SUN CITY – The recent incessant rains have been great for Sun City’s lawns, gardens, trees, and landscaping.
But, like so many things in our lives, there is a downside. The rain has prevented work crews from finishing the renovation of the Prairie Lodge parking lot on time. Residents will have to put up with barricades, blocked-off areas, and locked entrance doors for at least a few more weeks this summer.
“Because of all the rain that we have had and are experiencing, there is no targeted completion date for this project,” Executive Director Bill Pennock said. “We have lost more than 20 work days due to weather.”
Construction equipment lined up to the side of the parking lot in front of Fountain View. (Chris La Pelusa/Sun Day Photo)
“The rains have put us about a month behind,” added Dave Osborne, maintenance director.
A large part of the reason for the delay is that the bulk of the project consists of concrete work on curbs, sidewalks, and entrance aprons. This activity depends on sunny, dry weather.
Unfinished work includes curbs, sidewalks, and landscaping in front of the porticos at the main and Fountain View entrances, new curbs along access roadways, and resurfacing of the entire lot.
Adding to the delay, Pennock said, is the recent discovery that the drainage under the pavers in the front portico areas was inadequate and contributed to the early deterioration of the pavers.
“The drainage has been re-designed and will be implemented in the entry ways, but this additional work will add time to the project,” Pennock said.
The $1.1 million project began last fall and was originally projected to be completed in June. When finished, the lot will have upgraded drainage facilities throughout, a fresh, re-striped asphalt surface, and more than 174 additional spaces. It is being funded by association reserves and not from resident assessments.
The parking lot currently holds about 554 spaces, ADA ones included. The new parking lot layout to be completed this summer will total 728 spaces.
As golfers and residents probably have already noticed, the spaces near the Whisper Creek pro shop and Jameson’s have been reconfigured on a vertical basis.
