Download May 2020 Edition of the Rec Center News
The Rec Center News is an official publication of the Recreation Centers of Sun City West. It is printed by Independent Newspapers and published monthly. It is available at all Recreation Center facilities as well as being delivered with the Sun City West Independent the last Wednesday of each month. The Independent is delivered free to all Sun City West residents. Call 623-972-6101 to start delivery.
Interested in news
Unless you can show how many deaths from the virus have happened in sun city west, the weather temps should require a pool be opened.
Governor Ducey announced today, May 12, 2020, pools and gyms will open tomorrow May 13, 2020.
When will the Sun City West Recreation pools open up?
I depend on water exercise and lap swimming to keep my joints limber. My right knee was replaced recently and water exercise directed by my doctor has increased my mobility. I’m sure there are others in this community that need the pools open in SCW. Please work together to get pools open. Than you
I have lymphedema and I was walking in the Beardsley three times a week to keep my lymph system working. Without the pool I have to have a nurse wrap my legs 3 or more times a week.
Let’s open the pools please
Open the place in accordance of the gov. not some elected board whose job is to enforce the rules and agreed to regulations and over the gov. of the entire STATE. So stick out you,re chest and do what is the job we elected you for. Whe,re did tou figure youj had that much authority over my LIFE open up as directed by the GOUVENER not elected RESEDENTS OF SUN CITY WEST.
After listening to the meeting the issue of 65 plus was addressed over and over I well over 65 and remai n to how I feel and you have no say into how I live my life. I paid my Owners Fee and all bearing what ACW offers. The meeting was enjoyable to listen to but for the members who are not 65+ or non-resadence hu-raw. And for someone tjhat has a WIFE in Nursing still has nothing to doabout what is happening.hu-raw. Hell I have 3 Grandauters in Nursing in Hospitals that would make SCW look like a clinic. Also no figures were broughgt up to number of DEATHS in SCW facilities.
Working at Sun city West interest in news
Apparently, Mr. Schwind and Mr. Sloan believe that no plans for re-opening (except the golf courses) and NOT refunding any of our dues is an acceptable strategy going forward. Just because the golf courses are a revenue stream does not make it acceptable. Using Mr. Sloan’s friend who was recently taken off of a ventilator was a poor example for keeping all the rec centers closed indefinitely. He’s one person out of an entire community. We all should not have to wait until there are 0 cases within our community to at least re-open the pools. According to government statistics, we’ve had 6-10 cases here out of over 14,000 residents.That seems to be a very low infection rate. By assuming everyone is positive and using that as a template is ridiculous. If you think that you’re going to keep everything closed indefinitely and keep all the dues that have been paid is just plain wrong and I think you know it. This virus is here to stay and we all will have to get used to it. We will never again have a 100% virus free environment, just like driving a car, we all take chances in life and there are no guarantees that we will all be safe. Announcing that the golf courses will re-open seems to be placating only the golfers. Frankly, I don’t believe that you can legally charge the residents for something they are not getting, nor do I believe that you have the right to control the rec centers by keeping them closed indefinitely. Mr. Schwind and Mr. Sloan are not in a position to control the rec center activities by keeping them closed. They are not elected officials and do not have the power to rule as if they are Governors or even Mayors. If you want to be leaders of this community act like it and don’t pick and choose what opens what doesn’t. If you won’t refund our dues for 2-3 months then maybe we should look at other legal avenues. Please don’t start with “If you need the money” stuff. It is the principle of getting nothing when HAVING to pay for something. If you don’t get that then maybe it’s time to get new people to run this place.
Hi Joseph. Please tune in to our digital meeting this Friday for an overview of our reopening plan. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-tzEciMoBQg
Mr. Sloan is elected by the residents of Sun City West. He is one of nine volunteer Board members, who hire the General Manager. In fact, their job is to operate the Rec Centers for the well being of residents, and this includes safety. We have opinions from our attorneys stating Gov. Ducey’s executive orders do not allow the pools to be open. Please tune in Friday.
I would like a copy of the attorney’s opinion regarding governer,s opinion requiring
closing SCW swimming pools
After hearing that the stay at home order has been extended, but we will be opening up the golf courses is too much. I will campaign rigorously to replace ALL members of the SCW Board however, whenever and where ever possible. This type of ruling can no longer be tolerated. Placating the golfers by opening up and allowing them to wander around the courses while non-players are subjected to this illegal mandate to stay home is preposterous. We can’t even go out to get a hair cut while you’re allowing these golfers to carouse around our city without any restrictions at all makes my stomach turn. This double standard that is being held over our heads is the worst kind. All of us can see these golfers driving around together in their little golf carts with 2-4 people in them is obviously not conforming to any guidelines whatsoever. What possible reasoning is behind this. All board members should be replaced for showing favoritism to these slobs. If I had known this double standard existed, I would never have purchased property here. Everyone else cannot use any other facilities but are forced to watch these golfers cruise around our streets snubbing their noses at everyone else while they get their 18 holes of golf in. You elitist board members need to be replaced with some fair, honest people who will respect the fact that we all have paid for the right to use ALL of our facilities without restrictions. We were told that we all own said rec centers, so we should be allowed to use them at our own risk and no one should be telling us that we know better than you, or that you are looking out for all of us while allowing golfers to trounce on everyone’s rights. We all own the rec centers and should be allowed to enjoy them at our own leisure and risk. I hope others will rise up and put a stop to this by campaigning against our out of touch board members.
I completely agree with Joseph, our rights are being trampled by pushing social agenda and money grabbing by governors. The virus has not over run our hospitals as they projected and yet they have caused more deaths from not caring for other illnesses.
I have been here 20+ years and have seen this frivolous waste of money – its a joke
pay $500 per member per year and be told I was aware of this when I purchased property here-I was aware of yearly dues but I never signed anything that said I would have to pay regardless if they are opened or closed-I agree with joe lafata
Hi Joseph. You signed the Facilities Use Agreement on Nov. 27, 2006. It is filed with Maricopa County. You can find it at Maricopa.gov. The document states in part: “The developer sold residential properties within SUN CITY WEST as part of an active retirement community with a firm policy that at least one member of the household be at least 55 years of age, and that each owner would agree to pay an annual assessment to defray the expenses of maintaining, operating and developing recreational facilities for the benefit of all homeowners and qualified residents of SUN CITY WEST, regardless of whether any such facility would ever be used by such homeowners or residents. It is understood that the amount of this assessment may vary from time to time as determined by the Board of Directors of the RECREATION CENTERS OF SUN CITY WEST, INC.
The undersigned agree that the first annual assessment shall be paid at the time of purchase of the above-described property, with the assessment being paid annually thereafter regardless of the undersigned’s use or non-use of any community recreational facilities.”
Yes, while it is true that all residence have signed a rec center facilities agreement to cover the maintenance, operating and development, regardless if they use the facilities or not. It is also true that what we pay for is for the benefit of all homeowners. It can only be a benefit if the facilities are open for the homeowners use. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is a legal right to bar any homeowner from not receiving the benefit for what they are paying for. I agree with joe lafata and joseph fournier
I agree totally. There is a difference between electing not to use the facilities and the facilities being shut down and not being able to use what we pay yearly dues for.
I would be interested to see a legal opinion by the courts. I am sure there are legal challenges in similar situations..
Legal Definition of operating
1 : engaged in active business
I can choose to not “use” the facilities only if said facilities are available and active. Currently the facilities are not operating. My interpretation of the facilities use agreement is that I agree to pay for the availability of the facilities regardless of whether I choose to use them.
I urge management to reopen facilities with any physical separation or occupancy limits as feasible as soon as possible.
You never answered the basic question, why are our recreation centers not open. If social distancing is required, which I think is bogus, we are more then capable of doing that. So open up.
Dear Governing Board of Directors and Manager,
1. As a resident of Sun City West, when can I/we expect the rec centers to reopen?
2. When can we expect to be compensated or refunded for the term of the closure?
Its unbelievable that 9-10 board members can dictate to 25,000 plus mature residence how to live during this covid-19 crisis. I am beginning to feel some resentment toward the board members and general manager, who treat us all like children, as if we don’t know how to take care/protect ourselves and those near us against the covid-19 or any flu virus. This feels more like tyranny by a hand full of people, who have based their decisions on so called scientific data. Data that has proven unreliable and inaccurate over and over. You have put restrictions on this community which go beyond Governor Ducey’s guidelines.
I would think that simply posting safety guidelines regarding covid-19 and letting the members use the facilities at their own risk would be a sufficient liability clause so that the rec centers would be protected.
The rec centers are paid for by our annual fee, for the purpose of benefiting all qualified residence of SCW. Since you have closed the rec centers, the purpose and benefit is not available. All residence have not received any benefit for what they have paid for during the term of the closure.
In order to instill continued confidence in the leadership of this governing board, I believe it is fair, reasonable and necessary to compensate each member either through a reduction in the next years membership fee or a direct refund.
In my personal opinion, I believe it would have been better for our country and our community to have posted safety guidelines, in an effort to slow the spread of this virus rather than shut down the whole economy. Many business and families are suffering because of this and may not recover.
Please open our rec centers so that we can remain healthy not only physically, but emotionally as well.
Sincerely,
Robert Beckham
I totally agree with Robert Beckham ! We need to open all Sun City West Recreation Centers now ! Golf is no safer than dog park, swimming pool, mini golf, pickle ball! Homeowners who want to use the Centers know the risks other will stay in their homes all summer! I choose freedom ! I’m willing to take the risk and those who used the Centers will also take a small risk ! Every week when you go to the grocery store you take a bigger risk !
The response to Joseph regarding his signing of the Facilities Use Agreement I think has misinterpreted the purpose of the document. The reason for the wording, “…. regardless of whether any such facility would ever be used by such homeowners or residents.” was to make it clear the annual assessment was mandatory whether an owner uses or does not use any SCW facilities. The document does not say an owner or resident can be excluded from using a facility but is intented to make sure he understands he must pay the annual assessment.
From the cdc website:
“There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.”
So let’s figure out how to get pools open!
That is the undersigned CHOICE of use or not. NOT being told they CAN’T use
When will our pools and gyms open as Gov Ducey said pools can open and gyms can also today may 12 thank you
Ok Mr Schwind and elected Board members. Governor Ducey gave his press conference today, effective tomorrow pools and gyms can open effective Wednesday May 13. He further recommended that people with compromised health issues and underlying medical conditions, to stay home. So based on the matrix and guidance per the White House and CDC on covid outlined by the Governor, we meet the criteria for opening back up.
So having said that, when are you planning on getting our pools and Rec Centers opened.?? It’s time to get on with it. If people are concerned or have underlying health issues then the should stay home to protect their health.
We are grown adults, we know how to social distant ourselves and wash our hands etc.
I hope you and the board step up, do the right thing and get the centers and pools and other outside things open.
Thsnks
test
The Governing board has got to be kidding. They got some attorney to push back on some of the comments here. If anyone can understand the nonsense this lawyer is pushing on this site, more power to them. So basically what he said was that they can charge for use of the rec centers, or anything else, even though there aren’t anything to charge for, because we signed our name to something. Is this the kind of nonsense we’re all paying for from this attorney. We’re paying for a lawyer to protect our board members from the people they represent. They should never have brought in this guy to comment, it shows who is being protected and who isn’t. Today is the 15th of May. Not one word on when the rec centers will be open. The Governor lifted the lock down Wednesday, are you guys still gonna keep the rec centers closed to protect the residents? Come on, you can’t stop people from trying to enjoy themselves, or can you? Are you still going to keep all the fees we are paying for? Here’s a resolution, give everyone a $40.00 to $50.00 dollar credit on their rec center card till the end of the year. You can call it corona cash. The money can be spent on any rec center activity except golf. After the beginning of the year, it ends. Simple answer. Maybe you can run the idea by that genius lawyer you guys have working for you, seeing as you guys can’t come up with any resolutions to this rec center issue by yourselves, and what to do about the fees that have already been paid and when to open up.
I agree with Don !!! We are all grown adults and capable of making informed decisions about our health. If your sick stay home !! If you have a condition that might make you susceptible to any virus make up your own mind if you want to go out………otherwise OPEN UP the pools & Rec centers. We know how to practice “Social Distancing” I’m hot & getting fat……let’s get back to LIVING life to the fullest.
After listening to the meeting the issue of 65 plus was addressed over and over I well over 65 and remai n to how I feel and you have no say into how I live my life. I paid my Owners Fee and all bearing what ACW offers. The meeting was enjoyable to listen to but for the members who are not 65+ or non-resadence hu-raw. And for someone tjhat has a WIFE in Nursing still has nothing to doabout what is happening.hu-raw. Hell I have 3 Grandauters in Nursing in Hospitals that would make SCW look like a clinic. Also no figures were broughgt up to number of DEATHS in SCW facilities.
Do the people with authority around here actually believe that keeping everything closed indefinitely, on the advice of their country lawyers, is the correct thing to do? They are just plain wrong. How can you justify “stealing” people’s fees for using the facilities, and not allowing us to use them, and not refunding any money to us, because some lawyers said it was okay? Idoubt that any court would go along with this scheme just because of something we were all forced to sign if we wanted to live here. These lawyers are leading the people down a road that will lead to a class action law suit against our community. Stop with the illegal closures and let the people enjoy what they are paying for. Don’t allow our leaders to waste any more of our community’s money on bad legal advice!
My brother, who resides in California is a member of the L.A. Fitness gym, in Los Angeles County. And we all know they’re abiding by stricter guidelines in that state. He told me a few weeks ago that the members at this time are not required to pay their monthly dues due to the pandemic. So why are we still required to pay for the recreational facilities if they aren’t being used by its members during the pandemic? It’s simple logic: if you don’t use it, you don’t pay for it. Hire a new lawyer.
I believed that I was moving 3 years ago to an “55 and older adult” community. Having observed how this community is governed by just 10 governing members, who have decisively “voted” for the complete REC CENTER shut down due to the wuhan
-virus pandemic.
I wished that we, the members of SCW had opportunity to vote on the “shut down” decision. After all, this “Adult” community is comprised with fee-paying members like any other CLUBS.
My auto insurance premium has been refunded by 20% due to less driving activity by stay-home mandate. So, we should be refunded some portion of our rec fee for the forced shutdown decided by you and your governing members.
“If you are sick,or sickly, stay home?!”
Daah!! Let us remind you that we ARE seasoned adults. Not kindergarteners.
I agree with K. Humes, I think the board and Mr. Schwind would have had alot more support from the fee paying members of Sun City West if they would have solicited input from us. Instead they chose to act and treat us like we are all children. They say they are following CDC and the Governors guidelines, yes they did, they picked and chose the guidelines that fit their agenda. It’s a fact and very obvious.
I just moved here in December. Overall I’m very disappoint how COVID-19 has been handled. Most of my disappointment is how the General Manager responds to residents. He’s unprofessional, threatening and authoritarian. I’ve served on Boards in the pass and currently. I’ve also reported to a Board. He’s an amateur.