We have taken as much due process as we have relative to spreading and social distancing and that has been out there and people are aware the impact now as far as curtailing the spread and the suggestion of wearing masks in public and outside. We’ve implemented lots of things out on the golf courses and we get compliance at about 80 percent.”

Bill Schwind, Recreation Centers of Sun City West general manager

Recreation Centers of Sun City West association office
19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd.
Sun City West, AZ
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Safety is of the utmost importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and Recreation Centers of Sun City West officials made a big move in the name of safety for the community.

Effective Tuesday, April 14 all seven of the RCSCW golf courses will be closed until further notice. As of April 7, reservations beyond the closure date will no longer be accepted.

RCSCW General Manager Bill Schwind and General Services Officer Katy O’Grady sat down April 7 with Gary Cohen at 103.1 KSCW Sun City West radio for the community’s weekly update. RCSCW initiated a closure, excluding the golf courses, March 12, which was extended to March 30 and eventually pushed out until May 3. The closures were fluid and Mr. Schwind said RCSCW officials are using the guidelines from the CDC and local health officials.

Ms. O’Grady said some residents are confused by reported COVID-19 case numbers and because Sun City West specifically is not listed, some believe there are no cases in the community. However, there are, in fact, cases of COVID-19 within the community and are listed under Maricopa County.

“We have taken as much due process as we have relative to spreading and social distancing and that has been out there and people are aware the impact now as far as curtailing the spread and the suggestion of wearing masks in public and outside. We’ve implemented lots of things out on the golf courses and we get compliance at about 80 percent,” Mr. Schwind said. “Other issues we had were gathering on greens after rounds and teaming up on tee boxes, which is not an ideal situation. Nationally, you will see our Pearl Harbor scenario is coming and watching what we have seen nationally applies to us locally, especially with our personnel here in Sun City West.”

Mr. Schwind said several courses were already supposed to be closed for upcoming maintenance as part of the annual program and now it can be completed during the full closure. He said RCSCW officials are asking for a time out as a tough month of April is endured.

Ms. O’Grady addressed the usage of facilities when they are closed. While some areas are not cordoned off due to the size of the space, in fact all RCSCW facilities are closed.

“If people are there, they are using it at their own liability and these areas start to interfere with social distancing,” she said. “Golf courses will be closed. We will have maintenance workers and tractors on site so we can’t have walkers and people having picnics and dogs because it is a safety hazard. There are plenty of areas for the community to get exercise and lots of sidewalks around Sun City West.”

RCSCW officials addressed questions on a possible roll out when facilities are reopened and what will be done prior to opening the doors again. Mr. Schwind said about a week out from an opening date, the facilities will have to be disinfected and staff is currently working on maintenance issues in facilities to ensure quality of service as member-owners typically expect.

“It’s a new world, so to speak, until we get a grasp on this pandemic and decisions we are making focus on the well-being for all and that is our number one concern,” Mr. Schwind said. “We are trying to be smart about this and if you’re saying we are overreacting, you can put that on my shoulders. It is safety first.”