Featured Club A Growing Community Agriculture Club prepares for the season
Nestled between a manufacturing yard and Grandview Golf Course’s 14th green sits a seven-and-a-half acre hidden gem few Sun City West residents seem to know about. “We’re Sun City West’s best kept secret,” said Agriculture Club president Rich Woosley. “But we don’t want to be kept a secret any more.” Behind its gates at the end of 17800 137th Drive sits roughly 250 plots managed by the 330-member Agriculture Club. Members may purchase up to two 20-by-40 foot plots per household which they are then responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. For those who are new to the club or unsure whether they have that green thumb or not club plots are available for a season or two. Cost to work in the club plots is the annual $10 club dues and the refundable cost of $200 to cover clean up and cage repair. If that member finds they have the knack then they may purchase one of the available plots. Currently, there are nine available plots, according to Woosley.
Agriculture Club vice president Carole Kittelmann waters her garden last season. Thanks to her crops Carole said she has not needed to purchase produce at a grocery store in more than a year. Tomatoes are a popular commodity among the club’s community, but with a wide range of states represented among the membership, Woosley said you can expect a variety of crops being grown, including Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and spinach. Many of the members had never farmed or gardened before coming to Sun City West, Woosley said, but once they learned about the club and purchased a plot they found how much they enjoyed the activity. “You get out of your plot what you put in. Some of us with plots are here nearly everyday while others only stop by once a week. It all depends on how much time you want to put in,” Woosley said. “It’s wonderful to just be outside with your garden. It’s peaceful here. Some of us come out and just sit around enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes I’ll just come, sit back and read a book out here.” For more information about the Agriculture Club, visit agriculture.scwclubs.com.
Japanese cabbage sprouts begin to pop up in Bill Conaway’s plot just three days after being planted.
OCTOBER 2026 REC CENTER NEWS │ 2 5
Powered by FlippingBook