The long-awaited renovation of the Mountain View Recreation Center is moving forward as project leaders prepare to present their findings and next steps to the community.
During the March 10 exchange meeting, the Recreation Centers of Sun City governing board announced the architectural firm triARC will give a detailed presentation 5-8:30 p.m. March 18 at the Sun Dial Center Main Hall.
The presentation will include an analysis of member survey results, findings from an engineering survey and trends identified throughout the planning process.
RCSC Vice President Chris Nettesheim emphasized community input will be a priority as the project progresses.
“We don’t want to make any decisions until the members have seen the presentation and had their say,” Nettesheim said. “Our commitment is to keep the project on track and in budget while listening to the members.”
With the analysis phase complete, the project is transitioning into the programming phase, during which triARC will meet with stakeholders to gather input before starting the design process. The next steps include selecting an architectural team and reviewing initial plans. No RCSC funds will be spent until a design team is under contract.
The renovation is expected to bring significant updates to Mountain View, including a performing arts center with a potential 300- to 350-seat theater, an updated fitness center, additional pickleball courts and a resort-style pool. Infrastructure improvements such as enhanced security, fiber optics and drainage upgrades are also planned.
During the design phase, the selected architectural team will meet with stakeholders, including the RCSC board, affected clubs and Mountain View area members, to refine the plans. The design team will develop schematic design documents, which will be reviewed by RCSC management, the board and members. These plans will also be used for preliminary pricing to ensure the project remains within budget.
Construction will not begin until all planning phases are complete. Depending on the final design, RCSC may hire a construction manager at risk to oversee the project and ensure it remains within budget. If a construction manager is not selected, the project will go to bid and the final cost will determine what is approved.
The renovation process has raised concerns among some residents about how construction will impact existing activities.
“If you’re going to replace the building at Mountain View, we need an alternative performing area — otherwise, the performing clubs are going to die,” said Tom Swenson of the Sun City Players.
Barb Taylor, who plays at Mountain View, said the current conditions of the courts remain a concern.
“I don’t think a day goes by where comments aren’t made about the conditions of the courts and our hopes for long-overdue maintenance,” she said.
The presentation on March 18 will include a question-and-answer session and a booklet summarizing the analysis will be available for future reference to address these and more community concerns.
Visit suncityaz.org/rcsc/ for more information.
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