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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2017 | Over the last few months we have been told not to be so negative in our comments. Much of what is written comes from homeowners and/or Delegates. I believe it to be the sentiments of most of our community. One of the hot topics lately is: "with six or so thousand residents, why are there not more swimmers, golfers, tennis players and people joining our clubs and so on." We have all kinds of facilities, and the usage of them is dwindling each year. Beyond that, the membership in most of the clubs and groups has fallen off drastically in the last few years. Upon analysis, perhaps the new arrivals in the 90s and just after the turn of the century were retired or would be retiring in the near future. They were looking for rest and recreation and found it in all of the facilities of Sun Lakes. Whereas today most of the new arrivals are still working, and they will be for awhile. Therefore, they cannot join in during the week and use the facilities or participate in the great variety of clubs and groups. Add the fact that the normal death rate has taken its toll, a lot of the original homeowners are no longer here. With these thoughts in mind, you can understand why the golfing community has fallen from about 35 percent years ago, to about 10 percent today. All of the other clubs are falling off in numbers as well. Two of the largest clubs, the Friendship Club and the Garden Club are losing membership each year rather than increasing or maintaining their numbers. It seems the only club increasing its membership is the Bocce Ball Club. Older members of our community can still participate and have fun. What do we do to help increase participation and use our facilities as we have in the past? Further, why is this important? The second item first: it is important because the cost of upkeep, maintenance, repairs and replacement of facilities is increasing each year as they age. Residents are beginning to ask — why are we spending so much money on maintaining our courses or tennis courts or pools — since no one is using them! Do we abandon them? Should we be looking for other uses of the space or acreage? Are we looking to change the whole concept of our community? Perhaps more clubs and groups should have meetings in the evenings or on weekends. It would help if the clubs would have some ad campaigns and explain what they do or the purpose of their club. It would enlighten some residents and perhaps urge them to join the membership. There are two concepts to consider: one is the usage of our facilities; the other is the participation in our clubs and groups. What are your ideas — this is your place, you own it, what do you suggest we do? DELEGATE ASSEMBLY REPORT Joe Formino, Chairman, District Delegate Assembly

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