans, first responders, and healthcare heroes. Tune in to hear how Rockin’ 4 Heroes is more than just a show — it’s a heartfelt celebration of courage, service, and community spirit in Oro Valley.
To learn more about the event visit: https://rockin4heroes.org/
Learn more about the Hero fund here: https://rockin4heroes.org/the-hero-fund/
And if you would like to help the Quinn's in their mission honoring and recognizing our heroes, you may donate here: https://rockin4heroes.org/donate/
The Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility, part of Oro Valley’s larger El Conquistador Tennis program, is home to a nationally recognized community of players, coaches and members. With 16 post-tension courts, upgraded lighting and a legacy of high-profile tournaments, it is one of the premier public tennis programs in Southern Arizona.
In addition to hosting daily play and lessons, the facility serves as a hub for tournaments, youth development and community recreation. The new event space enhances the player and spectator experience by providing shaded seating, gathering areas and amenities that make tennis accessible and enjoyable for all.
Interested in any of the tennis programs talked about today on the podcast? Check out: https://elconquistadortennis.com/
In this episode we dive into Oro Valley’s recent success in securing a major grant to support the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System—better known as NWRRDS. This project is a critical step in ensuring a sustainable water future for our community, bringing long-term reliability to one of our most precious resources. Join us as we break down what the grant means, how NWRRDS will work, and why investing in water infrastructure is essential for desert living.
In this episode of What’s Happening in Parks and Recreation, we’re diving into the world of youth summer camps! Amanda Hale, Assistant Recreation Manager for the Town, joins us to share what it takes to plan, prepare, and pull off a fun, safe, and meaningful summer experience for hundreds of local kids. From scheduling activities and training staff to creating unforgettable memories, Amanda gives us an inside look at the magic behind the scenes. Whether you're a parent, future camp counselor, or just curious about how it all comes together, this episode has something for you!
Be on the lookout for our Fall Break camps - registration open soon at Playov.com.
Local historian and author Jim Williams was recently recognized with an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History for his book, Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years. Join us as Jim, also a past president of the Oro Valley Historical Society, shares stories about the Town’s early days and his inspiration for writing the book. All proceeds from his book benefit the OV Historical Society.
In this inspiring episode of What’s Happening in Parks and Recreation, Nick sits down with Oro Valley’s own Richard Shumway—a 100-year-old tennis player whose energy and outlook are as sharp as his forehand.
From growing up in an orphanage in France to serving in World War II, Richard has lived an extraordinary life. Now, he spends his mornings on the courts at the Oro Valley Community Center, proving that age is just a number. He even celebrated his 100th birthday by skydiving!
Tune in to hear Richard’s tips for staying active, building community, and living life to the fullest. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a fitness newbie, or simply in need of a little inspiration, this episode serves up something for everyone.
And... if you're interested in the Oro Valley Community Center, you can check out all it has to offer here: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Community-Center
In this special 50th anniversary episode of This is Oro Valley, we hand the mic to the people who matter most—our residents. From lifelong locals to newcomers, we hear heartfelt, funny, and inspiring reflections on what makes Oro Valley such a special place to call home. Join us as we wrap up a year of celebration by listening to the community’s own words about the beauty, growth, and spirit of our town. This is more than just a look back—it's a reminder of why Oro Valley continues to shine.
What has living in Oro Valley meant to you? Tune in to find out how your neighbors answered that question.
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.
2024 has been a year of celebration as the Town marks its 50th anniversary. But the celebration goes beyond parades and events. Join us for a discussion with Dave Perry, as we talk about the task of collecting stories about our Town’s history, and why it’s so important to share those stories with our community.
This month Lois and Nick discuss some fun events including Bark in the Park: Join the fun on Saturday, September 28th from 5pm-8pm at Steam Pump Ranch for Bark in the Park. Bring your family, friends and doggies! The Dog Costume Contest will have on-site registration the day of the event. Entry is free!
Interested in any of the events discussed during the podcast? Visit playov.com for details or to register.
The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce is an important town partner who works directly with our business community. Learn about the steps the Chamber takes to meaningfully connect with businesses in Oro Valley from Kristen Sharp, CEO.
To learn more about the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit their website: https://orovalleychamber.com/
and remember to shop local for a chance to win some fantastic prizes during the Shop 50 campaign! https://orovalleychamber.com/ov-50-years/
This month we speak with Louie Valenzuela, Emergency Management and Safety Coordinator about how to prepare for the most common emergencies we face. Louie discusses his role with the town, how to prepare a 72 hour kit, and has some fun answering how he would handle some made up, desert-themed, emergencies.
Be sure to sign up for our free emergency notification system, CodeRED: Register for CodeRED – Oro Valley | it's in our nature (orovalleyaz.gov)
Are you monsoon ready? Visit our monsoon preparedness guide: Monsoon Preparedness Guide – Oro Valley | it's in our nature (orovalleyaz.gov)
Learn to build a 72 hour kit and other helpful resources: Emergency Management – Oro Valley | it's in our nature (orovalleyaz.gov)
This month Nick and Lois discuss the Town's 4th of July celebration, Summer Archery Camps, and multiple opportunities to watch some very silly movies with the family.
This month town Staff Lois and Nick meet to discuss some upcoming Parks and Recreation events including a senior trip to the zoo, our upcoming Battle of the Bands, some fun Star Wars Day activities and more!
This month we speak with Monica Dangler, Director and Katie Hutchinson, Outcomes Manager, of Pima Animal Care Center about the services they provide us and how we can best provide for our furry friends. Bonus, they brought in Poppa, a truly sweet Pitty Mix who spent the recording time napping underneath our podcast desk.
For information about adopting a pet visit: https://www.pima.gov/2438/Adoption.
For information about the services PACC provides, visit: https://www.pima.gov/2304/Animal-Services.
To volunteer with PACC, visit: https://www.pima.gov/2795/Volunteer-with-PACC.
To report an incident, call PACC's Animal Protection Services dispatch line at 520-724-5900.
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast series, OV’s first police chief Fred Roof talks to us about the challenges of policing a fledgling community.
To see the images referenced in this podcast, visit: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Community/OV-50/50th-Features-Archive/Oro-Valleys-First-Police-Chief-Fred-Roof?transfer=d803719b-03fd-4ceb-b66a-235177da5f2e
March is full of fun festivities, including our Easter Eggstravaganza, Bike Swap Sell event, and more, so be sure to tune into this episode of 'What's Happening in Parks and Recreation to be in the know and plan fun for you and your family.
This week Digital Content Specialist Nick Going visits Steam Pump Ranch to attend the Senior Single Mingle. Will he find love, or meet some interesting residents? Tune in to find out.
If you're interested in attending the Senior Single Mingle, register here: https://secure.rec1.com/AZ/oro-valley-az/catalog
Dive into the ancient history of the area we live in. Learn about the Hohokam tribe and the traces of their civilization scattered throughout the town.
To view images referenced in the episode, visit: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Community/OV-50/50th-Features-Archive/Way-Way-Back-Signs-of-the-Hohokam-Right-here-in-Oro-Valley?transfer=8be4c7cc-8621-4a4c-98fa-36a4f5baeeec
Join Parks and Recreation Staff Member Lois Feldman and Digital Content Specialist Nick Going as they usher in the New Year with new and exciting Parks and Recreation Programming!
This month we speak with Innovation & Technology Director Scott Zufelt about how he became interested in Information and Technology and how we can stay Cyber Safe during the holiday season, a time with increased cyber attacks.
The Holidays are here and we're celebrating with plenty of fun events for the whole family. Learn about SnOV (Pronounced, Snow-V) our diverse yoga offerings, winter camps for kids, and more in this episode of What's Happening in Parks and Recreation.
This month in Parks and Recreation we're offering some exciting yoga options, trivia nights, and opportunities to boogie down with live music. We'll see you there!
It's October, the ghouls and goblins are out and we're here to tell you where the spookiest Halloween (Or HallOVeen in our case!) events are!
In this episode of This is Oro Valley, Digital Content Specialist Nick Going talks books and building a community space with Crispin Jeffrey-Franco, Co-owner of the newly opened bookstore Stacks Book Club and Nick's coworker, Alison from legal!
In this new monthly podcast, Nick Going, Digital Content Specialist, sits down with Lois Feldman, Parks and Recreation Office Specialist, to discuss the exciting events we have upcoming in Parks and Recreation!
By repairing the barbeque and bunkhouse, the Town continues to uphold its promise to preserve the rich history of Steam Pump Ranch. The bunkhouse, which formerly housed staff who worked on the ranch, will now serve as a multi-use space for events and activities. Public restrooms were also installed. The barbecue was originally open to the east and was a primary gathering space before being enclosed and used as a home for one of the former caretakers of the property. Today we talk to Jon Schumacher, Recreation Facility Manager and Matt Jankowski, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation about the newest improvements to Steam Pump Ranch.
In this episode of This is Oro Valley, Digital Content Specialist Nick Going discusses his favorite topic... food! Nick meets with restaurant owners and managers across Oro Valley to discuss food and what it's like to own a restaurant in Oro Valley.
In this Episode of This is Oro Valley we talk with Marc Colbert Executive Director of Tucson Bicycle Classic and Andrew Fairbanks, Tourism Strategies Coordinator, about the Tucson Bicycle Classic race.
On this episode we speak to Dylan Hiatt, Assistant Recreation Manager, about the town of Oro Valley and Town of Marana co-produced event, Move Across 2 Ranges!
In season 2 of This is Oro Valley, we have a new host! Digital Content Specialist Nick Going sits down with Page Morrison and Jon Schumacher, our Oro Valley staff members that over see the Adopt a Road and Adopt a Trail programs. We also speak with long term volunteer Mark Daily about what it's like to adopt a road and the benefits he sees from his volunteer work.
This month Town Manager Mary Jacobs speaks with Luke Safford, Director of Engagement with the Tucson Audubon Society about birding in the OV. Listen on if you've ever been curious about what birding is, how to get started, and where the best birding action is in our town.
In this episode, Town Manager Mary Jacobs speaks with Chief of Police Kara Riley about the training OVPD undergoes to prepare for tragedies like the Uvalde Texas shooting and discusses why OVPD has strengthened its focus on mental health awareness.
This month Town Manager Mary Jacobs talks to Jessica Hynd, Constituent Services Coordinator and two high school student members of the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Council about ensuring our youth have their voice heard in local government.
Find out why Judge Hazel uses the word “customers” instead of “defendants” in this episode of This is Oro Valley discussing all things Oro Valley Town Court!
Hello and welcome to This is Oro Valley, a Podcast where we explore the people and programs that make Oro Valley the vibrant community it is! – I’m town manager Mary Jacobs and today we’re speaking with Kristy Diaz-Trahan our Parks and Recreation Director and no stranger to the show, but also Don McGann, with McGann & Associates about our Naranja Park Project!
This month Town Manager Mary Jacobs talks to Recreation Facility Manager Nick Scala and Pickleball Coach and player Sherry Circle about the fastest growing sport in the United States!
This month Mary Jacobs meets with Chief Karrer of Golder Ranch Fire District to discuss the many services they provide our Oro Valley Community.
This week Town Manager Mary Jacobs talks to two OVPD School Resource Officers about their role in our children's education and safety while at school.
Looking for a fun summer activity for you, your child, or the whole family? Be sure to check out this podcast where Town Manager Mary Jacobs discusses all of the fun summer things to do with Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan.
In this exciting episode of This is Oro Valley, we put Town Manager Mary Jacob's in the hot seat alongside Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison to discuss the town's Strategic Leadership Plan.
This episode we are having a Conservation with Lynanne Dellerman-Silverthorn, Oro Valley Parks and Recreation – Recreation and Cultural Services manager as well as with Henry Zipf, President of the Oro Valley Historical Society.
This month Town Manager Mary Jacobs talks with Water Utility Director Peter Abraham regarding all things water. Learn about the Town of Oro Valley's water conservation efforts, the steps the town is taking to improve the quality of our water, and how the town has prepared for the increase in water use as the town grows into the future.
OVSafeSteps with Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison and President and CEO of the Oro Valley Chamber, Dave Perry
This episode we speak with Paul Keesler about the many intricacies of pavement preservation! Paul explains the costs associated with this important process, lays out the challenges involved and highlights a few projects that have made Oro Valley a safer, and more efficient town to live in.
Welcome to the first episode of 'This is Oro Valley' a campaign produced by the Town of Oro Valley Communications Department. Each month, the Town’s Communications Division will produce a podcast and a highlight video focusing on a different area of Town services. Our hope is that this series will help you better understand the programs and services funded by your hard-earned, taxpayer dollars. We want you to feel proud of this place you call home.
We’re kicking off the series in late November with a focus on Community Policing. Podcast host and Town Manager Mary Jacobs will sit down with Police Chief Kara Riley to talk about community policing here in Oro Valley, and the many challenges presented in 2020.