By Roger Ball

Independent Newsmedia

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West new policy requiring all resident members to update the photo on the recreation cards every five years caused a space issue at the R. H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 R. H. Johnson Blvd.

The new policy went into effect July 1 as part of the RCSCW staff plan to cut down the misuse of membership cards by guests. Computers at all rec center facilities were revamped so when a resident member checks in their photo will appear larger on the computer screen to determine the person with the card is actually the card holder.

Bill Schwind

Bill Schwind, RCSCW general manager, said there has been a crush of people coming to the office to get new cards with the current photos.

“We’re certain the rush will get larger when the winter visitors return,” Mr. Schwind said.

He added the current crowds have filled all the available space for people to stand and wait.

The solution is to move the membership card operation to the board conference room three days each week. The conference room is adjacent to the RCSCW main lobby. This plan will run Oct. 1 – Mar. 30, according to Mr. Schwind.

This new use of the space requires most of the standing and special committees normally using the conference room to meet elsewhere during that six-month period.

Karen Roepken, governing board executive assistant, said she would make meeting site changes to the RCSCW calendar website. Because many events for the upcoming year were already scheduled, Ms. Roepken said most of the committees would meet at a different location each month, and sometimes the time would also change.

She urged committee members and residents to be sure and check the calendar before going to a meeting.

Visit suncitywest.com/event-calendar.