Summer is here, and Oro Valley is buzzing with activities for all ages! Whether you’re looking for something for the kids or for yourself, the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting lineup at our local parks, the Aquatic Center, the Community Center, and Steam Pump Ranch.
The Oro Valley Aquatic Center, located at 23 W. Calle Concordia, is a fantastic spot to beat the heat with the family summer pass. This pass lets families of up to six members enjoy the facilities from May 26 through August 12. Dive into fun with its Olympic-sized pool, a smaller recreation pool, interactive splash pad, a 130-foot water slide, and diving boards.
Beyond just swimming, the Aquatic Center offers a variety of programs. Enroll your child in swim lessons to boost their swim safety skills from March through October. For a mix of field games and swimming, check out the Fun, Fins, and Fantastic Games camp. Aspiring lifeguards can join one of the five week-long lifeguarding certification courses starting May 21, earning their Red Cross certifications.
Over at the Oro Valley Community Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive, kids aged 6 to 12 can join the summer HEAT Camp, packed with PE-style activities, golf, tennis, and swimming. For those who love building, the Play-Well TEKnologies Lego Camp will inspire creativity with Lego constructs.
Steam Pump Ranch, at 10901 N. Oracle Road, offers outdoor fun with a camp that dives into the history of the area, covering topics like geology, geography, and agriculture.
Join the Parks and Recreation Summer Registration Kick-Off Event on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aquatic Center and James D. Kriegh Park for free activities and program sign-ups. And don’t miss the July 4th celebration—festivities start at 1 p.m. at the Aquatic Center with games and prizes, followed by a grand event at Naranja Park at 5 p.m., featuring food, crafts, entertainment, and fireworks.
For movie lovers, the Community Center’s Drive-In Movie series runs every third Saturday night from May 19 to August 8 on the driving range. Teenagers aged 13-19 can enjoy the Teen Dive-In Movie series at the Aquatic Center, floating in the pool while watching a movie. Don’t forget the $5 Sunday Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., happening weekly from May 13 to August 12.
There’s so much more in store this summer! Check out the full list of options in our summer program guide or visit our website at orovalleyaz.gov/parksandrec. When planning your summer, think of all the fun in Oro Valley!
By Brandon Laue, Oro Valley Aquatic Center manager
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