The Recreation Centers of Sun City West will be closing Palm Ridge Rec Center beginning May 24 for a parking lot project.
The asphalt will be milled and replaced during the expected 30-day project. All facilities at Palm Ridge will be closed for the duration.
Although some residents have suggested the lot be closed in phases to allow for some uses during the project, this idea was not taken for several reasons. Primarily, the cost would increase considerably due to multiple mobilizations of leased equipment being imported and exported for each phase, and the project timeline needing to be extended to accommodate a partial closure rather than giving the vendor full access to the lot.
The project involves three continuous phases: the removal of all the old asphalt, soils stabilization and grading, and finally the import of new asphalt, meaning heavy equipment will be moving in and out of the facility for the duration. Additionally, there will be limited staff onsite, and they will be dedicated to maintenance projects, meaning the bathrooms will not be open since they will not be serviced. The facilities cannot be open without bathroom amenities.
Attempting a partial opening would also likely result in members parking on side streets, causing a hazard and annoyance for residents living on those streets.
The all-encompassing closure will allow for the lot to be replaced faster, more safely, and at a much-reduced cost.
Additionally, some residents have questioned the timing of the project, wondering why it was not completed during the COVID closure. The timelines for projects of this size are booked well in advance. Breaking those contracts would entail financial penalties if it was even possible to find a new vendor on short notice. Additionally, any new contracts would be bid on the escalated cost of materials and labor, both of which have gone up significantly in the last year.
The Rec Centers makes every attempt possible to reduce closures and find efficiencies in timing of projects. We appreciate our members’ understanding and patience as we complete this project.
Once the lot has been repaved, please give consideration to reducing the number of handicap golf cart spaces from 8 to 4. I have been going to Palm Ridge for over three years and have never seen more than 2 to 3 carts parked there, while the other side is usually full.
Why was the lot repaved anyway ? Been there hundreds of times and never noticed any problems with it. 3/4 of a million dollars to make it look pretty seems like such a waste, or is such a waste.
Jay McHale, the lot was actually in very poor condition, with crumbling asphalt causing tripping hazards.
Thank you for the information. I support the decisions you’ve made. Good job!
I’ve lived in SCW for almost 3 years. I purchased a home close to Palm Ridge so I could walk to the center. First summer Palm Ridge was closed to work on the pool, second summer closed due to COVID now year 3 closed again. Wow!
I agree, Margaret.
There are 2 problems that I see in this community. First, the idea that summer is the off-season. It’s not the off-season for many permanent residents. We live here all year long. My taxes and fees cover all year long.
The second problem is that idea that everything is done of the convenience of the contractors, not the convenience of the homeowners. How long were all the rooms for the computer center closed? How long was most of Kuentz closed? Closed, closed, closed.
There are many things about SCW that are wonderful. This is one problem that is far from wonderful. And they just don’t care. The attitude is ‘tough luck’.
You have a great point
Sounds like censorship in America at Sun CityWest
I think year round residents should receive a reduced rec center discount. Just sayin’. You folks could come up with story to make it sound rational.
A OK WITH THE PROJECT. PLEASE CHECK THE BOILER THAT HEATS THE POOL. IT TOOK ABOUT 3 WEEKS TO REPLACE IT LAST TIME.
The new lighting in the parking area is great. But it remains dark, really dangerously inky dark, where pedestrians cross into the buildings or the ball courts. The sidewalk lights are useless; they just cast shadows in the wrong area. Consider improving the pedestrian crossings’ lighting and markings!!
Why are almost all the major closures done during the summer? There are a number of us who are true residents of SCW (we live here full time, vote here, pay AZ taxes etc.). Why do we have to deal with all the closures, while the “resort people” who only rent or own a vacation home get the preference? I understand “less people” are inconvenienced during the snowbird season, but it’s not fair that we true residents have to bear the vast majority of these closures.
I agree with Mark Marton, we don’t need 8 handicap parking space in front of the fitness/pool center. Years back we only had 4 spaces on each side when we parked parallel to the curb (thank you to the one who started parking perpendicular) even then the handicap spaces went un-used. Also, only once did I see three fully authorized handicap carts parked there. Usually, people just park there because they know we have no real law enforcement and they can get away with it.
It seems that every summer there is one more project at Palm Ridge that actually inconveniences those who live here twelve months a year. When the temperatures are the highest, the pools and indoor walking track are “off limits” to the members. Legally parked cars should not annoy any reasonable person.
I frequently see monster campers parked on the streets and driveways here in our “premier”community. Apparently, no one is annoyed about that.
Now that the Rec. center has explained the reasoning for what needs to happen, I get it. I hope in the future we come more transparent ahead of time so you don’t get all the bad press.
I don’t want my dues to go up anymore then anyone else and using good common sense makes it work!
Thank you for all your work on keeping SCW beautiful!
Mark, I am assuming you’re talking the area in front of the fitness center(the curved driveway? What would be done with the extra room?