Sun City's history is fascinating given there was no blueprint on how to build an age restricted community. We were the first, and it was clear to those who have studied it, there was an ongoing evolution of trial and error. The one thing that has struck me was the origin of the community was based on a hedonistic lifestyle. "A new way of life" was all about enjoying those last years by staying busy and doing things that were fun and gratifying. Initially most of those activities centered around the clubs, recreation centers and golf courses. Hence it should come as no surprise the RCSC has always focused on maintaining the amenity package that was built into the community. Millions of dollars go into improving the golf courses and recreation centers. And without question the 125 chartered clubs are at the cornerstone of our existence, and get both money and assistance to insure they survive. Before we move into the point of this exercise, we should quickly acknowledge the transition Sun City made away from the hedonistic way of life. The Del E Webb Development Corporation (DEVCO) left Sun City in 1978. The paternal relationship it had with the community had done a pretty good job of preparing the handoff for a self-governed arrangement. The realty was the residents were forced to become owners with responsibilities far greater than when the corporation had run it. That in my eyes was truly the point were Sun City blossomed. As owners those living here understood the importance of a community that demanded attention. We came to understand if there was a need, we were the only ones to be able to fix it. Those same folks came to understand fulfillment came from being able to give back as much from lazing their lives away laying poolside. All of which brings me to the primary goal of this piece; it begs the question; "what is Sun City missing after 53 years of this ever so glorious existence?" Ultimately this is simply one persons observation, so take it for what it's worth. Before you dispatch it too quickly though, let me just argue there may not be anyone who has subjectively analyzed the community more than i have. I would, and have, argued the one thing Sun City needs is a "community center." True we have 7 neighborhood recreation centers, but none offer the one centralized location that brings the entire community together. We know one of the key tenets of Sun City was a "sense of community." However, over the years, some of that has been lost to the technological changes many of us have grown to love. We cannot stop progress, nor can we stop the changes happening societally outside our walls. What we can do is manage change in ways that minimizes the impact it has on our community. In my humble opinion, a community center housing many of our organizations would allow us to create a far different atmosphere (and attitude) among residents. It would be the singular most valuable change/addition in Sun City's history. Obviously i have a bias, believing the Lakes Club would be the "perfect" location. Centrally located in the community, 38,000 square feet and on one of the most beautiful settings in all of Sun City are just a couple of the reasons why. Throw in the fact it was once in the DEVCO family of amenities built for Sun City, bringing it home where it belongs feels right from a historical perspective. It goes much deeper than that though: So much of Sun Cities active way of life centers on the physical side of aging. While there is no question that is of importance, we know also know the "cerebral" side of aging is also quite significant. Across the country, age restricted communities are making efforts to address those needs. Continuing education for adults is growing, less strenuous exercises like yoga and ti chi are exploding in popularity and cooking classes engage people on a whole different level. By adding square footage to the amenities already in place in Sun City, we give ourselves the opportunity to meet the needs of those aging beyond the point of the purely physical. We grow the value of a community dedicated to a "new way of life" and we bring the community together like we have never seen. Sun City has always been fragmented as a community. Each organization exists as its own entity. We know of late several of those "free standing" organizations have gone bye the bye. While some of those losses may be nothing more than the natural evolution, some have reduced the community in ways we still feel today. A community center will not solve all of the problems Sun City will face. It will, however, force us to begin to look to the future as we try and cope with a changes impacting our community in ways none of us will like. Simply put, this is one man's perception of what could make for a better Sun City.
I have a different take on what Sun City needs. The "community" of Sun City is not the RCSC. As far as what the RCSC needs are more services provided without an additional charge. RCSC cardholders should not have to pay per session for Tai Chi, physical fitness training or other offered classes. The RCSC should foot the cost for the instructors out of our annual assessments. The "community" of Sun City needs better public/private transportation. Maricopa County would have to build a Community Center as the name indicates the public would be able to use the facilities. I'm not sure that a RCSC Center, other than re-vamping the corporate offices with a comfortable meeting place, would get much more use than the places already available to meet with others.
I do agree that transportation is an issue. I can see that in time I might want to take a bus. I am surprised that even the main North to South and/or East to West streets do not have some sort of low cost van or small bus that people can take to go to the other phases within Sun City or to shop. I live in a city now that is about the same size as Sun City, population and size wise (albeit located smack in the middle of Los Angeles). We have a small bus line for our city, mostly used by and created for seniors who live here. Los Angeles buses do go through our city too, but we still have our small city bus line. It doesn't run as frequently as other bus lines but it has a schedule.
Amen Bill. Of course the Lakes Club would've been perfect and I regret we missed the chance, but let's start looking at other options, and I think the best ones would be tied to Viewpoint Lake since that would give it something no other spot has: a water view and that always impresses us desert denizens. I haven't been to the Social Hall at Lakeview where the 50th anniv. had its bash, but I recall patio space. Quick fix might be something around there? Anyway, these are discussions that should be brought up at mtgs, esp. annual mtg. to generate excitement and get input in a "Wadd'ya think" mode. Aggie, first off, welcome. Transportation is an issue and I think you'd enjoy postings in this forum that have been made previously to see what's in the works. Check out especially the Northwest Valley Transit Study one and if you'd like to get involved in helping advance it, come to the Northwest Valley Transportation Stakeholders mtg at Benevilla at 9 a.m. on Thurs. Sept. 15. We can always use more people willing to roll up their sleeves and pushing the regional transport dream.
