Recreation Centers of Sun City West officials are in budget season and after working through the challenges of a pandemic, planning ahead is more important than ever.
Karl Wilhelm, Recreation …
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Recreation Centers of Sun City West officials are in budget season and after working through the challenges of a pandemic, planning ahead is more important than ever.
Karl Wilhelm, Recreation Centers of Sun City West projects manager, said things have changed when it comes to planning ahead for the community and the biggest consideration is planning dollars. He said this year staff approached the budget very conservatively, as the plan rolls out for everything in the year.
“The budget gets created in the early months of the year and I can already tell you the schedule for those projects are on the same tracker sheet and it is a necessity as it is all about planning,” he explained during the March 2 Rec Center Show on 103.1 KSCW with host Gary Cohen.
Mr. Wilhelm said staff works within two major seasons, including early May through October and then October through April. The pandemic was a factor with highs and lows when it came to scheduling things. Due to commercial construction at an all-time high, whenever vendors become available the association staff has to take advantage.
A current project in the works includes the R.H. Johnson mini golf course, 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. turf replacement. Vendors are currently on site and anticipate completion this month. Mr. Wilhelm said weather does not impact the course in terms of irrigation and landscaping. However, weather plays a role with timing on a project such as this. The association staff was hit with bad weather two years ago when the Beardsley mini golf course, 12755 Beardsley Road, was having the turf replaced.
Facilities reopen
Indoor facilities, including pools, spas and fitness centers are now open and Bill Schwind, RCSCW general manager, said it seems some people are hesitant to use the facilities at this point.
“We are running at about 25% level when it comes to number of visitors and averaging a little less than 100 people per day visiting those sites,” he said.
Overall, RCSCW staff had nearly 80 cases of COVID-19 during the past year related to both employees and family members. As of March 2, the report was one new case.
Upcoming movies
March 11 and 25 RCSCW brings back the monthly movies at Beardsley Park, 20011 N. 128th Ave. Gates open at 6 p.m. and movies begin at dusk on Thursday, Social distancing and masks are required and no alcohol will be allowed. Chairs will not be able to get set up prior to the event.
Reporter Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@newszap.com or follow her on Twitter @SCW_Independent.
I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.
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