RCSC Fitness Centers are OPEN!
Read the requirements and protocols that must be followed here! In addition, RCSC will be releasing detailed information very soon as we proceed into Phase Two this coming week. Please stay tuned! Your continued patience and cooperation are much appreciated.
Strict physical distancing, face masks and proper sanitation protocols must be adhered to by all RCSC Cardholders as required. No guests or visitors are allowed on RCSC properties (with the exception of golf courses).
UPDATE! COVID-19 Face Mask Non-compliance Process passed by the RCSC Board of Directors. Read more about it here.
Bill Booth
An August Update
Good Sunday afternoon Sun City Pickleball Club Members,
Well, here we are nearing the end of August, the end of “summer”!? Wow, this heat has been non stop and record breaking as you are aware! Makes you wonder what September will bring!? RELIEF…let’s hope….two fold, if you would, from the HEAT and this COVID ERA!
While we all share in monitoring the daily, weekly, monthly statistics related to the Coronavirus and wanting more “normal play” here in Sun City, the Bylaw Committee that was set up in our January membership meeting, has been continuing to work. The Committee is comprised of Coleen Hoeschen, committee coordinator, Donna Holick, Cindy Golden, Diana Graham, Dave Breault. There will be updates from time to time….certainly would be one at our October Membership meeting….however, all meetings/events are “on hold”! As they say, we are “playing it by ear” on what happens in the near future!
To that “note”, yep, my ear can hear the sound of a pickleball hitting a paddle . . . the pursuit of the “perfect” shot, the fun of the entire game, the comradery within the social atmosphere of play…for those thoughts and more…still very glad we all found this great sport of Pickleball! Surely, look forward to those “normal” days of play . . . it makes a day to play!!!
Hope to see you all soon . . . .
Re-Opening RCSC Fitness Centers
From RCSC email
Yesterday (August 10, 2020), the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) released the Requirements for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Clubs/Centers to re-open. RCSC has been working through the drafted requirements to ensure we meet all necessary requirements to apply for eventual reopening.
In the finalized requirements published yesterday, ADHS added benchmark metrics that will be used to determine phased openings for indoor gyms and fitness centers. These metrics have been provided for all industry leaders and businesses to understand when a general reopening could be considered.
ADHS is allowing reopening to occur based on community transmission rates within the county the facility is located, which for RCSC is Maricopa County. Currently, Maricopa County is in the “substantial transmission phase” which does not allow RCSC to reopen its fitness centers.
Each of the following three benchmark criteria must be met prior to submitting the required ADHS form for reopening and be met for 14 days with a 12-day reporting lag to move from a higher transition phase to a lower one:
- Maricopa County must have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000
- Less than 10% percent positivity
- Hospital visits due to COVID-like illnesses below 10%
You may see some additional activity surrounding RCSC’s safety protocols and mitigation strategies to meet ADHS requirements for an eventual reopening. These include removal of furniture in common areas, sanitization dispensers in locker rooms, and new signage at fitness center entries.
We are continuing to follow guidance from ADHS, the Governor’s Office and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. More information will be provided as the benchmark metrics change and reopening the RCSC fitness centers is possible.
Your help and understanding are important to us!
Finding fitness opportunities
Staying active helps immune system
Sun City resident Roger Riffle gets ready to swat the pickleball back to his opponent during a match at Marinette Center, 9860 W. Union Hills Drive. With fitness centers closed, Sun City residents are trying to find alternatives for their exercise. Pickleball and tennis remain open. [Rusty Bradshaw/Independent Newsmedia]
Sun City residents used to going to the various fitness centers in the community were left to find alternatives when Recreation Centers of Sun City officials closed them last month.
The Sun City fitness center closure came after Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order closing certain businesses, including gyms and spas. The closure order was supposed to expire July 27, but the governor extended it indefinitely.
Regular exercise is important, especially for senior citizens, in maintaining a string immune system and keeping the body from degenerating. The lack of exercise is signifi- cantly noticeable, according to resident Gail LaLumiere.
“Without continued exercise it is shocking how quickly it starts to affect an aging body,” she stated in an email.
Read more at yourvalley.net
Round Up Tournament
Good (hot) morning Sun City Pickleball Club Members,
ROUND UP TOURNAMENT 2020 A quick note:
As you are aware, there have been many major adjustments in every aspect of our lives due to this Covid 19 situation. With all considerations taken in . . . including the fact that the USAPA NATIONALS have been CANCELLED!
OUR ROUND UP TOURNAMENT in OCTOBER 2020 has been CANCELLED also!
It would seem the best and needed decision to CANCEL our ROUND UP TOURNAMENT for this year and have put in our request dates for 2021 already.
Let’s hope we will all remain safe/healthy and be able to get back “on track” to enjoy other, future, scheduled pickleball events on our calendar . . . soon . . . we are ever ready for that!!
Be well . . . stay well!!!!!
Dave B
Court Play Clarity — Pickleball Rocks
Good afternoon Sun City Pickleball Club Members!!!
Well, here it is . . . . already July 3 . . . I say already, but it seems like a long “trip” from March! Maybe the next 4 months will go more pleasantly! We are hoping!
Several of us were having a conversation this morning about whether the courts are open for pickleball play at Marinette and Mountain View considering the latest “closures” from Gov Ducey. In fact, the COURTS are STILL OPEN for play . . . STILL SINGLES, but, the COURTS ARE OPEN! The work out areas are closed. If you were like me, I read that only the pools and spas would remain open, however, the courts are too! I would check on the Marinette court washing schedule . . . I believe they get washed this Sunday, the 5th.
And, just a real positive note from the RCSC Board meeting last week. A report was presented to the Board about which clubs have been most successful over the last few years . . . PICKLEBALL has grown by some 897% . . . I guess the data they have supports that PICKLEBALL ROCKS in Sun City!!! Of course, we already know this, but it was still great to hear it and see the data as it was presented to the Board and to all Sun City residents! A “bravo” for that research!! Now, if we can “get a handle” on this Coronavirus situation, we can get back to playing this great sport/activity and enjoying the comradery we so much miss!! Let’s all focus on the word “soon”!
For now, keep active as you can, stay safe and hydrate!!
Dave B
RCSC Board Meeting — Commemorative Paver
Good afternoon Sun City Pickleball Club Members,
A quick note this day.
The Ad Hoc Future Planning Committee’s Proposal Plan for the renovations at Mountain View were a large part of the discussion at the RCSC Board meeting yesterday morning. The addition of more pickleball courts and a larger, shaded area for people who are waiting to play are included in those plans. As you can imagine, these plans were very well received and lots of positive comments and feedback came from the Board Members and from those who spoke from the audience. Thank you to the Ad Hoc Committee and RCSC Board.
We also had several Club Members address the RCSC Board in regards to permitting doubles play at our Sun City Pickleball Courts!
So many great points were brought out and substantiated by our Club Members – and with such eloquence! Thank you Frank Spina, Karen McAdam and Rich Peterson! We are all hoping the Board will reconsider and let doubles be played….fingers crossed! And thank you to all the Club Members who came and showed their support . . . bravo to you all!!
I was just reminded of the Commemorative Paver our Club purchased located at the Sun City Museum…have you seen it?! It was bought by our Club last year to help with the cost of the Museum renovations . . . there is a picture of it on our Club Website . . . that is, until you get over there and see it in person!
And, from what I understand, the Nominating Committee for next year’s Club Officers are still gathering names for those of you who want to help lead this wonderful Club of ours!!! Isn’t it about time you “stepped” forward (and not into the kitchen) – (this kitchen is acceptable)! Please be in touch with any on our committee – Carol Arinno, Diana Colonna, or Joe Gilfillan. Thank you for volunteering!
Enjoy this bit of weather – with no wind, these are great temps for June!
For now,
Dave B
Pickleball Club Paver at the Sun City Museum
The pickleball club bought a paver in 2019 at the Sun City Museum to help with the recent renovations there.
Rec Center Hours Change This Week
Good afternoon Sun City Pickleball Club Members,
It might be noted that the Rec Center hours have changed for this week . . . Monday, June 1 thru Sunday, June 7. The Rec Centers will be closing at 7pm. This change is in support of the Statewide Emergency Declaration issued by Governor Ducey regarding the daily curfew he just put in effect.
Please check at the Rec Centers for any further changes!
For now,
Dave B
Change in RCSC Centers Closing Time Due to Emergency Declaration
On Sunday, May 31, Arizona Governor Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a daily curfew from 8:00pm to 5:00am, beginning on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00pm and in effect through Monday, June 8 at 5:00am.
In support of this Declaration of Emergency, RCSC will be closing all Recreation Centers, inclusive of all Chartered Club rooms and activities, at 7:00pm from Monday, June 1, through Sunday, June 7. Closing at this time allows RCSC Cardholders and staff the time necessary to safely return home during daylight in compliance with the 8:00pm curfew.
Thank you for your attention to this temporary and unfortunate situation.