Leisure World 50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary Celebration

for

Leisure World Community Association

Fri., Mar. 10 - Sun., Mar. 12 • Rec 1, 2 & 3 Centers

Come one and all to a festival weekend with food, fun, friends, and a bunch of activities. Let’s gather and celebrate reaching 50 years together!

We’ve met many wonderful people and businesses along the way, creating trusted friends and associates. You’ll be seeing some of them as they honor Leisure World’s 50th by sponsoring events throughout our celebration. Please help us show our community’s appreciation for their great partnerships by stopping by any of their booths with your gratitude.

ACTIVITY CALENDAR SNAPSHOT

FRIDAY, MARCH 10  RECREATION 1

REMAX CLASSIC GOLDEN STREET DANCE

4:00 - 10:30 p.m. JFK Electrical presents Ollie the Trolley Transportation  LW Boulevard

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Rhythm Edition Band  West end of Parking Lot

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wildfire, Wellzy’s Woodfire Pizza and Tom’s BBQ Food Trucks  Center of Parking Lot

5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Yard Games  Courtyard

5:00 - 10:00 p.m. “Walk with Me: A Leisure World Perspective” Photography Club Exhibition  West end of Promenade

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Anthony Hernandez Magic Show Co-sponsored by Frank Civil Engineering Ballroom

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sport Activities  Lawn Bowling Green, Sport Court & Classroom

8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Big Zephyr Band  West end of Parking Lot

SATURDAY, MARCH 11  RECREATION 1

Anniversary Breakfast

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. “Walk with Me: A Leisure World Perspective” Photography Club Exhibition  West end of Promenade

7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Lion’s Breakfast  Ballroom

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Outdoor Concert with Venture Out Swing Band  Courtyard

SATURDAY, MARCH 11  RECREATION 2

50TH FESTIVAL AT COYOTE RUN

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Wacky Miniature Golf Putting Course  Practice Facility Green

4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Moonshots Stadium on Wheels and The Burger Trolley Food Trucks  North end of LW Boulevard

4:30 – 7:30 p.m. LW Foundation Fairway Carnival Games & Rock-Climbing Wall LW Boulevard

– 7:30 p.m. Carnival-style Axe Throwing  LW Boulevard 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Putting Contest  Practice Green 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Del Montel Landscape presents Hot Air Balloon Rides Tethered  Atop the Practice Range

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wandering Entertainment  LW Boulevard & Practice Facility 7:45 p.m. YSC Paving presents the Fireworks Finale  Practice Facility

SUNDAY, MARCH 12  RECREATION 3

Anniversary Golf Tournament 9:00 a.m. Waste Management presents 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament  Heron Lakes Golf Course 1:00 p.m. 50th Tournament Awards Luncheon  Rec 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms

What’s Going On FOR

LEISURE WORLD’S 5OTH ANNIVERSARY?

FRIDAY EVENING – MARCH 10

Dancing in the Street to Kick Off our 50th!

The musical grandstand will be located in the Rec 1 Parking Lot closest to the Craft Building and the West half the parking lot will be blocked off for the dance while the East end will be reserved for handicapped and some golf cart parking. Regular parking will be available in the Administration and Tennis parking lots and out on the Leisure World Boulevard. A small amount of golf cart only parking is available on West side of the Fitness Center and Craft Buildings. See site map online to assist with finding parking locations.

Starting the Night Out with Rhythm Edition

The ultimate party band perform all styles of music including Latin. With a two piece horn section and seven lead singers in the band, they can cover all styles of music. With hits like Proud Mary, Shout, and Neon Moon. You will find it hard to sit still.

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Place: Rec 1 Parking Lot

Going all Night Long with Big Zephyr

Experience live music of the highest quality by performers with contagious, positive energy. With decades of experience, they play the right music, at the right time, and at the right volume for each occasion. Enjoy hearing your favorite hits from disco, blues, country, R & B, and classic rock.

Time: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Place: Rec 1 Parking Lot

WHY DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN RIDE THE TROLLEY?

Parking will be limited for this event. To help get you to the party, hop on Ollie the Trolley. Ollie will be available up and down Leisure World Boulevard from Rec. 1 to Rec. 2 for the evening picking up residents, dropping you off at the party, and taking you back. When you see the trolley, flag it down, and enjoy the ride. See Trolley route map online for available pickup route.

Time: 3:00 – 10:30 p.m.

Place: Leisure World Blvd between Rec. 1 to Rec. 2

Sponsor: JFK Electrical

FRIDAY EVENING – MARCH 10 cont.

Yard Games and other Fun Activities

Join others in the newly remodeled Courtyard for a little fun with bean bag toss, ladder toss, croquet, giant Jenga and giant Connect Four games.

Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Courtyard

During the transition between bands from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. there will be:

Free Throw & Slap Shot Contests on the Sport Court.

“King or Queen” of the Table ping-pong play available in the Classroom.

Introductions to Lawn Bowling offered at the Lawn Bowling Green.

Bring your appetites to walk down

Food Truck Alley

Explore the variety of food trucks. Wildfire for a little south of the border. Woodfired Pizza for a custom pie. Leisure World’s favorite Tom’s BBQ for that amazing barbeque. Don’t forget your wallet.

Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Parking Lot

“Walk with Me: Leisure World Perspective”

Leisure World Photography Club has explored the Leisure World campus capturing life in Leisure World from behind the lens and presenting why it’s a great place to live from the past and into the future! This special project and exhibition will be displayed through Saturday, March 11th.

Time: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Promenade - West End

Musical Break - Insert Magic Anthony Hernandez Illusions Show

“Anthony the MAGIC” is a magic and illusion team based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a “Top Five Best Performer” with IAAPA, the 2012 Press Enterprise “Reader’s Choice” for “Best Entertainer”, Hot List 2014/2015 Best Theatre Show, and was the promotional magician for the movie, “Oz the Great and Powerful.”. You won’t want to miss this magical show!

Please note that the Ballroom will have a limited seating capacity of 300 people.

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom

Co-sponsor: Frank Civil Engineering

SATURDAY MORNING – MARCH 11 SWEET AND SWING MORNING!

50th Anniversary Breakfast

Leisure World Lion’s Club will be serving up their World famous the pancake breakfast plus French toast, sausages, syrup, juice, coffee & water. Following breakfast enjoy a complimentary courtyard concert starting at 9:30 a.m., and don’t forget to check out the Photography Club’s special exhibit hosted outside the Art Studio.

Purchase breakfast tickets in advance at the Rec office or online.

Time: 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom

Cost: $8 advance ticket, $10 at the door

Meet the Venture Out Swing Band. A 17-piece band that will make you want to stand up and ‘Cut A Rug.’ Come and listen to them play Big Band songs of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s. Little Brown Jug, Mood Indigo, Ballin’ the Jack, Brazil to name a few. Then they stick in a song or two that brings back memories of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s; The BeatlesWhen I’m 64, The Tijuana Brass - Lonely Bull, or Show TuneBeauty and the Beast. Feel the beat and tap your toes to our Big Band Sound. Benny Goodman, look out!

Remember to bring a lawn chair and your favorite beverage. Plan now to sit back and enjoy the show!

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Courtyard

Swing Concert

SATURDAY EVENING – MARCH 11

FABULOUS 50TH FESTIVAL

Moving the celebration over to Recreation 2 for more anniversary fun. Bring your family and friends to participate in the wacky putting course plus contest and play carnival games, fly to new heights on the hot air balloon ride (tethered), climb the rock wall, and hit your mark with axe throwing. Throughout the night you’ll enjoy watching our stilt walkers, hula hoop artist, contortionist, and firer breather as the entertainment wanders around the event. The evenings options to temp your taste buds and fill your bellies will come from Moonshots Stadium on Wheels and the Burger Trolley food trucks. Then end the night with a spectacular fireworks show!

Please note from 2:00 – 8:30 p.m., the Leisure World Blvd.

will be closed between the Rec 2 Center and Coyote Run Practice Facility from the crosswalk down to the South Gate for event preparations and festivities. Please bring your wallet to support the Leisure World Foundation through 50/50 raffle, to play in the carnival and try your hands and feet on the rock-climbing wall.

Time: 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Tickets to carnival games $$$ - Benefits LW Foundation

Place: Rec. 2 Coyote Run Sponsors: Leisure World Foundations& Del Montel Landscape.

Lighting up the Sky with Fireworks

A spectacular ending to our celebration this evening will be fireworks, all thanks to our friends at YSC Paving! Enjoy this 15-minute fireworks show from atop the driving range. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets to get comfortable and cozy.

Time: 7:45 p.m.

Place: Coyote Run Practice Facility

SUNDAY MORNING – MARCH 12

50th Anniversary Golf Tournament

Join us on the green for our anniversary tournament at Heron Lakes Golf Course sponsored by Waste Management! Playing a 4-person scramble, this tournament is open to the whole community whether you have a golf membership or not. Fun will continue with closest to the pin and longest putt contests. Awards lunch included - BYOB.

Time: 9:00 a.m. Shotgun

Cost: $20 per person*

Place: Rec. 3 Heron Lakes Golf Course

*$35 greens fee to those without an annual golf membership

By Rhonda Cap

Cheers!

MY TIME WITH LEISURE WORLD

It’s hard to believe I’ve been with Leisure World for almost 20 years. I was part of the 40th and am now coordinating the 50th anniversary celebrations. It was June 2003, when I first interviewed and accepted the Fitness Supervisor position and started working for the Association on August 3, 2003. Working out of the Recreation Office, I began researching what and how the other Leisure World’s fitness centers were ran to help with planning the opening of our fitness center while it was still under its final stages of construction. There was a ton of support from my then director, Jan Zale and the rest of the community in anticipation for the new fitness center which opened its doors September 8, 2003. Our initial daily usage was more activity per day than they had in an entire month with the old facilities. With just myself to supervise a 10,000 sq. ft. gym, my volunteer force grew to around 75 residents between helping behind the front desk to help oversee sign-ins and other administrative task and floor monitors to assist residents with equipment setup and overseeing safety on the main floor. This allowed me to offer 4-6 group orientations (1012 people each) daily introducing residents to the facility and its equipment.

During the first year of operations, I added services for fitness assessments, personal training included transitioning of contract trainers from old gyms over to the new facility, group exercise classes, and massage therapy, hire a second staff person and had my 3rd child. Over the next few years, we launched an internship program (2005), started hosting a biennial Wellness Fair (2007), and introduced the Power Plates (2008). Expansions in programming and other activity offerings brought growth in the fitness team and my eventual promotion to Director of Wellness (2010). This required oversight of the Health Office, and short time later to include the supervising the Outreach Office, and relocating the Health Office next to gym and moving massage rooms to old vending area. This new experience was challenging and enjoyed guiding improved processes, health services, and educational presentations.

It wasn’t until Jan Zale, Recreation Director retired (2018) that I was asked to take over for her and combine the Recreation and Wellness departments, becoming Lifestyle Director. I once again found this transition in the organization exciting and a new opportunity to grow. Immersing myself into events planning, the entertainment field, and systems learning of a new department, I found great support in my management and department teams to bring new talent, events, and ideas to compliment the already successful things being offered.

Running strong with 2 years under my belt with Recreation and a major update in Fitness with flooring and paint, COVID hit bringing all programming fun and momentum to a halt. Working through the ever-changing pandemic limitations and the community frustrations with it was very difficult, but we seem to be emerging out the other side. This season we are finally seeing better participation in club and association produced events

and activities. Although residents are still holding off to register at the last minute, possibly to make sure they and friends remain healthy up to the date to attend, we are seeing most classes, trips, and special events offered run successfully.

INSIGHT TO RECREATION FACILITY MODERNIZATIONS

The addition of the fitness center to the Recreation 1 Complex was just the start of a 10-year master plan to renew and improve activities and function to the community which included repurposing the previous genderseparate fitness rooms, constructing a new Rec. 3 and Craft Building, and remodeling Rec. 2. At Recreation 1, a portion of the women’s fitness room was divided to make the classroom larger and the other half plus locker room space is now the current Recreation Office. The men’s locker room was transposed into both men/women’s restrooms by the pool and the men’s fitness area remodeled to allow the computer center to be moved and for the woodshop to expand and thus giving life to the Sewing Room. Recreation 3 was next giving life to a new and improved Heron Lakes Golf Pro Shop, addition of the Apache and Navajo Rooms and second parking lot (after the old building was demolished). By building a new craft facility and moving these activities out, Recreation 2 went through an overhaul with improved Coyote Run Pro Shop, larger café facilities, redesign of the entire pool area, and addition of a Music Room and Pavilion to the complex. Inserted into this Plan, late in the game, was the new tennis complex and addition of 8 pickleball courts with a grand opening during the 40th anniversary festivities in 2013. Since this time, a few other big projects that have occurred are Rec 1 pool resurfacing and pool deck replacement, billiards room remodeled, and fitness flooring upgrade.

Having a master plan allows the community to come together with interests and ideas to research and develop the vision of what’s to come. I am hopeful under the 2023 budget that our community’s dreams and next master plan come to fruition.

LEISURE WORLD FAMILY

My family grew up Leisure World coming to and helping me with events over the years. At first they came to participate in the multi-generational programs like the Easter Egg Hunt and Santa Parade. As they grew, they came to volunteer as helpers in events like expos/fairs, egg hunt games, and 5K run. My daughter even came to work for Leisure World for a few years before spreading her wings to follow her heart and dreams.

Leisure World is family – both employees and residents. In my time with Leisure World, I’ve worked with and become close to many great people across departments and within the community. Together we create the best place to work and live – through property, facilities, offerings, and communications. It is because of this care and feeling that when approached to fill in as Operations Manager, I said, “Yes – whatever is needed in order for us/Leisure World to prosper.” During the interim station, I became more aware, involved, and gained deeper understanding to how all the departments work in keeping Leisure World functioning, beautiful and strong in the competitive active adult housing market. Love for this community and association is what made me accept the position permanently.

I am very thankful to be celebrating with you! Showcasing each recreation center over the 3-day celebration, I hope you will find something that interests you. I also look forward to your continued progress and modernization in the years to come in order for our community to stay relevant and inviting to current and future residents.

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY, LEISURE WORLD!

On the Map

RECREATION IN MY BLOOD, LEISURE WORLD IN MY HEART

Working in Recreation has been in my blood since birth, literally. My mother, Cindy Knowlton, got her Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management and worked in the industry for over 30 years. Watching the great career she had and all the fun events she got to plan I decided to follow suit. After graduating I had fun finding what I would want to do from working on a cruiseliner to working at a hotel in the FUN department. Thankfully Leisure World had an opening at the right time in my life and I couldn’t be happier.

Being at Leisure World has changed my life all for the better. I have been able to travel with you lovely residents from all over the valley to the Catalina Islands. Encouraged by my management to continue learning more about the industry by attended conferences. Most special of all I met my husband who worked here in the facilities department, celebrating our first year anniversary last February. I am beyond grateful for the connections I have made with you, my residents. I have learned and grown so much as a person because of you.

I can't wait for the years to come working here and being a part of Leisure’s World great history and fun!

Jamie Knowlton

In the Beginning

CONGRATULATIONS TO LEISURE WORLD

It’s hard to believe Leisure World is 50! Did you know that when Leisure World was built, people questioned why it was in such a remote location!

Although I am new to Leisure World as an employee, I have been coming here for years to visit family. I have always been impressed with everything Leisure World has to offer, from the beautiful lakes, greenery and golf courses to the private community atmosphere, with controlled access, and 24-hour roaming security.

What do I like most about Leisure World – definitely the people! From residents to employees, almost everyone you talk to enjoys Leisure World and likes being part of the community. Even though Leisure World is very big, the people here make you feel like family.

Clark Collier

LEISURE WORLD BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

Time Hop

HAPPY FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY TO LEISURE WORLD!

By Patricia Von Trapp

We, The Leisure World Tennis Club, weren’t there in the beginning, but we are sure glad we hopped on board just a few years later.

Have you heard of the Rossmoor Racket Club? That was the original name of the now Leisure World Tennis Club created in February 1975. The first meeting was on March 19, 1975, with six people attending. Golf was the name of the game in Arizona and Leisure World so tennis and LW eventually combined to build some tennis courts. Tennis players went to Golden Hills, local school courts or Gene Autry to play before two courts were constructed about two years later. (Currently courts 11 and 12).

In one of the histories of the tennis club, it mentions that if the women wanted to use both courts, they needed to give the men at least one day’s notice! Great piece of information.

The first ball machine, Little Prince was purchased for $250.00! Yes, that decimal is in the right place.

Dues were instituted in 1978 at $1.00 per year. In 1978 there were 23 members and by 1981 there were a total of 41 members. With membership increasing, tennis players needed more courts to fulfill the needs of the residents who again had to leave the park to play tennis at alternate sites.

Proposals were made in early 1983 to change the name to the Leisure World Tennis Club and in 1984 to create more courts.

The new courts opened in February 1988 and dues were up to $12.00 per year with a new member initiation fee. The club wanted to attract more members. Two avenues were initiated; increase competition and increase social activities. LW excelled at both. There is one quote in the archives, “Happiness is being a Leisure World Tennis player”. Tennis expanded the calendar to allow for outside competition, a long-held culture in the East Valley. Teams we compete with now were also around in the 80’s, oh so many years ago, looking for the same competition as LW. Tower Point, Sunland Village, Sun Lakes, and more were available for frequent, weekly play during the November through March calendar we follow today. LW fielded men’s and women’s teams to compete against other parks. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any results! The club also wanted to pursue attracting members for social functions.

The social aspect of attracting new members was also a wild success. The club held Dixie Land Jazz concerts in April, trips to ride the boats in Canyon and Saguaro Lakes, bus or plane rides to Las Vegas, bake sales, pancake breakfasts and the semi-formal Tennis Ball. Membership grew to 174 in 1993. The membership worked together to make tennis an enjoyable sport and enhance the joy to live in LW.

Court Reserve was still may years away. To sign up for a court one had to physically be at the sign-up board, down by the courts exactly one week prior to the day and hour you wanted to play.

One player could not sign up for another; at least one player (of the two some or foursome) had to be present. Plus, if two players want the same date and time, you could spin a racket or flip a coin and the winner got the court! Gotta love it!

The mid 90’s was a time for growing and maturing for LW Tennis. Another ball machine was needed and was purchased for $1029.00. The club applied for and was accepted into the East Valley Senior Tennis League, commonly referred to today as EVST of which LW is still a member club. The League consisted of 16 clubs. Initially, LW had 25 players participating in the EVSTL. We had enough to field two teams at the 3.0 level but had to “farm out” the 4.0 players to combine with other clubs for competition. By the year 2000 there were 73 players.

Here’s an interesting story; in order to host East Valley competitions every week, there needed to be four courts dedicated to League play. There were only six courts and four were dedicated to a potluck. The Tennis Club was also focused on increasing membership so hosted “potluck” play six mornings a week. Potluck is where anyone of any ability can come and play…AKA as paddles up. The Leisure World teams had to go to the Hohokum tennis facility in Mesa to rent facilities for the year to participate in the East Valley competition.

Happy 50th Anniversary!

Memory Lane

WALK WITH ME: A LEISURE WORLD PERSPECTIVE

By Bob Bennett

The Leisure World Photography Club will celebrate Leisure World’s 50th Anniversary with a unique exhibition on the Promenade on Friday, March 10th, and Saturday, March 11th. The exhibition will be a journey through Leisure World through the eyes of our photographers, both as artists and residents. If we were showing Leisure World to a complete stranger, what would we most like them to see, what must they not miss? The people, the places, and the things that make our Leisure World special and has done so for the past 50 years. That’s the concept our photographers will be putting forth in their work.

The display will be located on the Rec. 1 Promenade, opposite the Art Studio, facing away from the creek (see diagram). Our familiar panels will hold the photographs

50 YEARS...

Happy 50th Leisure World! Leisure World has changed so much in the 2 years I have been here. I am so proud to be a part of such a great team and great residents! I am also proud that I am able to play a small part of Leisure World moving forward.

Justin Bauch

for your viewing pleasure. Each of our participating photographers will have their own panel. On that panel, you will find their interpretation of the theme “Walk with Me: A Leisure World Perspective.” Some will choose landscapes, others may choose sunsets. Some will choose wildlife, others may choose friends and neighbors, employees who made a difference to them, or a social club that they hold dear. Perhaps a night at Bingo, it’s all up to them to show you, our viewer, their Leisure World through their own eyes and lenses.

There will be much celebration in the Rec. 1 area for this celebration weekend. Be sure to take the time to see our special exhibition. This is the first of what we hope will become a series of “Photos on the Prom.” For more information on the Leisure World Photography Club, please visit us at https://www.lwphoto.club/.

LONGTIME RESIDENT STORY

By Theron & Gail Bowers

In 2003 we moved into Leisure World, and we couldn’t be happier with the choice we made. We had lived in Mesa for 30 years and had always known Leisure World was way out there on the east side of town, but we just never got around to checking it out.

We owned a ceramic studio in Mesa, and we asked those customers who lived in active adult communities how they liked where they lived.

Mostly we found people were fairly satisfied, but still had some things they would like to see changed. Except for one customer who was a long-time resident of Leisure World.  She could not say enough about what a great place Leisure World was.  She said, “If you’re bored in Leisure World, it’s your own fault!”

On that recommendation, we visited Leisure World and were so impressed on our first visit that we came back a few days later and purchased our first manor. 20 years later we are still enjoying all the amenities and activities of this gem in the desert. In the time we’ve been here we’ve seen wonderful additions and improvements that further enhance the future of Leisure World.

Just like that customer said to us many years ago, “If you’re bored in Leisure World, it’s your own fault”. That’s as true today as it was then, even more so!

E.B.

Blacke

A PEEK BACK AT 1973

WHAT YOU LISTENED TO

Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak TreeDawn Ft Tony Orlando

Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

You Are the Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder Crocodile Rock – Elton John

You’re So Vain – Carly Simon

WHAT YOU WATCHED

The Godfather won Best Film at the Oscars

Top Grossing Films: The Exorcist, The Sting and American Graffiti

TOP ON TELEVISION

All in the Family M*A*S*H

Hawaii Five-O Sanford and Son

Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour

The Price is Right

SPORT CHAMPS

Super Bowl VII Champions- Miami Dolphins

World Series Champions- Oakland Athletics

NBA Champions New York Knicks

Secretariat wins the Triple Crown

HOW YOU SPENT YOUR MONEY

Most Popular Car: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (base model) costing roughly $3800

Average Home Cost in U.S 32,500

Minimum Wage: $1.60

Average Wages: $12,050

Tuition to Public Colleges Average: $514

Gas Cost 0.39 cents

Price of Eggs: 0.78 cents

Price of a Big Mac: $65 cents

Top Christmas Toy: Evel Knievel

TOP BABY NAMES:

Girls- Jennifer, Amy, Michelle and Kimberly

Boys- Michael, Christopher, Jason and James

By Tish Murphy

Lawn Bowling

LEISURE WORLD’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

Is it bowling? Bocce? Curling? NO, it’s lawn bowling — a very dynamic outdoor sport spanning more than 600 years. It has its own unique history here in Leisure World!

“We think it’s very important to preserve and share our history,” says Lawn Bowling Club Past President Dan Aicher. “Only a small percentage of Leisure World residents are familiar with the sport. It’s one of the bestkept secrets that needs to be told.”

“A History of Leisure World Lawn Bowls Club 1974-1987,” by K. Otto Logan, the fourth President of the Lawn Bowling Club, was recently discovered. This hidden gem shares how lawn bowling began in Leisure World including club notes, photos and newspaper articles.

The following historical information is featured in this book.

A YEARS-OLD TRADITION

You may not know that lawn bowling has been enjoyed for centuries. It can be traced as far back as 5,200 BC in ancient Egypt where similar games were played. But it wasn’t until 1299 in Southampton, England that the first known lawn bowling club was formed.

The game developed quite the following and was even enjoyed by royalty, including Queen of England Ann Boleyn, who reigned from 1533 to 1536. Sir Francis Drake of England was infamous for refusing to fight against the invading Spanish Armada until he finished his lawn bowling game. His statue, depicting a lawn bowler, sits in Plymouth, England.  Historical lawn bowling aficionados include George Washington and renowned English poet William Shakespeare.

Lawn bowling hasn’t changed very much. The friendly sport still enjoys many of the same noble traditions,

including exchanging greetings at the beginning and the end of a game and always remaining respectful to other players. Since 2014, lawn bowlers no longer wear white attire - now only reserved for tournaments.

DEBUTING IN LEISURE WORLD

Early 1970’s -Lawn bowling was first introduced in Leisure World when Eldon and Claire Schmad moved into Leisure World and wanted to share their love of the sport with the community.

In January 1974, Eldon worked with the Recreational Director on establishing our club. The couple also received support from Sun City’s club who helped procure the basic equipment.  Within two months, the bowling green was on track and all the supplies – rakes, mats, the jack and bowls had arrived. Later that summer, they finalized the equipment house, scoring boards, measuring tapes and scheduled training sessions.

Officially launched in Leisure World on October 18th, 1974 and named the Golden Hills Lawn Bowling Club, we will be celebrating 50 years of bowling in 2024.

GOING GREEN – LITERALLY

As the club grew, the upkeep of the greens where the game was played became crucial. In the summer of 1979, the club worked with Leisure World’s maintenance crew to change the playing area to a tiff-green Bermuda grass, which would withstand drought and frequent play.

Lawn bowlers understood how important the greens were to their game, so they decided to help the maintenance crew plant 77,000 Tifgreen Bermuda grass stems in one week. By early fall the grass was ready for play.

With beautiful greenery, the club continued to soar. In

November 1980, the club’s executive committee decided to change its name to Leisure World Lawn Bowlers Club and a new era had begun.

EXPANDING WITH LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Needing a place to mingle and store their equipment the club began fundraising efforts but Western Savings had a soft spot for the club. In February of 1986, Western Savings donated $65,000 to support creating a clubhouse.

“The Lawn Bowling Club has assisted greatly in the development of Leisure World,” said then-Project Manager and Western Savings Vice-President John A. Jacobs in a letter to the Leisure World Board of Directors. “The entrance to Leisure World is greatly enhanced by the attractiveness of the lawn bowling green.”

The Lakeside Clubhouse officially opened in May 29, 1986.

NOURISHING BODY AND SOUL

“There are a lot of competitive sports, but lawn bowling gives you something different,” explains Dan Aicher. “In lawn bowling, you have five seconds to think about your line and your angle. The rest of the time you’re walking back and forth socializing. There’s always lots of laughter and fun while you play.”

It is also very restorative, providing health benefits. People also use it as therapy. You walk about a mile a game while bending and stretching. It’s good for your body and your mind.

LWLBC welcomes all residents, regardless of their physical ability. Come out and enjoy the fun!

Blast from the Past

LEISURE WORLD-MESA REACHES A MILESTONE - AGE 50

Submitted by Robert Lampard

Anniversaries are an opportunity to look back and (re) discover how you reached that milestone. Now, for over half a century, thousands have enjoyed Leisure World’s ‘good life’, after choosing the retirement lifestyle it offers. Do they know its history and how much pride the 1972/73 pioneers would have felt at the ‘active living’ resort they created, and how little it has changed since it was planned?

The idea of a walled, secure, recreational community that will last into the foreseeable future, did not happen by chance. Rather it was the result of a time honored plan, quality direction, management, and the contributions of an early benefactor. Ever since it has remained one of the premium retirement resorts in Phoenix and Mesa.

The Leisure World story has its roots in a California developer, Ross Cortese. In 1957 he planned his first ‘active retirement’ facility in Orange County north of Seal Beach and south of Los Angeles and called it Rossmoor. His innovation was to build a walled, gated, secure community and target potential retirement buyers from nearby cities, or northern citizens who wanted a warmer climate.

By 1960 he had sold out 3500 tract houses which he called ‘manors’ at Rossmoor thus proving his concept had a market. Buying more land, he replicated his plan at Leisure World Seal Beach. To secure 97% financing for retiring individuals over 52, he approached Freddie Mac. They agreed to finance his manors provided Rossmoor did not participate in the resale of the manors, and did not manage the homeowners association.

Concurrently, two similar developments were occurring NW of Phoenix – Youngstown (1955) and Sun City (1960),

the latter by Del Webb. Webb’s project included the first golf course. His Sun City would grow to 59,000 manors and sell out by 1985. It would include churches and commercial malls. Webb would do his own construction and standardize his restrictions through regulations attached to each Deed.

Cortese would replicate his concept on the western and eastern USA coasts, before the Western Savings and Loan Trust (WSLT) approached him in 1972. In 1960 they had secured a substantial tract of land from the Turner family, a site extending from Main to Baseline and from the Roosevelt Canal beyond Power Road. Their initial development with Arizona Savings and Loan Trust on the east side of Power was called the Golden Hills. It was marginally successful. A golf course had already been built on it. However, WSLT liked the Cortese concept and were willing to try it for the rest of their site.

The agreement between Cortese and Rossmoor and WSLT has not surfaced, but the advertising pamphlet Rossmoor released in the spring of 1973 provides some detail. The agreement must have been signed off in late 1972 as the Incorporation Memorandum and Bylaws creating LW-M as a subsidiary of WSLT were approved on January 3, 1973. Rossmoor had a management agreement and appointed James Graham as manager. To ensure his standards were met, Cortese sent his VP Lewis Letson to supervise it. Initial decisions included selecting an architectural theme, locating the entranceway, approving the first Plat/District layouts in the SE corner, siting the Administration building and the first Recreational facility (Rec.#1) with its Clock Tower, locating the first 9 holes of the Executive Course, and the first lakes.

LEISURE WORLD IN 1982

The Turner farm was still in operation then. It was a mixture of corn/cotton fields in the SE, a cattle dairy barn in the SW, and a sweet potato farm up to Broadway. Sheep would periodically be herded onto the site.

The first two structures on site were two trailers – one for security officers, and one for the sales team. Contractors were invited to purchase lots. Some condos (duplexes, triplexes) were built. Cul de sacs provided extra parking for the initial one car garages. Started in February, Ralph and Ethel Mannerud purchased but would not occupy their home until the fall, as they wanted to be on a lake. The next day, Helen Manning and Chares and Mona Gregory purchased their homes which opened in July.

That summer the site was a hive of activity with up to 1000 workers digging utility lines, laying out curbs and paving roads, building one story homes, and adding the spacious Administration building with its five arch entranceway. Mounds of dirt from the lake excavations and the golf course were the source of periodic dust storms, compounded by rain.

The six foot wall was begun adjacent to the Power Road gate. Leisure World Boulevard was laid out in a semicircle using city dimensions. It started and ended on Southern Avenue anticipating the original plan to extend LW-M down to Highway 60 on 3700 acres, and would not be limited to the 998 acres it now covers.

It was still a very spacious plan.

Robert Lampard Manor 563