A Historical SCOV Perspective

Originally published in the March 2012 Sun City, Oro Valley, Tipster, by Robin Coulter, Assistant Manager

So much time and energy has gone into bringing the Aquatic & Fitness Center project to the community for a vote. I recently received this information from a former Board member and felt it provided a good historical perspective on the work of the Association over the years. I would like to share it with you with permission from Cleo Wolf, SCOV Board of Directors (93-97).

“I have lived in Sun City Vistoso since 1990. During that time I have watched the community grow and change. Did you know our beautiful library started in what is now the gym weight room with only a few donated books? Did you know all of the administrative offices were once housed in the dance studio? Did you know there was no computer lab or genealogy room? The cafe was once a snack bar that served drinks and short orders mainly to golfers. How did we get from there to where we are now?

It wasn’t easy. Each improvement met with a vocal minority that said things were fine the way they were; the improvements cost too much for people on a fixed income. You know what they said. We are hearing the same things now.

I was on the Board of Directors when Del Webb turned the community over to the residents. There was a minimum amount in the Asset Reserve. Dues were kept artificially low because it was a selling point. We needed to implement a true asset reserve fund and find a way to raise the dues. Before too much longer, we needed to find a way to purchase and remodel the Administration building so we wouldn’t have an empty building or some other business in the middle of our community.

Would we have been better off if we had listened to the vocal minority and done nothing? I don’t think so.

Times are no different now. We still need to keep moving forward with improvements, remodel when needed, add space as needed, change direction when needed.

This is what makes this community a desirable place to live even after 22 years. I know you will remember how we got where we are now and stand up for improvements in our community.”