Anthem Closes Community Center & Civic Building
ACC — The Anthem Community Council (ACC) has been closely following events associated with the outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and recommendations from public health officials. The health of our residents and employees is our top priority.
In making the following decisions, the ACC referred to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House administration in recent days. Given the rapidly evolving situation, and based on these guidelines, the ACC is taking the following steps – effective close of business Tuesday, March 17 (per facility) – in order to reduce risk.
Civic Building
- The Anthem Civic Building will close to the public and will remain closed through at least March 27. All scheduled programs and meetings during this time are canceled.
- Essential ACC and HOA staff will continue to maintain business hours either on-site or remotely.
- For programs/classes with associated fees that were scheduled during this time, refunds will be issued for those who have registered; this includes programs led by both ACC staff and independent contractors.
- An additional 15-day grace period will be offered for assessment payments due April 1. Payments can be mailed; visit OnlineAtAnthem.com (click on “Pay Assessments”) for instructions.
- The MCSO substation remains open.
Community Center
- The Community Center, including the pool, will close to the public and will remain closed through at least March 27.
- For programs/classes with associated fees that were scheduled during this time, refunds will be issued for those who have registered; this includes programs led by both ACC staff and independent contractors.
- Essential ACC staff will continue to maintain business hours either on-site or remotely.
Parks
- Because we recognize the health benefits of exercise and fresh air, and based on recommendations from the National Recreation and Parks Association, Anthem’s Community Park, Liberty Bell Park and Opportunity Way Park (as well as Parkside neighborhood parks) will remain open at this time, subject to use at your own risk. Use your best judgment and act responsibly; bring your own sanitation supplies with you and adhere to recommended guidelines of keeping social gatherings to less than 10 people and observing social distancing standards.
- Outdoor amenities including the Skate Park, Dog Park, Pickleball Courts, and other courts remain open at this time, subject to use at your own risk, as these facilities pose a higher level of risk due to use by a large number of people. Use your best judgment and act responsibly; bring your own sanitation supplies with you and adhere to recommended guidelines of keeping social gatherings to less than 10 people and observing social distancing standards.
- Adventure Playground, Opportunity Way Park Playground and Discovery Playground will be closed through at least March 27, due to documented attendance trends and the associated high level of risk to our youngest residents and their families.
- Daisy Mountain Railroad will be closed through at least March 27.
Special Events
- The Anthem Pickleball Club’s Cowgirl Cup, scheduled for March 20-21, has been canceled.
- Anthem Days & Carnival, scheduled for March 28-29, has been canceled (as announced March 13).
- The Farmers’ Market held at Community Park on Sundays will be canceled through at least March 29.
- The April 9 paver installation at the Anthem Veterans Memorial will be rescheduled.
- Go Green, scheduled for April 18, has been canceled; the next event will be in September.
- The AYAC Color Run, scheduled for May 9, has been canceled.
- An announcement regarding Music in May will be announced at a future date.
The need to expand or modify this list and facility operations will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
The ACC recognizes the seriousness of this situation, and should circumstances change – whether based on government mandates or otherwise – we will examine all options necessary for the safety and well-being of our residents and employees. We recognize that these closures may impact your daily life, and we greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented time. Please care for yourself and for those around you, and continue to adhere to preventative measures recommended by public health officials. With questions regarding the virus, refer to the CDC, Arizona Department of Health Services, or Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Editor’s Note: ACC CEO Neal Shearer also provided this statement to In&Out Publications: “We have been working each day to develop the most prudent course of action as it relates to the closing of our facilities, amenities and programs. These are complicated and multi-faceted issues that impact those within and outside of our organization. We feel that the plan as outlined is responsible given current information, but also subject to change. The health and well-being of our residents and employees is our main concern. Anthem is an extraordinary community, and this is a time to pull together and support each other in ways that we never envisioned even a short time ago.”
