I am worried that the members will vote to disband the RCSC and sell the Recreation Centers? The Articles of Incorporation prevent the sale of any RCSC property with a value of greater than some low dollar amount unless very strict conditions are met AND any such vote would most certainly be struck down in court. Therefore, practically speaking, there is no chance of something like this happening. I would sue the group that proposed for the diminution of value of my home, and I am sure there would be thousands of likeminded homeowners.
How much does a Master Plan Cost? According to the internet the Consulting costs associated with developing a Master Plan are between $40k and $150k.
Why can't TRIARC do this for us? Architects design facilities based on customer requirements. Urban planners help customers determine what is needed to stay relevant based on a thorough analysis of facilities, customers and competitors. Interestingly, during the recent architects meeting at Mountainview TRARC personnel made clear we should not be designing buildings until we have a comprehensive master plan.
Do other communities have master plans for their parks and recreation department? Yes, substantially all our surrounding communities have such a plan. An example for Wickenburg can be found at Parks Master Plan | Wickenburg AZ - Official Website. There are tens of thousands more examples.
Thanks John for all your work on this concept. Having sat through the LRP meeting today I believe completing a plan for MV and LV would be a great goal for this year. In addition continue work on a “master plan” for the future of Sun City. Oh and let’s come up with “wow” factors for MV and LV to motivate folks to buy here. ( imho )
Why do we need a master plan? Remember Del Webb had a plan before he started building Sun City. Once he left, so did the planners. Since then, we have been operationally focused and paid little attention to the day when we would need to start major remodeling or replacing several facilities. That time is upon us, and we need to bring back the planners for expert advice. Our staff has their hands full with day-to-day operations and it is unreasonable to expect our volunteer board to have this expertise. Without such a plan we will forever be stuck in the new board new plan cycle.
Tom, The difficulty with this approach is we are designing one or two facilities without taking into account all the other facilities. I am a strong proponent of doing the master plan first.
Won't adopting a master plan delay the Mountainview Project? Maybe or maybe not. Recall we went through a lengthy process to design an unaffordable scrape and rebuild of Mountainview several years back. Without a master plan we could well repeat that process and be right back where we are now several years down the road. With a member approved master plan in place we will have greater certainty that what is done at Mountainview fits well with other recreation centers and positions us to take advantage of future opportunities.
Didn't the Strategic Alternatives Committee (SAC) make recommendations for Mountainview? Yes and no. In the last several meetings of the SAC there were multiple alternatives presented, and some board members decided the SAC did not get the right answer. The Board then presented its vision (elements list) to the members at some very contentious town halls. So, to me at least, what we "want" at Mountainview was never fully settled.
What are the issues with Mountainview? First, for the longest time RCSC management refused to get a structural analysis of the Mountainview auditorium so members would know if it could be renovated. Renovation is generally a lot cheaper than tearing it down and building new. Just recently it has been agreed to have this analysis done There are also a host of issues concerning what amenities other than swimming should be at Mountainview. At the risk of being wrong I will try and summarize who wants what and why: Pickleball players want a substantial portion of Mountainview dedicated to pickleball, preferably with some indoor courts. This requires eliminating at least lawn bowling and tennis and might eventually involve tearing down the auditorium and possibly encroaching on the mini golf course to make room for indoor pickleball courts. Mini Golf wants to keep their course intact. Lawn Bowling wants to keep their greens intact. Tennis wants to have at least two courts for phase I players to play at I think some in the Players Club want to renovate and expand the auditorium to meet their wants however some of their wants, a sloped floor, are extremely expensive to put in the Mountainview auditorium if it is renovated. (per TRIARC Architects) Everyone agrees they want the pool refurbished and an outdoor spa.
I believe what the LRP committee presented today in regards to MV remodel was most excellent. And spending $22.5 million on their concept is appropriate. The “wow” factors are substantial and necessary, though I am sure others might disagree. Just seems it is time to move on MV.
Hello Tom, I was unable to stay for the entire meeting so I will wait to see what was presented. How were the costs determined? John
I believe they used numbers that Marlene developed. Though drawings presented were AI generated. Also mentioned was the $500 per sq ft estimate number. A variety of options were presented for each major item of the renovation. (PAC, pickleball, pool areas, fitness center) The options for each item went from low to high cost. One of the better presentations I have seen for a renovation of MV. Best to view the presentation yourself as my recollection can be suspect.
What is included in a Master Plan? While a master plan is tailored to the community it generally has the following sections prepared by an urban planning expert, A short history and culture section, A current "inventory" of facilities including an evaluation of their condition. An evaluation of each facility's utilization; An analysis of the current demographics of the community and; An analysis of surpluses and deficits in the recreational "ecosystem. An analysis of locational factors that limit or expand the target market for members. A careful examination of the finances to assure what is considered is affordable The results of the community engagement efforts previously taken and those taken during the process Options considered and the pros and cons of each An analysis of other like communities that compete for members Fees charged Amenities/Activities offered An analysis of trends in 55+ communities An analysis of any other relevant factors The result of this comprehensive analysis is an expertly prepared and comprehensive recommendation about what alternatives (including costs) are available for meeting Sun City's Mission, Vision and Values. These allow Sun City to move forward to implement a well thought out plan.
