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All RCSC facilities were closed March 17 as the coronavirus began to ramp up in Arizona. Rec centers officials have no plans to reopen in the short-term future, according to Joelyn Higgins, RCSC communications and marketing coordinator. She stated in an email there have been no board or management discussions regarding reopening, and no criteria was set to determine a reopen date.
Some RCSC staff remain on the job, including for cleaning and maintenance, according to Ms. Higgins. She said once the facilities were closed, they were cleaned as part of the regular course of business.
“They will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized prior to reopening,” she stated.
While the seven recreation centers are not being used, occupied areas where staff is working are undergoing enhanced cleaning procedures, according to Ms. Higgins.
“Staff who are reporting to work are practicing personal hygiene efforts as recommended by the CDC,” Ms. Higgins stated.
RCSC officials initially kept its facilities open to cardholders. In a March 9 email to cardholders, corporation officials’ position was explained. 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 was 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.”
However, they were ready to make changes as the situation evolved.
In less than one week RCSC officials reversed their stance, closing all indoor facilities and outdoor amenities — including the softball field, Sun Bowl and Duffeeland Dog Park — where large groups participated in activities.
Rusty Bradshaw News Editor | Sun City &
Sun City West @SunCitiesEditor
Rusty Bradshaw is a 40-year veteran of community journalism, having worked at newspapers in Wyoming, Oregon and Arizona. He has been with Independent Newsmedia 15 years.
Rusty earned a junior college certificate from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming and a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande Oregon.
An avid football fan, Rusty also enjoys photography, reading, spending time outdoors and enjoying life with his wife. He also authored three books of fiction, “The Rehabilitation of Miss Little,” “Moist on the Mountain” and "Gorge Justice." Visit www.rustythewriter.org.
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