We feel opening now with an emphasis on personal responsibility is our only option. We are still abiding by the governor’s orders and Centers for Disease Control guidelines on spacing and distancing, and we ask our residents to make decisions in line with their own personal health.”

RCSCW General Manager Bill Schwind

By Jennifer Jimenez
Twitter: @SCW_Independent

Recreation Centers of Sun City West facilities are opening doors again, methodically.

After closing the doors March 12, RCSCW officials issued a press release May 20 indicating a gradual reopening plan, starting May 22 with the R.H. Johnson, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., and Palm Ridge, 13800 W. Deer Valley Drive, outdoor pools and dog parks.

Reservations will not be required. However, if capacity becomes an issue, that may be an option. Bathrooms and outdoor showers will be open, but locker rooms will not. The number of chairs are reduced to enforce six feet distancing on the deck and, according to the release, should not be moved.

Betty Cook posted to the Sun City West Independent Facebook page after hearing the reopening news.

“I think it is the smartest decision that you have made,” she stated. “I need water since that is the only exercise I can do with my post polio.”

Also included are the Palm Ridge and R.H. Johnson fitness centers. Doors will reopen from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. No congregating is allowed to wait for equipment. Sanitation supplies for members to use to clean the equipment after use will be supplied by RCSCW staff.

The dog parks reopened for regular hours as well. The release stated members should keep their dogs on a leash as they have been known to carry COVID-19.

Chris Krzak McLeod posted to the Sun City West Independent Facebook page, saying it was great news.

“Everyone should be responsible for their health. Don’t use them if you are compromised,” Ms. Krzak stated.

The Beardsley, 12755 W. Beardsley Road, and Kuentz, 14401 R.H. Johnson Blvd., recreation centers, including the pools and fitness centers, will remain closed due to maintenance and construction work taking place. Additionally, the release stated RCSCW officials are waiting on back-ordered sanitation supplies, which can only be managed with two centers opened at this time.

“If we could keep these facilities closed until the risk is abated, we would,” RCSCW General Manager Bill Schwind said. “Unfortunately, the experts tell us COVID-19 will be with us for quite a long time and the stress on our residents from the long-term isolation is beginning to show. We feel opening now with an emphasis on personal responsibility is our only option. We are still abiding by the governor’s orders and Centers for Disease Control guidelines on spacing and distancing, and we ask our residents to make decisions in line with their own personal health.”

He also called for patience from residents.

“I remind our members that staff has been under a great deal of stress and have been working under difficult circumstances as well during this unprecedented time,” Mr. Schwind said. “We are reopening because we understand our members are ready for us to reopen. But we can reverse these reopenings at any time. Under no circumstances will we tolerate verbal or physical abuse of our staff.”

In the release, RCSCW officials stated the plan to reopen is consistent with CDC Guidance, which includes ensuring employees are safe, social distancing is enforced where possible, adequate supplies are available for sanitizing, informational signage is posted and officials are in communication with local first responders. Additionally, per the CDC, should one or more cases of COVID-19 in the facilities come to RCSCW officials attention, the organization can shut that facility down or further limit activities.

Masks are encouraged, but not required and will not be provided to anyone except staff who wish to wear them. Guests will not be allowed.

Beginning Tuesday, May 26 Member Services at R.H. Johnson Recreation Center will be open between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays, with a limited number of people allowed inside at one time. Appointment arrivals should arrive only five minutes early and walk-ins must wait outside until a slot is available. If people are needing member credit to be put on cards, they can do so by phone.

The Data Resource Center will be open by appointment only. Fifty-minute appointments can be set up by calling 623-544-6644 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The box office will reopen Tuesday, May 26 from 8 a.m. until noon and continue with those hours Monday through Friday. Additionally, tours and scheduling will open the same day by phone from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 623-544-6032.

Looking ahead, dates have not been determined, but those chartered clubs, according to the release, with designated club rooms who have presented a reopening plan to the RCSCW activities manager, will begin opening after June 8 at various times.

Social clubs and card clubs will not be opening at this time to the minimum social distancing requirements, according to the release. Dance and fitness classes are postponed permitting the use of Palm Ridge Summit Hall A and B and the R.H. Johnson social hall by the governing board, staff meetings and production recordings. Lastly, the village store is closed with consignment dates moved into September, but RCSCW officials stated those who wish to pick up items can call 623-544-6135 between 8 a.m. and noon weekdays.

Visit suncitywest.com.

Jennifer Jimenez
Reporter | Sun City West
@SCW_Independent

jjimenez@iniusa.org

I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.