(RIO VERDE, Ariz.) – Rio Verde Community and Country Club – the award-winning residential enclave northeast of Scottsdale – was re-designated a Certified Sustainable Community by the Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program after demonstrating continuous progress through the organization’s strict requirements and criteria.
The re-certification validates Rio Verde as a leading community in preserving a healthy local environment and quality of life for its citizens, and a pioneer of the Sustainable Communities Program. In 2015, Rio Verde was named the first Certified Sustainable Community west of the Mississippi River and fifth overall in the U.S. Currently, there are 20 communities in the Sustainable Communities Program.
“We are elated to be re-designated a Certified Sustainable Community, as this honor gives our community a tremendous sense of pride,” says Paul Hofmann, President of the Community Association. “The recertification is a testament to our residents and community leaders who ensured Rio Verde maintained the sustainability guidelines established by Audubon International.”
Among the sustainable accomplishments Rio Verde has implemented in the past few years:
• Reduced homeowner water use by 25-60 percent through the installation of smart desert landscaping irrigation controllers
• Donated nearly four tons of citrus, annually, to the local food bank
• Installed solar panels on the community center, which generate 25 percent of the building’s average energy demand, resulting in more than 250,000 kWh saved annually
• Naturalized 15 acres of turf on the golf courses to desert landscaping, reducing water and maintenance requirements
• Hosted seminars for residents on water efficiency and conservation practices
• Offered programs and incentives to install solar hot water heaters throughout the community
• Developed the “Guidelines for New Construction, Remodeled and Substantially Renovated Homes” with green updates and environmentally quality enhancement as priorities
• Completed the Vision 2020 plan to evaluate future goals and objectives for the community.
The Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program provides information and guidance to help communities preserve and enhance what makes them healthy and vibrant places to live, work and play. Certified members define a vision for their future founded in the three pillars of sustainability – a healthy local environment, quality of life for citizens and economic vitality.
Members maintain certification status in the Sustainable Communities Program by demonstrating continuous progress towards goals in the plan under 15 focus areas, including wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement, water conservation, energy efficiency, health and transportation. Communities go through a recertification process every two years.
With 735 acres bordering the Tonto National Forest and McDowell Mountains, Rio Verde stands out for its unrivaled views and serenity. The community, recently tabbed by MSN.com as “one of the top retirement communities in America,” also boasts a unique sense of kinship among relationship-oriented buyers searching for more than just a “Valley of the Sun” address.
Ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Rio Verde offers resort-style amenities including pickleball, tennis, bocce, a community center, and nearby hiking and biking trails. The club also features two resort style 18-hole golf layouts – Quail Run and White Wing – that possess “soft desert” playability characteristics and are very walkable.
In 2016, Rio Verde hired Troon Golf to manage the country club and joined Troon Privé, its elite private club division. Awards and accolades Rio Verde has garnered over the years include AZ Big Media’s No. 1 Active Adult Community and No. 1 Private Golf Course in Arizona; Arizona Women’s Golf Association GEM Award recipient 2013-15; and a Certified Firewise Community since 2010.
For more information about Rio Verde, visit www.rioverdearizona.com, or call 877.746.8373.
About Rio Verde Community and Country Club
Rio Verde is located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains at the edge of the Tonto National Forest. The award-winning, country club community features 36 holes of parkland-style golf, a par-3 course and world-class practice facilities, tennis, pickleball, hiking / walking trails, fitness center, and other amenities.
Comprising 980 custom-built homes, town-homes and villas in a wide range of prices up to over $1 million, Rio Verde is a low-density, master-planned enclave with large lots highlighted by golf course, mountain or desert views. Its low taxes, competitive real estate prices and tranquil location appeal to primary and vacation homeowners.
The 27,000-square foot contemporary, southwestern-style clubhouse is the center of Rio Verde social life, offering a wide variety of dining options and activities. Hearth-fired, homemade pizza and other casual fare is available at the Verde Pub, while fine dining in the Copper Room offers members access to professional chefs and world-class service.
Follow Rio Verde on Twitter: @RioVerdeArizona.
Contact:
Stephen Reynolds
Robert Rodriguez
Buffalo.Agency
sreynolds@buffalo.agency
rrodriguez@buffalo.agency
