New column will provide project updates
KEEPING CURRENT ON LW PROJECTS
The Leisure World community has been mostly shut down since March, but behind the scenes, GRF projects are underway on several fronts despite heavy impacts due to COVID-19. This column will update residents on the status of pool construction, the Learning Center and test kitchen in Clubhouse 3, the Fitness Center overhaul and other ongoing projects. The information is provided by GRF Facilities Director Mark Weaver and Physical Property Manager David Rudge.
LW POOL AND SPA
The grading for the new LW Pool and Spa is finished, and the dig process is complete, with inspectors signing off on the soils compaction.
The shower rooms have been demolished. Work has stalled as crews await permits from SoCal Gas, Southern California Edison and the California Health Department, (requested months ago). The COVID-19 virus has slowed the project amid virus lockdowns and employee reductions. The permitting process is slowly moving forward through video meetings, phone calls and emails.
Crews have completed as much work as they can without the permits. The job is tentatively set to be completed in the fall, pending permit acquisition.
The finished facility will include a five-lane pool, a 30-by-30-foot activity area with a volleyball net, a 9-by-25-foot spa, new locker rooms and a lounge area in a reconfigured space to maximize its potential.
The 1960s-era pool was closed late last year for a remodel that mushroomed into a complete replacement with a larger pool after latent construction and serious infrastructure defects were uncovered as work began.
Plans had to be redrawn and permits applied for as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING CENTER, TEST KITCHEN, CH 3 Work is underway on the new Learning Center that will include a demonstration kitchen and tech-equipped classrooms in Clubhouse 3.
The Learning Center will host North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) classes, which were just getting underway when COVID-19 suspended the program.
Construction is 80 percent complete with cabinets scheduled for delivery at the end of August.
The project is tentatively scheduled for completion at the end of September.
The GRF Board approved improvements to Rooms 9 and 10 of Clubhouse 3, which are now being refurbished from the floor up to accommodate the program.
The “smart” classroom will include computer stations, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and assistive listening devices, a “smart” board and two 80-inch monitors, to augment lecture sessions.
The demonstration kitchen will host cooking classes, chef-inspired dining experiences and provide a dining space where residents can cook for themselves and host parties.
UPGRADES, page 2 Fitness Center
The 10,000-square foot Fitness Center in Clubhouse 6 is undergoing a complete overhaul and expansion. The project is 60 percent complete (painting the walls, building a new check-in work station and prepping the floor for the installation of appropriate fitness flooring). The floor should be completely installed by late August. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering is underway and should be finished this month. New audio visual equipment and glass door installations are in the works. Walls have been demolished, and new glass doors and walls, installed.
The new design relocates the dedicated space for a group exercise/ dance room and includes a free weights station with mats, and more strength training and weight machines to improve balance and endurance, and cardio machines to burn calories.
The Fitness Center is one of the most popular amenities in LW.
Other Projects
• Clubhouse 2 Landscaping: New landscaping is underway at Clubhouse 2, with expected completion in early September.
Clubhouse 3's test kitchen will be a bright and airy space.
