Sue Wilson, Contributing Writer, Communications Team
The unanimous approval of the HOA Board to install a commercial-grade Wi-Fi system throughout PebbleCreek was greeted with a chorus of cheers from the many residents in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the PebbleCreek HOA Board (held April 19). Wi-Fi refers to a popular technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet connections and is essential for conducting business in today’s world. Hith the wider world.
Some of the most ardent supporters of the proposal were homeowners who need reliable access to the Internet to conduct business for their clubs. r program of online ticket sales has been a big hit with our audiences and is much in demand,” commented Cathy Lindsst pret of PC Players. “But it has vrd to have a line of eager patrons standing ready to purchase tickets, only to have to tell them that we are having technical difficulties with the Internet. This is a major issue for all the PebbleCreek clubs who have – or are considering – online ticket sales. PC Players is thrilled we are getting a dependable Wi-Fi system.”
PebbleCreek has had limited Wi-Fi available in some areas of the complex for several years, but as the neighborhood has grown, so too has the demand for a robust, reliable system with 24-hour support. “For the last few months, I have not been able to establish a good, functional Internet connection to either network we currently have in Eagle’s Nest,” lamented Dan Phelka, President and Instructor of the PebbleCreek Computer Club. “Staff has been extremely helpful in attempting to reset the routers to make connection possible but despite gallant efforts, I have not been able to use the Internet through those networks. Instead, I’ve had to connect to my personal cell phone’s hot spot feature. This has run my account past my data limit. Kind of embarrassing for a computer club!”
To address PebbleCreek’s Wi-Fi problem, General Manager Bill Barnard asked Priscilla Wardlow, PebbleCreek’s Director of Technology and homeowner Steve Harper, an expert in computer networks (and who, prior to retirement owned his own very successful business that configured and sold computer systems) to find a solution.
“We took preliminary information that Bill had obtained from Cox and from Robson Communities Inc. IT,” explained Priscilla, “and searched the Phoenix area for additional companies that had the capabilities to do this project. The company selected for analysis was SLComputers, conveniently located in nearby Avondale. We requested more detail from the vendors, walked the property with them, discussed technologies and alternative approaches and reviewed their bids for coverage, flexibility and maintenance support. We feel the company that best suits our needs is SLComputers. Among other benefits, they offered a robust, reliable system at a lower cost with greater flexibility.”
“It was my pleasure as a homeowner to work on this project as we solicited bids and proposals to fix, enhance and grow our wireless internet connectivity options in the public areas of PebbleCreek,” said Steve. “Thanks to the outpouring of support and the vision and wisdom displayed by the Board of Directors we will soon upgrade our capabilities by installing over 40 Wireless Access Points throughout our public areas.” The access points will be:
* Tuscany Falls Clubhouse: (Ballroom, meeting rooms, Renaissance Theater, Library, Portofino and the exterior patio areas)
* Toscana’s Grill (restaurant, lounge, patio, Board Room and fireplace sitting area)
* Tuscany Falls Golf Pro Shop
* Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse (restaurant, ballroom, meeting rooms, athletic complex, golf pro shop, administration area, Board Room, pool and patios)
* Activities Center (Activities Office, Administration Office, meeting rooms, Model Railroading, LifeLong Learning and Computer Club facilities)
* Tuscany Falls Fitness Studios – interior and exterior coverage
* Tuscany Falls Athletic Complex (interior, pools, Ed’s Dog’s, patios, and most of the tennis courts)
* Note: Exterior areas of tennis courts, bocce courts and sports building will receive partial coverage
* Creative Arts Center – (Coverage in all rooms, Gift Shop and exterior)
* Note: Many of the Pickleball courts will be covered from Creative Arts Center coverage
“Wi-Fi is not just a business necessity,” observes Priscilla, “it’s a community amenity that increases homeowner satisfaction and supports home sales. It also offers us many exciting opportunities for the future, including:
* use of iPads throughout the property for taking orders at the restaurants and ringing up sales at outdoor festivals
* supporting sales of golf equipment at outdoor demo days
* selling performing arts club tickets at the theater
* strengthening Wi-Fi for sporting events
* entering PebbleHelp requests at the front desks and more.”
The team expects the new Wi-Fi system to be up and running late this summer.