Layne Varney
Arizona’s monsoon season officially begins June 15 and continues through Sept. 30. During this time, higher humidity can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms, and extreme heat. Residents are encouraged to plan activities and outings around forecasted storms whenever possible to avoid dangerous situations. Typically, storms develop in the late afternoon and are announced through weather channels and advisory apps.
During strong windstorms, the automated vehicle gates and barrier arms entering and exiting SunBird may malfunction. These gate operators are programmed to automatically default to an open position to protect the equipment and motors from damage during storms. Lightning storms can also cause power outages. In the event of a power failure, the automated gates are equipped with emergency battery backup systems that will open the gates. For safety purposes, the gates will remain open until electrical power is restored.
If a power outage affects the clubhouse during normal operating hours, the clubhouse will close until power is restored and all equipment has been inspected. Without electricity, the air conditioning systems will not operate, and the elevator will lower to the ground floor and remain there with the doors open until power is restored. Emergency backup lighting throughout the clubhouse and stairways will help guide occupants safely out of the building. Patrol staff will conduct a complete sweep of the clubhouse before final closure.
Once power is restored, the fire alarm and security systems, internet modems, computers, and other clubhouse equipment must be checked and reset prior to reopening. After all clubhouse operations are restored and ready to resume, an email blast will be sent to the community with updated information.
Monsoon storms accompanied by thunder and lightning can be especially dangerous for individuals outdoors. SunBird Patrol monitors lightning activity through a weather app that tracks strikes within a specified distance of the community. If lightning strikes within 10 miles of SunBird, all outdoor recreational facilities, including the swimming pools, will close. The pools may reopen 30 minutes after the last lightning strike occurs within 30 miles and once the pool area is confirmed to be in normal operating condition. If lightning strikes within 10 miles after 9 p.m., the pools will remain closed until the following day.
SunBird maintenance staff begins storm cleanup early the following morning by first assessing and addressing any emergencies. Crews then clean and balance pool chemicals, organize patio furniture, and clean pool decks. Attention then shifts to clubhouse patios, walkways, balconies, and parking lots, followed by sport courts, shuffleboard courts, and other outdoor facilities surrounding the clubhouse. Depending on the severity of the storm, reopening certain facilities may be temporarily delayed. After the clubhouse area has been addressed, the landscape crew will inspect common landscaped areas to prioritize and remove fallen or damaged trees. In some cases, storm cleanup may take several weeks.
The clubhouse ballroom hardwood flooring project has been contracted for sanding and refinishing. The ballroom will be closed from July 20 through Sept. 5 while the approximately seven-week project is completed. During this time, the ballroom will undergo a complete top-to-bottom cleaning, including replacing lights and dusting ledges, fixtures, and walls. Curtains will be raised and covered for protection. The wood flooring will be stripped and sanded, damaged sections repaired, and four coats of sealant applied. Once the flooring has fully cured, the stage curtains will be cleaned and retreated with fire-retardant material before the ballroom reopens.
Common-area landscape tree trimming has begun for approximately 500 trees throughout the community. A professional tree-trimming contractor is performing access pruning and thinning branches within the tree canopy. In Arizona, this maintenance practice is common because it allows wind to pass through the trees more easily, helping minimize storm damage. Many desert tree varieties can become top-heavy, increasing the risk of broken branches during storms. Desert trees also tend to produce significant new growth each year, often in a downward bush-like pattern. Once this work is completed, all common-area palm trees will be trimmed in late June and throughout July.
Maintenance and improvement projects are also planned for the outdoor recreational areas around the clubhouse. Sport court light poles are being painted, and bird-deterrent spikes are being installed on top of the fixtures to discourage nesting and reduce messes on the courts. The block walls surrounding the sport courts are scheduled for repair and repainting to improve ball visibility for pickleball and tennis players. Shuffleboard courts will be resealed, and scoreboards repainted before the start of the season. The horseshoe pits will also receive updates, including new sand pit coverings, new safety markers, and freshly painted shade-covering posts to match the sport court light poles.
Road maintenance projects are planned for some sections of SunBird this summer. These projects include asphalt crack sealing, repainting traffic and parking markings, installing additional flashing stop lights along Championship Drive intersections, and updating another group of street-name signs with larger print and reflective lettering.
The main level of the clubhouse will also have many of the fluorescent light fixtures updated and replaced with newer LED fixtures. This will improve overall lighting, enhance aesthetics, and reduce energy costs. The replacement balcony and handrailing project will be completed to update the style of these areas and bring them into ADA compliance. The fitness room will also receive several updates, including fresh paint, replacement of some high-traffic flooring areas, and updates to select exercise equipment.
We appreciate SunBird Patrol for working through these chaotic storms while monitoring the community and facilities. We also appreciate our maintenance and landscape staff for their additional cleanup efforts and for working in very hot and humid conditions. It is reassuring to know we have people looking out for our community.