This is Oro Valley

Order in the Court! A Look Inside Oro Valley’s Justice System Feb 12, 2025

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!

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: February 2025 Jan 31, 2025

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.

Art in Bloom: Oro Valley’s Tours Are Back! Jan 14, 2025

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

What's Happening in Parks: January 2025 Dec 30, 2024

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.

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: December 2024 Dec 01, 2024

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!

Bet: Oro Valley’s Future is in Good Hands Nov 12, 2024

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!

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: November 2024 Nov 04, 2024

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.

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: October 2024 Oct 02, 2024

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.

50 years of great stories and amazing people, with Dave Perry Sep 27, 2024

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.

What's Happening in Parks: September 2024 Sep 06, 2024

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.

Supporting Local Business with the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Aug 12, 2024

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/

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: August 2024 Jul 31, 2024

Monsoons and Monsters - Staying ready for any emergency! Jul 10, 2024

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)

Meet the Tortoise Fairy, Oro Valley's Most Mysterious Resident Jul 10, 2024

What's Happening in Parks: July 2024 Jul 01, 2024

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.

National Public Works Week with Aimee Ramsey, Deputy Director of Public Works May 03, 2024

What's Happening in Parks: May 2024 May 01, 2024

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!

Who let the dogs in? Pima Animal Care Center! Apr 17, 2024

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.

From Fireman to Law Enforcement, A look at Fred Roof - Oro Valley's First Police Chief. Mar 20, 2024

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

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: March 2024 Mar 05, 2024

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.

Find a friend, or that special someone, at Senior Single Mingle! Feb 13, 2024

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

Way Way Back - Signs of the Hohokam Right here in Oro Valley Jan 31, 2024

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

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: February 2024 Jan 31, 2024

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: January 2024 Dec 28, 2023

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!

Get to Know TOV’s New IT Director & Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season Dec 11, 2023

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.

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: December 2023 Dec 07, 2023

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.

What goes into the General Plan? Find out with Town Planner Milini Simms! Nov 17, 2023

What's Happening in Parks: November 2023 Nov 01, 2023

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!

Hitting the ground running with Town Manager Jeff Wilkins Oct 20, 2023

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: October 2023 Sep 30, 2023

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!

Building community at Stacks Book Club Sep 06, 2023

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!

What's Happening in Parks and Recreation: September 2023 Aug 30, 2023

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!

Steam Pump Ranch may be historic, but it's still growing and changing! Jul 31, 2023

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.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner - A day of good eats in the OV May 15, 2023

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.

Tucson Bicycle Classic? WHAT A RIDE. Mar 29, 2023

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.

Move Across 2 Ranges - A Massive good time! Mar 09, 2023

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!

This is Oro Valley - Adopt a Road/Trail Programs! Jan 27, 2023

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.

Birding in the OV Sep 21, 2022

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.

Community Safety with OVPD Chief of Police Kara Riley Aug 11, 2022

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.

Youth in Action - The Oro Valley Youth Advisory Council Jul 01, 2022

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.

Judge Hazel on his Court Philosophy and changes to the Town Court May 26, 2022

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!

This is Oro Valley - Naranja Park Design May 16, 2022

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!

Let's Play Pickleball - With Coach Sherry Circle Feb 08, 2022

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!

Golder Ranch Fire District with Guest Chief Karrer Dec 08, 2021

This month Mary Jacobs meets with Chief Karrer of Golder Ranch Fire District to discuss the many services they provide our Oro Valley Community.

We Dreamt it, We did it! Oro Valley’s First Community Mural and More art News Nov 12, 2021

School Resource Officers and their impact on our children Sep 29, 2021

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.

This is Oro Valley - OVPD K9 Unit Jul 21, 2021

Monsoon Preparedness - Rain or Shine Jun 11, 2021

Summer is here! Parks and Recreation summer programs with Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan May 21, 2021

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.

This is Oro Valley - Strategic Leadership Plan Apr 14, 2021

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.

The Past and Future of Steam Pump Ranch Mar 15, 2021

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.

Oro Valley Water Utility with Water Utility Director Peter Abraham Jan 27, 2021

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 Jan 19, 2021

OVSafeSteps with Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison and President and CEO of the Oro Valley Chamber, Dave Perry

Oro Valley Pavement Preservation with Oro Valley Public Works Director and Town Engineer Paul Keesler. Dec 15, 2020

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.

Community Policing Programs in the Town of Oro Valley with Police Chief Kara Riley Nov 12, 2020

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.

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