Bill Barnard, General Manager
Aside from the rain and some cool morning temps in January, we are starting to enjoy great weather here in the Valley of the Sun. Hopefully, it will continue for several months before it gets too hot. The weather is what brings people here to Arizona, and I would typically tell you of all the activities and fun things to do here at PebbleCreek in my February message. Unfortunately, 2020 was quite a bit different, and we are still not back up to our usual activity level due to the COVID pandemic, but there still is plenty to do. I would like to take time to provide some information on what is currently available at PebbleCreek.
To take advantage of the great weather, all of the outdoor activities are available, albeit some on a limited basis. All pools are open, and the furniture is socially distanced so that you can continue to enjoy these facilities. We ask that you wear a mask when entering, exiting, or moving about the pool deck area, and please do not move furniture into a gathering situation. Pickleball, tennis, bocce, and softball are all open. We have limited the bocce courts to every other court and continue to ask that mask wearing occurs around all venues when you are entering, exiting, or moving about. A good rule of thumb is to wear a mask unless you are actively participating in the sport. One of our bright spots is our golf operations. We have had to take many precautions, but golf has been going strong throughout the COVID period. All 54 holes are open, available, and in excellent condition at this time. We have continued the COVID protocols of mask wearing when entering the golf shops, no bunker rakes or water coolers are on the golf course, and we ask that you leave the flags in the holes at all times. We are still not allowing shotgun starts until further notice and ask that you don’t gather in your carts on the golf course after your round. The dog park is open and active, and we ask that you wear a mask if you cannot comply with six feet of social distance outdoors. Of course, the streets and common areas have been very active with bikers, joggers, and walkers. Please be careful as you enjoy the weather in those areas.
A few of the indoor activities that are available include the fitness centers and Creative Arts. We are limiting the number of participants at one time and are requiring that you wear masks at all times when in the fitness centers. The fitness studios are also available, and some classes are taking place. Again, mask wearing is required. The Creative Arts Center is also open for club activity under the reservation policies of each specific club. The Expressions Gallery Gift Shop is also open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with COVID protocols that limit the number of people in the gallery as well as require hand sanitizing and mask wearing. The clubhouse meeting rooms, libraries, and ballrooms remain closed until further notice. Both of the restaurants, Eagle’s Nest and Toscana’s, are open with limited seating and the patios are available. Please check with the hostesses for availability. We have seen a pickup in business since the weather has improved, so reservations are suggested. Chianti’s is also running specialty dinners several nights a week and Ed’s Dogs is open daily. Again, mask wearing is required unless you are seated at your table. Please check the HOA website or the weekly Cheers for information on menus and hours of operation.
With the rolling out of the vaccination program throughout the nation, we are hopeful for the future. We will continue to monitor our local situation and will lessen the restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so. Please wear your masks, get vaccinated, and stay healthy until we can put all of this behind us. Thank you so much for your support as we try to navigate through these uncharted waters.