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 week of Nov. 6 – 11 Rio Verde will mark its 50th anniversary as a community. The week-long celebration will be highlighted by a wide variety of special events planned to mark the 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.

All Legacy residents are invited to the 50th Anniversary Legacy Social from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the Club Sundance Room. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while sharing family memories with other Legacy residents. Following the social the Box Bar Grille has been reserved exclusively for Legacy families to enjoy dinner together. Reservations are required.

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. Visitors may stop by the Community Center Art Studio between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 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.

Join the Tennis Club at Rio Verde Saturday morning Nov. 11 for fun events planned in celebration of Rio Verde’s 50th anniversary. All Rio Verde residents as well as Tennis Club members are welcome to participate. There will be two main events, a doubles tourney and tennis clinics, as well as an open house for those who wish to visit the courts, check out the pro shop, have a snack/coffee or just visit with neighbors.