SUN CITY – Three of the biggest reasons why Sun City is such an attractive place are the three waterfall features that decorate the landscape.
One is at the Del Webb Boulevard entrance to the community on Route 47. Another is a small one next to the pond in front of the Prairie Lodge pavilion. It is visible as residents drive by on Del Webb Boulevard.
The Sun City water features, like the ones pictured here (above and below) behind Fountain View, were originally built on a less durable base for Midwest climate. Restoration scheduled late summer, early fall. (Photos by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
The third one, however, may be a secret to some newer residents, and it happens to be the one that hasn’t operated for quite a while. It needs major and expensive repairs. It is located behind Prairie Lodge, next to a section of Whisper Creek golf course. It can be accessed by walking around the eastern (Fountain View) end of the lodge and behind the outdoor pool. This one includes a multi-layered, sloped waterfall connecting two ponds. Sidewalks winding amid a heavily wooded area make it a very scenic site.
Now, however, restoration is going to cost the association more than $335,000 to restore it to its original state, with upgraded, more durable materials. The project is underway and will take until early 2017 to complete. The board of directors has awarded a contract to Kane Brothers, an area landscaping firm, for the design and actual restoration work.
“The waterfall was built originally on a base that didn’t prove to be very durable,” said Russ Howard, chairman of the board’s facility advisory committee. “The design work, is costing $5,250 is expected to take 60-90 days. The actual restoration is scheduled to begin in late summer or early fall.”
Howard added that the repairs took research.
“We have had extensive conversations with the Kane Brothers people and a more durable base will be used in this repair,” he added. “The original material used works well in the Sun Belt, where it’s much warmer. But it doesn’t work as well here.”
He also said the association staff is negotiating with Billy Casper Golf, owner of the golf course, to determine any cost-sharing amounts with the association. Part of the water feature’s area behind the outdoor pool is located on the golf course property.
The waterfall next to the gatehouse at the Route 47 entrance underwent minor repairs earlier this spring and now is operating normally, as is the small one near the pavilion.
