By Rusty Bradshaw
Twitter: @SunCitiesEditor

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West will be virtually shut down for a two-week period.

Rec centers officials initially announced early March 11 cancellation of a major event and disinfection precautions in all its facilities due to concerns about the coronavirus. Later the same day they announced the closure of all indoor facilities. The closures begin 5 p.m. March 12 and will continue for two weeks, with an expected reopening Monday, March 30.

“This has been a difficult decision for us, one that we have been weighing for a few weeks now,” RCSCW General Manager Bill Schwind stated in a press release. “What it comes down to is, safety has always been our first priority in all that we do, from budgeting decisions to maintenance priorities. With the coronavirus, there are a lot of unknowns, which has made this decision even harder. But what we do know is we have a high-risk population just based on age. Add in all the club rooms and confined spaces where these residents gather, we believe the time has come to mitigate the risks as much as possible.”

Other communities are addressing the virus in different ways and levels. Peoria city and school officials are continuing to monitor this ever-evolving situation regarding coronavirus, according to Kristina Perez, Peoria public information officer.

“The city of Peoria looks to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services for the latest COVID-19 information and health safety advice,” Ms. Perez stated in a press release about a cultural event scheduled in Old Town. “The decision of whether to proceed with a city event will be based on information from those agencies and residents will be notified accordingly.”

Recreation Centers of Sun City officials are not shutting down facilities or canceling events at this time, according to Joelyn Higgins, RCSC communications and marketing coordinator. An email was sent to cardholders March 9 explaining the corporation’s position on the coronavirus.

RCSC officials said the Centers for Disease Control reported that for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from coronavirus is considered low.

“The Recreation Centers of Sun City has standard procedures in place for cleaning of all RCSC facilities,” RCSC officials stated in the email. “This includes using recommended disinfecting systems to clean facilities several times throughout the day as you have trusted us to do through the years. We are focusing our attention on cleaning touch point surfaces, door handles, railings and other surfaces that residents encounter frequently. Our cleaning agent is hospital-grade and is consistent with guidelines from the CDC for controlling the spread of viruses.”

As information about the virus continues to evolve and RCSC officials are prepared to make changes as necessary, according to Ms. Higgins.

There are no known cases of COVID-19 in the Sun City West community, according to RCSCW officials. However, several state and national agencies and officials, including the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, urged individuals who are at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications to curtail their activities and their contact with others, RCSCW officials added.

Those older than 60 are considered higher risk, with that risk increasing with age. Additionally, those with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and other chronic conditions are considered higher risk.

“The rec centers has 27,224 members. Nearly 100 percent of the 27,224 members are older than 55,” Mr. Schwind stated. “Some 45 percent of those are older than 75; this doesn’t include the oldest of our population who live in care facilities and aren’t members of the Association but do interact with our members.”

In addition to closing indoor facilities, all board and committee meetings scheduled in the next two weeks are canceled, according to Katy O’Grady, RCSCW general services officer.

However, because they are not indoor facilities, all RCSCW golf courses will remain open, she added. The pro shops will also remain open to check in golfers.

The four Recreation Centers, Sports Pavilion, Library, Village Store and Administrative Offices will be closed. All club facilities will be closed. Club members are advised to remove their personal items from the club rooms prior to 5 p.m. Thursday if they will need access to in the next few weeks.

The golf courses and pro shops may be closed in the future if circumstances warrant.

Members who need to pay their dues can mail them to the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375; or call 623-544-6100 to pay by phone with a credit card. Those who plan to golf are encouraged to put money on their accounts by calling that number.

Residents are advised to watch suncitywest.com and sign up for the Rec Centers’ e-news or follow their social media pages for the latest information.

• Facebook: Recreation Centers of Sun City West
• Twitter: @rcscw
• Instagram: @suncitywest_az

Among the events canceled, Happy Camp was canceled earlier this week. In addition, RCSCW is canceling the Spring Fair — which was scheduled March 21 — as well as the Easter Egg Hunt in Beardsley Park — April 11 — as those activities have a high number of outside visitors and children.

The rec centers on March 12 said they are cancelling Spring Fest due to rain saturating Beardsley Park, as well as public feedback on social distancing.

“We understand what an inconvenience this is for our members and guests,” Mr. Schwind stated. “This is the right decision for the safety of our members. We know not everyone agrees with us, but safety is first, and the long-term financial security of the Association is second. That is why golf remains open with limited person-to-person contact. All other facilities are closed. We are working with the Broadcast Club to allow very limited access to their studio so they can do public service announcements on this situation.”

No other special events have been canceled at this time. However, that could change at any time and residents are advised to heed the CDC’s advice if they are high-risk.

The last Top Hat shows (“Aretha”) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at Palm Ridge will continue as planned. Those who have booked trips and tours, or who have purchased special event tickets, are advised to consider their own health situations when making decisions on whether to participate in those activities. We will notify the community of any changes to these ticketed events and bookings as this situation evolves.

RCSCW staff will remain on campus during the closure, and will focus on cleaning, maintenance, and handling any administrative work including that associated with the closures and cancelations.

Employees who are at high risk for COVID-19 complications are advised to talk to their supervisors for guidance.

Residents are encouraged to visit the CDC website for information and guidance on how to mitigate their own risks and prepare themselves and their families. Residents are advised to watch suncitywest.com and sign up for the Rec Centers’ e-news or follow on Twitter at @rcscw to stay abreast of local conditions pertaining to the Rec Centers. Any event cancelations or facility closures will be announced there.

The Arizona Fire and Medical Authority is the local agency responsible for working with residents throughout Sun City West. Follow them on Twitter or visit afma.az.gov.