50th Features Archive

The town of Oro Valley is creating a year of podcasts, videos, and articles discussing important aspects of our community. Check back frequently to see what historical topics we're covering next!

He knows OV’s roads

Oro Valley had one traffic signal light, at Lambert and La Cañada, when Jose Rodriguez came to work for the Town of Oro Valley in 2000.

OV ‘a really great place to grow up’

Oro Valley kids, these days.
They are .... Eloquent. Enthusiastic. Informed. Inquisitive. Insightful. Smart! Genuinely excited to weigh in on Oro Valley’s General Plan! Savvy about social media, and how to use a cell phone.

They’ve given flow to OV Water Utility

Since 1999, the Oro Valley Water Utility has had three directors -- Alan Forrest, Philip Saletta, and Peter Abraham.

At 50, OV is utilizing H20 beyond what’s below

At age 50, the Town of Oro Valley is watering golf courses and several public turf spaces with treated effluent, deploying a share of its water from the Colorado River ... and cutting its groundwater consumption in half, even while its population has more than doubled since the late 1990s.

OV Town Talk: Celebrating 50 years of community

In the short-term, community building happens in our day-to-day living when we come together in times of celebration, such as the upcoming 50th anniversary parade and special event (more on those in a moment). It happens when we get to know our neighbors. It happens when our kids make friends at school or at the park. It happens when we patronize local businesses. Opportunities are everywhere.

Oro Valley Historical Society Oral History Series

The Oro Valley historical society, in collaboration with the Town, has produced a series of videos highlighting individuals with historical significance and connection to the town.

Celebrating 50 years: Key businesses put OV on the map

Among Oro Valley’s nearly 700 businesses, two others rank with El Conquistador Tucson as employers of considerable importance in the Town’s first half-century.

30 years in the making: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation

New recreational facility steppingstones are in place. And, once more, Oro Valley is embarking on a new path for its parks and recreation future.

KOLD TV: 50 Years of Community five-part series

This year, KOLD 13 TV News' local reporter Ashley Bowerman highlighted Oro Valley’s "50 Years of Community" in a special, five-part, broadcast series.

Historical Society: How has Oro Valley grown and changed

Oro Valley Historical Society presents a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Oro Valley, with the “How has Oro Valley Grown and Changed?” speaker panel (55 min).

Historical Society: The birth of Oro Valley 50 years ago

Oro Valley Historical Society presents a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Oro Valley, with the “The Birth of Oro Valley 50 Years Ago” speaker panel (45 min).

A new layer of living applied to Steam Pump Ranch

At Steam Pump Ranch, families on overnight campouts eat hot dogs on the same ground where, 130 years ago, weary little dogies – cattle – drank heavily, so they’d weigh more at the Tucson rail siding.

OV's 50th Proclamations and Recognition

Throughout Oro Valley's 50th anniversary year, the Town has been recognized for its outstanding accomplishments and enduring legacy. View the proclamations and commendations made by various state officials on this page.

Twink Monrad discusses James D Kriegh

Twink Monrad, Oro Valley Resident and local rock hound, discusses her friendship with James D. Kriegh and the impact he had on the community.

Oro Valley's First Police Chief: Fred Roof

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.

Historical Society: Three Mayors Discuss Oro Valley’s History

The Oro Valley Historical Society presents a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Oro Valley with the “Three Mayors Discuss Oro Valley’s History” speaker panel (1 hour, 5 min).

Lauren Rhude Original Town Councilmember

Lauren Rhude discusses incorporation and serving on the first town council. During his time as a councilmember, Rhude worked to establish the founding principles of our community. He also helped establish the Oro Valley Police Department, as well as important zoning codes for schools and hospitals.

OV’s 50th Anniversary: A legacy of public art

Dick Eggerding can tell you something about every sculpture, painting, sun dial, or flourished retaining wall. The founder of Oro Valley’s public art initiative is intimate with the art so many people simply drive past. He knows it is distinctive.

OV fought to become, then to stay, a town

With the looming threat of Tucson annexation, Kriegh, Rhude, E.S. “Steve” Engle and others quietly rallied neighbors in the shadow of Pusch Ridge. They wanted to control the community’s future. They wanted to form their own town.

Way Way Back - Signs of the Hohokam Right here in Oro Valley

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.

OV turns 50 in ’24, and it’s time for celebration

Now, 50 years after Oro Valley’s official birth, what was once derisively dubbed “Tiny Town” has grown from about 1,200 residents to 47,070 in the 2020 Census. It’s 15 times the original square mileage. It is arguably a gem of greater Tucson, a beautiful, safe, clean, well-built powerhouse of a community.

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