GVR AT CANOA RANCH

After more than six years of project delays, Green Valley Recreation opened the doors of the Canoa Ranch Recreation Center on Tuesday.

The $3.8 million, 12,940 square-foot rec center sits on five acres at the heart of the Canoa Ranch development, located at 5750 S. Turquoise Mountain Drive, and has taken more than a year to complete.

The amenities of this phase of construction include an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool (with roll-up doors on the east wall of the pool, which contribute to an “outdoor” atmosphere), along with a spa, fitness room and outdoor patio area. The center also has a covered entry way; restrooms, showers and changing rooms; and several office spaces.

In late January, construction will begin on a 1,380-square-foot multi-purpose room on the west side of the building, funded with money left over from the rec center project.

“We hope members will make good use of this facility to stay active and healthy,” said Anndrea Blackshear, GVR executive director, at Tuesday’s grand opening celebration.

Blackshear thanked GVR board members, past and present, and especially 2007-2008 Board President Lou Lovat, who she says was instrumental in planning of the facility.

“Lou’s first priority as president of GVR was to make sure that all contracts and funding were in place, and he had less than 30 days to complete that process.”

“Without Lou, this project might have failed,” she said.

Blackshear also thanked Meritage Active, builders of the Canoa Ranch community and many other new home communities throughout Green Valley, who loaned GVR $2.8 million for the rec center in advance of home sales, and also provided $130,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

The builders will also be paying $10,000 for artwork to decorate the front entryway of the rec center, said Jeff Grobstein, regional president of Meritage Active.

“We hope a lot of homes will be sold, and that you’ll have a lot more neighbors here in the future,” Grobstein said. “We’re happy to contribute to the project.”

Rec center hours are 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call member services at 625-3440 more information.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726