Green Valley Recreation (GVR)
Living Well in Southern Arizona
Part of what makes Green Valley unique is Green Valley Recreation, Inc. (GVR), a non-profit organization operating 13 recreation centers which give member residents unlimited possibilities for play, leisure and learning in this active 55+ community.
As a GVR member, you’ll have access to 13 centers’ pools and spas, six fitness centers, tennis, pickleball and other sports courts, over 1,000 classes and lectures, 60+ clubs of various interests and fine and professional arts and entertainment presented in GVR’s West Center for Performing Arts. (Golf is not included in GVR membership, check out my golf page for area courses, fees and memberships.)
The amenities offered by GVR are unmatched by any other master planned retirement community in the world.
Membership in GVR is deeded to the property itself, meaning membership is automatic, and passes from owner to owner each time a property sells. If the property you’re purchasing is a member of GVR, know that there is no cancellation or “opt out” option. Check with your Realtor® if you’re unsure about GVR membership in the neighborhood(s) where you’re interested in purchasing.
GVR Fees:
If you’re purchasing a home with an existing GVR membership, you’ll pay a one-time “Membership Change Fee” of $3,200 at close of escrow, plus annual dues of $545. The transaction will also be assessed a one-time transfer fee of $470.
The Membership Change Fee is charged to assist in the deferred maintenance and upkeep of GVR’s facilities. The fee will be refunded when a member, who owns no more than one GVR property, moves from a primary GVR residence to another primary GVR residence within 365 days.
(Fees as of Jan. 1, 2026, and subject to change annually. Other conditions may apply, check with your Realtor® when considering a Green Valley property. More here.)
GVR FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Recreation and Sports:
GVR members have access to heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas and state-of-the-art aerobic and weight resistance equipment at the many GVR fitness centers. Other facilities include basketball courts, billiards, bocce, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, table tennis, and water and sand volleyball.
GVR Clubs:
GVR members can connect with neighbors and meet new friends by joining one of more than 60 activity and social clubs sponsored by GVR. Clubs with designation space at GVR centers include the Computer, Lapidary, Photography, Clay, Ceramics, and Woodworkers clubs. Other clubs are centered on dance, music, arts and crafts, travel, drama, card games, in addition to sporting clubs and social clubs and gatherings by various states or regions.
Senior Games:
Each Spring, GVR welcomes nearly 1,000 competitors to its annual Senior Games, a month-long event in which adults 50+ compete in more than 30 events. Participants hail from more than 37 states, Canada and Mexico.
Classes, Trips and Tours:
Explore new subjects by enrolling in one or more of the 900 classes that GVR offers annually at a discounted member rate. Taught be experienced instructors, classes range from fitness and exercise, to arts and crafts, dance and music, gardening, cooking, literature and landscaping.
GVR also offers many trips and tours to area attractions. A small fee covers transportation, venue admission and refreshments. Previous tours have included Kartchner Caverns and Wilhelm Winery, Biosphere II, Kitt Peak Observatory, and the Tucson Rodeo and parade.
Arts & Entertainment:
GVR’s West Center Auditorium attracts top talent to the area as part of its “GVR Live! Performing Arts” series. Recent live performances included Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and country music legend Collin Raye. GVR members receive a discount on tickets and can attend several performances with season tickets. (All performances are open to the general public.)
