The route to Rio Verde in the early 1970s came out of North Scottsdale along Dynamite Boulevard.

Once east of Hayden Road the way turned to a bumpy, gravel path for the dozen or so more miles to reach Forest Road near the Box Bar Ranch (Rio Verde Ranch).

In 1970, a group of Minnesota investors purchased about 1,000 acres just west of the Verde River from the Page Land and Cattle Company. Their initial plan was for a short-term investment, but their hard work created a golf course and the very beginning of the development that exists today. The initial clubhouse for the golf club was dedicated in June 1974.

The Rio Verde community kicks off its 50th Anniversary Celebration the week of Nov. 6-11. The week-long celebration will be highlighted by a wide variety of special events planned to mark the community milestone.

The events are organized by community groups and include the (Rio Verde Community Relations Committee) CRC Home Tour, Rio Verde cycling event, pickleball/bocce event and Verdes Art League open house.

The CRC Home Tour is Monday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a ticketed event.

The Rio Verde cycling event takes place Friday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Verde Velo Cycling Group invites all bikers to participate in one of the cycling events planned for the 50th Anniversary celebration. There will be six rides – three road and three mountain bike. Start time for all six rides is 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10.

The pickleball/bocce event is Friday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the action on the pickleball and bocce courts. There will be games, snacks and prizes.

The Verdes Art League Studio Open House is Thursday, Nov. 9,  through Saturday, Nov. 11. Stop by the Community Center Art Studio between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Watch and visit with various artists at work. At the open house, also, learn about the Verdes Art League. For a calendar of classes, lectures, workshops and events open to all Verde residents visit verdesartleague.org.

RV anniversary book available

Rio Verde residents can reserve a copy of Rio Verde’s 50th Anniversary Book at a prepublication price of $8. To take advantage of this offer, use the order form at the Rio Verde website.

The Commemorative Book designed by George Gruel contains 50 plus pages of photos of Rio Verde’s history organized by decade. It chronicles the pivotal moments, influential figures and transformative events that have shaped Rio Verde’s history. It also captures the spirit of camaraderie that has made Rio Verde the place it is for residents. Copies will be available for pickup at the Community Center during the 50th Anniversary Celebration Week.