Update to community center access

The Desert Camp Site Improvement Project which began in January is well underway and on schedule for a late 2024 grand reopening. Management of access to the community centers is important to protect and preserve the amenities, maintain the value of the amenities that residents pay for through their monthly assessment to the Community Council and limit access to those who reside in DC Ranch. 

To prepare for the reopening of Desert Camp, the revised community center access policy and guidelines were approved by the Community Council Board of Directors at its July meeting. Much of the policy remained and the revisions made were to improve the resident experience. 

As part of the improvement project, a new access system is being put into place to replace the existing key fobs with Bluetooth (smart phone) access. This secure, environmentally friendly and convenient credential format will allow residents to take a modern approach to amenity access. From an app on their mobile device, residents will gain entry to both community centers and external amenities such as the pickleball and tennis courts.

On Oct. 1, all key fobs for the community centers will be deactivated. Beginning that day, all residents will need to complete a household registration form and facility agreement waiver before receiving access to facilities and amenities.

Complete the following for center access

To expedite the new access enrollment, residents and authorized tenants are encouraged to complete the process prior to Desert Camp reopening. Please follow these steps: 

1. Review the updated Resident Access Policy and Access Fee Schedule. Each household residence may include two adults (26+) and any dependents aged 25 or younger. Residents are encouraged to review these updated documents for more information as the policy was updated with new, expanded options for access for additional adult occupants 26+, caregivers/authorized users, and seasonal adult occupants 26+. 
2. Complete the household registration form and facility agreement waiver. The digital forms can also be completed at The Homestead Community Center.
   • One waiver is needed for each adult 18+.
   •  The head of household and/or second owner can also sign waivers for all minors on account.
3. Schedule an appointment or drop-in during lobby hours. Appointments and drop-ins begin Oct. 1. Please anticipate spending 10-15 minutes with community center staff.
   • To schedule an appointment: log into your CivicRec account and then view available appointment times under the “Access Appointment” tab.
   • Lobby hours for The Homestead are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that if you drop in, there may be a wait time.
4. Bring the following items. Each occupant 14+ must be present or will need to set up an appointment to complete their registration and receive access. Please note that a photo will be taken for each individual 14+.
   • A valid photo ID for all residents 18+ to verify residency.
   • Rental/lease documentation, if tenant.
   • Any old key fobs to be recycled.

Tenant registration and guest policy

Homeowners that lease their properties can relinquish community access, program and event privileges to their tenants. Homeowners must properly register their tenants with the Ranch Association and may do so by completing the Tenant Registration form or by contacting The Ranch Offices at 480.513.1500.

Residents may continue to bring two guests (a maximum of four guests per family) while visiting the facilities. Guests must be accompanied by a resident at all times. For larger groups, residents may contact Desert Camp Community Center at 480.342.7178 to discuss rental options.

For more information, please contact The Homestead Community Center at 480.585.1641.