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One of the best views in all of Sun City can be found at the Hillside Park at Lakeview gazebo overlooking Viewpoint Lake.
But if you want to bring a guest, it’s going to cost you and that fee has some Sun City residents up in arms.
About two years ago Recreation Centers of Sun City officials erected a fence around the park and installed a monitor station. They claim the move was meant to address a problem of homeless individuals living in the small park that is something of an attraction for residents and community visitors.
“We started getting homeless people living there,” said Dan Schroeder, RCSC board president.
At the same time the fence was installed, the RCSC board approved a policy requiring guests to have punch cards when using rec centers amenities. Mr. Schroeder said there is a day pass available for people with guests who want to use multiple facilities per day.
But some residents don’t believe they should have to pay, or have their guests pay, to simply walk through the park to enjoy the view from the gazebo overlooking the lake.
“The lake and the park are two things that are unique to Sun City,” said resident Mary Souka. “We see it as being threatened.”
She wanted to know the count of homeless living in the park to justify the policy to charge for guests. RCSC officials did not respond to that inquiry.
Chris Herring, RCSC assistant general manager, said the charge was instituted to bring consistency to how amenities were handled.
“The fence made the park a monitored facility, so it is consistent with other amenities,” he said.
He said RCSC staff considers people who go into the park as using the facility rather than simply touring it, which requires a guest punch card.
But RCSC board member Michael Kennedy disagreed.
“The fence was put there to keep the homeless out of the park,” he said. “Now we are charging people (to use the park). The fence was not put up to charge people.”
Mr. Schroeder pointed out, however, that RCSC documents do allow people to go into the park without paying a fee. Dale Lehrer, RCSC vice president, emphasized his point by reading the specific section of the policy.
“Those who wish to tour RCSC Facilities, not partake in activities or use RCSC facilities, may be considered visitors not guests,” she said, reading directly from the policy. “Visitors may gain access to RCSC facilities by checking in with facility attendants and providing their driver’s license prior to entering and touring RCSC facilities. Once completed, visitors should check out with facility attendants who will return their driver’s license.”
But Gene Westemeier, a former RCSC board member and president, said the board needed to go a little further and define guests as opposed to visitors.
“I understand the park issue (of keeping people from camping there).” he said. “But you need to look at the bigger picture.”
While most who spoke against the policy to charge guests agreed it was important to keep homeless people from living in the park, they believe there are better ways to address the issue.
“I agree we don’t want the homeless there,” said resident Karen Schuermann. “But I believe you need to rethink the concept of ‘using’ the sunshine and benches.”
Several residents believe charging at the park is not consistent because people can use other RCSC facilities as guests without charge. Sun Bowl concerts and the softball field were offered as examples where guests can attend without paying a fee.
Resident Ben Roloff said Sun City dealt with the issue in 1969, but it wasn’t homeless in the park it was “hippies.” He said officials then dealt with the issue in different ways, but was not specific.
“But we didn’t put up a fence until three years ago,” he said.
Mr. Schroeder hinted the issue could come before the board for additional discussion.
“I agree with the way it is being handled now,” he said. “But I know other board members do not.”
The board’s next meeting is 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 in the auditorium at Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave.
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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