I believe that RCSC did absolutely the right thing in closing the public facilities. I also believe that it is very selfish for people to blame rec center personnel for a policy that is recommended by health and governmental officials.”

Jean Hohlfeld, Sun City resident

By Rusty Bradshaw
Twitter: @SunCitiesEditor

Some Sun City residents found parking lots blocked at recreation centers and other facilities and fencing around outdoor facilities, such as the Sun Bowl and lawn bowling greens.

Recreation Centers of Sun City officials confirmed the move, and hiring additional security for facilities, in a message to cardholders sent April 1. They claim the measures were taken due to “total disrespect” shown by some residents following facility closures in March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The closure of RCSC facilities has disappointingly been met with cardholder opposition to the point of total disrespect for RCSC staff and property,” the correspondence to cardholders stated.

Joelyn Higgins, RCSC communications and marketing coordinator, statd in an April 8 email RCSC staff was threatened verbally and physically. She also said there was vandalism, and personal property was damaged or stolen. She did not provide specific examples of the threats or vandalism and theft.

Sun City residents contacted by Independent had mixed feelings about the additional measures.

“I believe that RCSC did absolutely the right thing in closing the public facilities,” Jean Hohlfeld stated in an email. “I also believe that it is very selfish for people to blame rec center personnel for a policy that is recommended by health and governmental officials.”

Others have not seen the type of behavior from residents described by RCSC officials.

“I have not witnessed the total disrespect that was reported,” B.J. Lind stated in an email. “I do not believe fences should have been installed. I think the persons or person who was disrespectful should have been disciplined, possible loosing [sic] their privileges for a year and or a fine.”

Resident Cathi Schieh agreed with RCSC officials’ decisions on the closure of facilities, believing that isolation is the way to stop the pandemic.

“I have noted over 10 years of living here that some Sun City residents do not adhere to rules,” she stated in an email. “On occasion they are rude and self-centered. I respect the hard and brave decisions to close RCSC centers and clubs, and cordon off the parking lots and ball courts.”

Resident Diane Guzeman believes the facilities need to be barricaded because there are people out that won’t follow the rules no matter what.

“Why can’t people simply walk around the block?” she asked in an email. “I used to ride my bike around my neighborhood and met a lot of nice people.”

She also questioned why golf courses were considered an essential business and disputed the idea golfers are practicing social distancing.

“I understand that it is a money maker, but if I were a golfer, and I used to be, I would be embarrassed to be out there at this time,” she stated.

While resident Bill Pearson believes RCSC officials had no choice but to close facilities, he takes exception with the cold, clinical and dispassionate way they release information.

“Sun City’s lifestyle was grounded in an ‘ownership’ mentality,” he stated in an email. “Virtually everything i have read from the RCSC sounds like we are part of the problem rather than part of the solution. I hate blaming the messenger, but in this case, whomever is writing the emails needs recognize their inability to draw us in rather than pushing us away.”

All RCSC rec centers and outdoor activities have been closed since March 16. However, all seven golf courses remain open and golfers are encouraged to practice social distancing, at least six feet apart, while on the courses. Recreation Centers of Sun City West officials closed its facilities a week prior to RCSC, but also left its golf courses open. However, the RCSCW golf courses closed April 14.

“We have not yet determined that that step is necessary at this time,” Ms. Higgins stated. “We have not found or been given evidence of groups of golfers together not following social distancing.”