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?
Am I correct in assuming additional pickleball courts will be installed in Palm Ridge? And that they will be installed in the areas of the current parking lot? If so, then is it not a waste of money to do the repaving when it will be torn up again in a few short years?
Having been involved in a large capital paving project, I fully support your approach as the most efficient and cost effective decision. 30 days or so to complete the project is very realistic. Kudos for the great job you do to keep our assets in great shape!
all facilities need updating & repair at one time & another- this is Palm Ridges time to make it a fitness center we will want to be proud of & visit – thanks for the work you do!!!!
It’s Palm Ridge’s turn every SUMMER! That is the issue! Only those who live here twelve months a year are inconvenienced. Simply not fair to these members.
Half the resident members are have gone back to their summer homes which results in much fewer residents using the Palm Ridge facilities consequently, the huge parking lot could be done in sections, even if the parking area moves as progress is made, so why close the entire facility? If the contractor handling the work can’t figure it out, why not find someone who can.
Good Idea, at the same time have some of your ground maintenance personell clean up the Eastern end of Williams Drive, (the last 200 feet to the wall). Also the end of this road needs some TLC. Thanks
How convenient. Another project done so as to not interfere with the “temporary” residents! I guess permanent residents can just walk on the hot sidewalks during the heat. We don’t need the amenity of an indoor track, it’s only for “temporary” residents.
The timing of all these projects shows the deep care our Board has for the year around residents. Thanks for the dead puppy!
Whenever it is closed, the full time residents can’t use it. Part timers just in the winter obviously. Let’s just get it done and watch it is done properly.
i totally agree. Now is the time to do this when most snowbird residents are gone.
Well done ! Sugg
Well done ! Suggest anticipate issues important to members ahead of time to avoid confusion and misunderstood opinions .
It sure wipes out any Family Swim Time for families that will be visiting over the Memorial Weekend or June school break! Maybe those the time that is set aside for Palm Ridge can be changed to RH Johnson during the Reno.
I find it not unusual that all of these closures seem to happen after the “winter residents” leave. It seems unfair that the burden always falls to the full time residents. Some how it should be considered when we pay for these facilities to use for a year and often times we wait until the winter residents leave to use them.
I’m hoping that during this shutdown, the insect and cleanliness issues at the pool will be addressed. There is an anabundant amount of ants and a lack of cleanliness. I have seen used q-tips that just don’t seem to get cleanedup on the pool deck. Additionally, the pool floor and steps are consistently dirty.
I love that pool but am afraid of bringing ants home with me.
Thank you.
Hi Michele. Thank you for your comment. We have passed it along to the Palm Ridge facility manager.
Instead of vague statements, how about some specific dollar amounts saved by closing the facility for a whole month, instead of doing it in 2 phases.
I have a suggestion for a new slogan for Sun City West: “Where something is always closed”. Or perhaps: “Where snowbirds are favored over year-long residents”.
I don’t see any explanation as to why this needs to be done in the first place. Particularly since Palm Ridge is the newest rec center. Are we just looking for ways to throe out excess money or what?