I toyed with using either re-imaging or re-imagining. Oddly, both worked, most likely because of the pictures that play continually in my head from days gone by. I've longed to create a picture book "Then and Now" using the images from Sun City's amazing history laid alongside the current photos of our evolution. Then the second header comes to life as I picture the opportunity for Sun City to "reinvent" ourselves as we begin a newer and more exciting chapter in the "Community That Changed The Nation." What better place to launch the concept than with the reopening of one of the most iconic locations of Sun City; Viewpoint Lake? We know timing is nearly everything in life and our timing lines up with so many incredibly important aspects of what is happening within the Rec Centers of Sun City. Let me list them for a more clear picture: 1). The survey efforts saw some 5000 plus returned, hundreds participated in the focus groups and another 85 volunteers formed a working group. The results were exceptionally good and proved yet again, the membership cares. 2). The past two RCSC elections resulted in the highest vote totals in the past twenty years, and the new board promised a change in direction. 3). While everyone has been longing for the Mountain View remodel to happen (it's long overdue), the reality of the proposal that was on the table was ludicrous on its face. The 8-year plan with staggering dollar totals was both unrealistic and unnecessary. The new board halted the process and quickly moved to find an alternative plan. Hearkening back to our glory days, the Strategic Alternative Committee (SAC), opened their doors to stakeholders and interested parties to find a more workable solution. Those efforts continue, with resolution coming by year's end. 4). The General Manager has left and a search is on for a replacement. He or she will play a key role as we move forward. 5). The interim general manager, Kevin McCurdy, has a finance background and been amazing as he injects his ideas into the daily operations. Everyone i've talked to has been impressed. 6). Communication from the RCSC has become real and something a member can get their head around. Articles have been blatantly transparent and straightforward while social media exposure has increased 10-fold. All of which lends me to salivate over the reopening of Viewpoint Lake and the possibilities to use it as the fulcrum to enhance the role the membership needs to play as we look to the future. Organizational structure, especially for non-profits, is cumbersome. It's often slow and unwieldy, but that's by design. Changes should never be quick or easy, however, they should be doable. What we have found in the first 6 months from this new energized board of directors and management is a willingness to be open and grow to meet the needs of both the community and the membership. Damn, that's refreshing.
Hear, hear! Wow, the View Point project reopening could be an awesome tipping point for communication and transparency. Let's see first a Celebration of restoring and maintaining a community asset. An 'after action review' would be appropriate regarding budget and costs, open issues, learnings along the way, proposed project process changes and recognition of stakeholders and their importance and successes. Just a couple of thoughts... What else can you think of?
Great idea! The refill of Viewpoint Lake is on schedule to begin this Friday, August 4, 2023. It’s estimated to take a month to fill. Then, restocking with a variety of fish! Other details I’m sure. Homeowners will have much to do on their properties and getting their pontoons afloat again. Are there any RCSC plans for a community celebration? A day, or weekend? There’s time to plan one. Hopefully something is already in the works. If there is a committee, do they need help? ASK, this is a perfect short-term project members are likely to help. Unfiltered thoughts: A dedication to past, present and future Sun City residents. With special acknowledgements/thanks. Looped high quality produced video overview of the project start to finish with nuts and bolts expense detailed. Large screen monitors in multiple locations and posted on RCSC YouTube. Commemorative handout Fun Selfie station, lake in background Fishing, paddle boats, etc. operational Box lunch or brown bag picnic lunch. Entertainment, scheduled time(s) Ceremonial champagne launch of lakefront owner’s pontoons…sunset parade?
Great ideas gang and really only the tip of the iceberg. I know many of you think i am crazy when i tell you this but over the years, i've had residents who had no clue there was a lake (let alone two of them) in Sun City. I understand not knowing about Dawn lake, it's a private lake owned by the homes surrounding it. Not having been to Viewpoint lake as a Sun City resident defies logic. To be clear, it doesn't have to happen or be held as soon as the lake is filled. In fact, it might be better in Oct when the weather cools a touch and more folks are back. The point is simple; Let's use this opportunity for a re-launch of all the good things about Sun City. Get organizations involved and lets ramp up the concept of community. This isn't that hard to do and eyesopen is spot on: Ask members to help. Ownership comes with responsibilities and when it's fun to boot, everyone wins.
Perhaps you could even have some of the Clubs set-up tables to display or sell their wares? Yup! a Fall Festival!
It could be QUITE a celebration. I think the homeowners on the lake would be very happy to have a sundown boat parade. It could be such a fun afternoon gathering to celebrate such a major undertaking. I hope RCSC also sees this as an opportunity. This could be the start of something new - or something old becoming new again - community gatherings!
