Flags could adorn Sun City West in near future

Residents of Sun City West may soon have a flag to call their own.

If an idea backed by the Recreation Centers governing board and Property Owners and Residents Association is approved at the regular board meeting later this month, at least six flags bearing a bright sun and the words “Sun City West, Arizona” may soon wave around the community.

The 3-foot-by-5-foot flags would be hung on existing flag poles near R.H. Johnson Boulevard and Bell Road, at the Liberty Field softball facility, at Beardsley Park, at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center and at PORA offices. The cost of the project would be about $550.

“The intent of these flags is to give Sun City West an identity that we so deserve,” said Lake Westphal, a board member. “It is something I think will enhance our image in the community as well as outside the community.”

Several board members expressed a desire that residents have the ability to view the proposed flag logo prior to voting on the issue.

“The community has not seen the new emblem and there should be some display of this flag ... perhaps we should consider showing that somewhere prior to the board approving the purchase and moving forward with this,” President Ron Gillmeister said.

Resident Randy Fuller thought the flag was “a wonderful idea” and wished the project would include even more locations.

“We should have a flag pole at each of the entrances to the community,” he said.

Westphal said adding flag poles would require permits from Maricopa County, which could cost upwards of $20,000 for two new poles.

The board will have a public meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday in the R.H. Johnson Lecture Hall to work on strategic plans with Association staff. The meeting will be for information only and residents will not be allowed to address the board.

The regular board meeting will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in the R.H. Johnson Social Hall.