Layne Varney
Welcome Back to SunBird! It’s finally that time of year when the weather begins to cool down and many of our residents start returning to SunBird. Welcome back to everyone returning to this active and vibrant community! When you return, please stop by the Clubhouse office for a warm welcome and to update any changes to your records. For those who endured the hot summer months, thank you for your patience, support, and understanding throughout the many summer maintenance and improvement projects. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we continue working to improve our community.
The Ballroom refurbishment project has been completed, and it looks excellent! The wood flooring looks brand new after extensive sanding, treatment, and resealing. The carpets and curtains were professionally cleaned, and the wood trim on the stage cabinets, bar, service areas, and other areas was refinished in a dark onyx color, giving the room an updated and refreshed appearance. The main sound system speakers have been upgraded, along with some of the other audio equipment. The Ballroom thermostats have also been upgraded to Wi-Fi programmable systems, allowing for remote monitoring and control. In addition, temperature sensors were installed in each of the three Ballroom sections to provide more accurate temperature readings and improve temperature balance throughout the room.
New balcony coverings were installed outside of the Lakeview, Horizon and Apache rooms earlier than originally anticipated, and they look terrific! The older blue canvas-type coverings were difficult to clean because the multi-level design of the Clubhouse caused them to collect dirt and debris during windstorms. The new coverings are gray and made from a sunscreen-type material that will stay cleaner and be easier to maintain and service.
New quartz countertops and bar tops were installed in the Horizon Room this past month. The cabinets and shelves were painted a dark color, and accent lighting was installed behind the bar shelving to enhance the appearance. The bar, kitchen, and dining areas were also thoroughly deep-cleaned during the project. The dining area received a fresh coat of paint, giving the room a clean and updated look.
The Fitness Center improvement project is well underway. The room has received a fresh coat of paint, and damaged mirrors have been replaced, along with the addition of several new mirrors. The stretching area will feature a new wall handrail and equipment designed to help improve balance. A variety of strength-resistance bands have also been added, with anchors installed in the walls. These bands can be used for exercises targeting a wide range of muscles and joints. The storage cubbies for personal items have been updated, and new benches have been installed. Additional dumbbells and padded weight bars have also been added. The exercise equipment has been rearranged to create more open space for exercise and movement. The flooring is scheduled to be replaced, and the existing wood baseboards will be replaced with black vinyl covebase. The new flooring has been ordered and is expected to be installed toward the end of September or the beginning of October. Once the installation date is confirmed, the Fitness Center will be closed for approximately one week. Additional information will be provided as the schedule becomes available.
During the Fitness Center closure, residents looking for an alternative exercise facility may want to consider the City of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Recreation Center, located at the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann Roads. Daily passes for City of Chandler residents age 55 and older are $3 per day with proof of residency, such as a driver’s license showing a Chandler address or a utility bill. For more information, please contact Tumbleweed Recreation Center at 480–782-2900.
The final phase of the SunBird street name sign replacement project is now complete! The remaining 93 street signs have all been replaced with larger signs featuring improved lettering for greater visibility and a cleaner, more uniform appearance throughout the community. These new signs will make navigating SunBird’s streets easier for residents and visitors and will improve visibility for emergency first responders.
Road maintenance work in sections of SunBird is planned for late September or early October. Some areas will receive crack sealing, while others will receive a complete curb-to-curb seal coat. During the work, affected roads will be closed for approximately 24 hours to allow sufficient time for the work and curing process. Once the schedule is finalized by the road maintenance contractor, information will be posted on the SunBird website and Clubhouse bulletin board and sent to residents by e-blast.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while these improvement projects are underway. We recognize that construction and maintenance activities can occasionally create temporary inconveniences, including room closures, restricted access, and road detours. These short-term disruptions are investments in the continued improvement of our community. We are excited about the progress being made and look forward to completing these projects for the benefit and enjoyment of all SunBird residents.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation, and welcome back to SunBird!