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Guest Commentary

Fimmel: Mastering a plan for the future in Sun City

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Survey data is rolling in. While we realize the tool was less than perfect, the survey still gathered, for the first time in 20 years, data that will be useful for mapping the future of Sun City and the membership of the Recreation Centers of Sun City.

The response rate to the survey was overwhelming and members have done themselves proud. We truly appreciate their effort and time spent completing the survey. 

The data that is being analyzed will yield results that will be critical as we move to build a better tomorrow together. This data gathering process is more than just a survey. Perhaps more important to the process are the focus groups that were pulled together to collect more information about RCSC membership and community needs. We wish to thank those who volunteered to participate in these groups and there will be another opportunity to share your thoughts when “working groups” are formed (scheduled to meet in late-April). Stay tuned for more communications on how to further participate. These opportunities remain available to all — even if you chose not to answer the original survey.

Included in our Arizona State University contract is a second survey that will focus on prospective members. We are interested in knowing what potential buyers will be looking for as they consider the next phase of their lives. Once the board has a solid understanding of those future needs, we can make recommendations on how best to meet those needs. Throughout this process we will keep the members updated as we strive to meet our goal of increasing and improving our lines of communication with the membership. 

We believe it is paramount that members understand the recommendations we are making, and that those recommendations are based on facts and data; not on the wishes of the few, to the detriment of the many. This is why we have asked the membership to take a step back, as we look at our upcoming projects. We want to ensure that the steps we are taking accurately reflect the needs of the community. More importantly as a member of this amazing community, we will be spending millions of dollars of your money. We want to ensure we do that in the most impactful way possible. Doing so in that manner should secure a bright future for all of us. 

We realize over time we have moved away from this membership engagement process. It is time now to move back to thinking strategically, and to develop a master plan that will carry us into the future. It is time for all of us — board, management and membership — to come together as a whole to keep our community moving forward. By working together, we hope to create a blueprint for future boards, and with the support of the members to make the best decisions for Sun City.

We know we have a long way to go, but every journey starts with those first steps and the key to our success is to walk the path together.

Editor’s Note: We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.