SunTimes Spring/Summer 2024

SUNTIMES

Greetings from Suncadia

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of the SunTimes. I want to wish each of you a happy season and I look forward to seeing many of you over the course of the coming weeks and months. You will recall that in our inaugural SunTimes issue last fall, our goal was to provide each of you, the owners, with better communication. That will continue to be a primary focus for us this year and beyond.

It’s a new era at Suncadia and Tumble Creek, and our goal is to deliver an unparalleled, year-round mountain living experience in the Pacific Northwest, not just today, but for generations to come.

A Few Highlights

There is much to be excited about right now at Suncadia—so many great things happening that it’s hard to single out a few. One big story, of course, is the Lodge

renovation. The entire first floor of The Lodge has been significantly upgraded, from the entry lobby, through the great room, to a brand-new bar, and into a reimagined restaurant concept, called The Source.

Portals and Fifty6 were replaced by The Source, which just opened and features a collection of plates and pours in a greatly enhanced setting. At the Inn, the Stovehouse is also evolving, in the form of a refined restaurant concept (with a distinctive new menu) designed to appeal to a variety of palates.

Around the property, we have been busy implementing improvements and additions to elevate the community. These are just the beginnings of what will be a series of future developments and amenities in Suncadia and Tumble Creek. Suffice it to say, our entire team is passionate about executing and delivering on our strategic vision of making Suncadia the premier mountain community out west, with the best longterm value.

Take a moment to flip through the Spring/Summer edition of the SunTimes. There’s a lot going on as you’ll see in the

SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS:

• Adding a state-of-the-art golf simulator at The Inn

following pages—and plenty of seasonal activities and special events to make this our best summer yet. Please contact a Suncadia team member if you have any questions. (There is a convenient call list on the second to last page to help ensure your question gets to the right person.) As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Mark Thorne Suncadia Managing

Director

• Designating the Nelson Farm Pool as “private” (for use by club members and their guests)

• Prioritizing tee times for Suncadia Club members

• Opening of the Nelson Farm Park

• Filling Nelson Lakes with free-flowing water (landscaping underway now)

• Opening a model home at The Uplands this summer

• Relocation of The Tumble Creek glamping area, including the addition of a custom yurt for gatherings

• Opened a new model home at Domerie Park (as part of the Mountain Home Collection)

• Completion of a community garden in which all club members may rent planter boxes

• Begin site work, installing utilities, and paving streets to serve several homes and up to 17,000 square feet of retail space. The current plan is to start construction of the homes this fall and to start construction of the retail buildings in early 2025. Also in the process of selecting tenants to deliver two new restaurants, a general store, an outdoor goods store, a home goods store, and a coffee shop.

Development & Sales Progress Report

Our goal is to elevate the overall lifestyle at Suncadia while increasing the value for our homeowners.

SUNCADIA UPDATES

Lodge Renovation

The first-floor renovations at the Lodge capture the authentic sense of place, reflecting the environment, culture, and mining history of nearby towns Cle Elum and Roslyn. Using locally sourced natural materials, the newly designed space features expanded indoor and outdoor seating, custom-commissioned art, and furniture from local artisans. The Source, now open, offers a lively dining and lounge experience, along with a new coffee shop and market, The Source Mercantile.

Nelson Farm Playground

The new Nelson Farm Playground is now complete and open! This dynamic area features a playground, pump track, jungle dome play structure, carousel spinning dish, community garden, rope swings, hammocks, sliding boards, and connected walking paths. We are also constructing a utility extension for future park restroom facilities.

Our Newest Neighborhoods

Nelson Lakes

Nelson Lakes is progressing nicely, with construction on schedule and native landscaping around the lakes underway. The new lake system, perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water activities, is now complete. Beautiful custom lots and semi-custom home offerings are available, with new builders joining the community to provide ample choices for prospective buyers.

The Uplands

Construction is progressing well, with a model home nearing completion and available for tours soon. Presale reservations for homesites and homes under construction are now available. Located on a forested ridge, The Uplands is a private, gated community for individuals 55 and better. This exclusive neighborhood offers a secluded setting near the Cle Elum River, with a private clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, and access to a network of trails and paved paths.

Suncadia Deferred Maintenance

Projects Completed

Lodge corridors

Lodge painting

Inn exterior staining

Swim and Fitness facility repair work

Purchase of new Suncadia vehicles

Purchase of needed maintenance

equipment

Installation of new spa lockers

TUMBLE CREEK UPDATES

Domerie Park

A new model home in Domerie Park is ready for tours! Part of the Tumble Creek Mountain Home Collection, this inviting model home showcases the living experience that awaits you here. New construction and pre-sale options are available. The beautiful new Domerie Park, completed in late 2023, features a large grass playfield, climbing boulders, a basketball court, pickleball courts, iconic play equipment, and a trail connector integrated with the Great House and other core amenities. This serene neighborhood offers semicustom, main-level living never before offered in Tumble Creek.

Mountain Home Collection

“I recently closed on a Mountain Home Collection residence in Domerie Park. I have a place in the desert in California and have been looking for a resort mountain community. When I saw the offering by Landed Gentry at Domerie Park, I knew this was where I wanted to be. From the moment I bought, throughout the entire building process, Suncadia and Landed Gentry exceeded my expectations. They do what they say they’re going to do—and the result was fantastic. I just did my final walk-through in May, and I couldn’t be happier.”

— John Walker, Homeowner

Completed 2023 Tumble Creek Capital Projects

It’s been a busy few months at Tumble Creek, with several construction projects and facility improvements undertaken to elevate this special, private living experience. Highlights include:

Hole 15 cart path replacement tee to bridge

Bunker sand to remaining bunkers on holes 5, 6, 14, 16

9 cardio machines and 5 strength machines added

Tennis court fence and windscreen replacement

New pool patio furniture

Splash pad resurfacing

Hill house shower repairs

New golf simulator hitting screen

“Some of the latest real estate numbers— and certainly what we see around here at Suncadia—shows that the residential market appears to be rebounding, with a resurgence in buyer interest, improvements in supply, and the strength of home values, which have remained quite strong at Suncadia. To project that out over the next few months, there should be increasing opportunities for buyers to choose from a variety of living options at both Suncadia and Tumble Creek. In fact, the long-term value here has never looked better.”

- Corey Atherton, Suncadia Real Estate

MOUNTAIN HOME COLLECTION MODEL HOME

DOMERIE PARK

PUMP TRACK

NELSON LAKES

Q&A

Creating An Elevated Club Experience With Mark Chitwood, VP of Clubs

If you haven’t met Mark Chitwood yet, please say hello when you see him. That shouldn’t be hard because he’s here virtually every day in his new role as Vice President of Clubs at Suncadia and Tumble Creek.

Mark brings a wealth of experience working at some of the finest private resort communities in the country. As a card-carrying PGA member, he can also talk about golf and maybe even relay a tip or two. We recently sat down with Mark and talked to him about the privileges of Membership at Suncadia and Tumble Creek.

Tell me a little about your background—as a golfer and on the Resort side of the business.

I’m a Native Oklahoman and Oklahoma State graduate.

I started my career at Sherwood Country Club, a private residential community in Thousand Oaks, CA as an Assistant Golf Professional, elevated to Director of Golf—I was there for eight years.

Then I moved to Oklahoma City to become Director of Golf at a new

residential community and private club called Gaillardia, for the Gaylord publishing family.

I was there for five years and got an opportunity to go to Park City, UT to become General Manager of Talisker Club, which encompassed private golf, ski, wilderness outpost, children’s camp, fitness, spa and dining club amenities, there for 10 years.

From there I went to La Quinta, CA to become a licensed real estate agent for the developer of a private residential and club community, focused exclusively on custom developer-built homes inside the gates, there for 5 years. So, I have a good bit of high-end club and resort experience in the past 20 years.

I am currently a Life Member with the PGA of America, and I joined the Suncadia team in December 2023 as the Vice President of Clubs. I’m excited to be a part of a great community, with fantastic golf, superior hospitality, and a wide range of club amenities. And it’s only going to get better.

Are there any new features, additions, perks, amenities this year for members to look forward to?

Absolutely. At Tumble Creek Club we have a number of capital projects designed to address some deferred maintenance. That’s something we want to be proactive about

from here on out.

At Suncadia Club, we recently designated the Nelson Farm Pool as private, exclusive only to our members and their guests. We also installed a new TruGolf simulator at The Inn for preferred member reservations. This is the best simulator technology out there and it’s going to be a great addition for our golf members.

We established a new Community Garden at Nelson Farm; it features custom plots for Suncadia and Tumble Creek Club members.

Let’s see, what else…we have a great new bicycle Pump Track and children’s playground at Nelson Farm. There’s been a lot of excitement about that.

Additionally, we have increased the programming at the Swim & Fitness Center for the summer season, and added a new water slide and food truck,

What is your vision for the Suncadia & Tumble Creek Clubs moving forward?

I am committed to elevating the service levels and fun programming at both clubs. I want to create opportunities for members to interact with their neighbors, and fellow Members, and cultivate those bonds season to season.

I am also working with our team to prioritize additional family experiences with a focus on creating events all members of the family can enjoy, no

In your mind, what makes a Club Membership Program successful?

I think it’s very simple. In essence: you give people the opportunity to have fun and create memories. Now that’s simple in concept, but quite a bit of planning and strategic vision goes into making that a reality for each family or individual.

The goal for us is to cultivate a multitiered resort club offering that allows each member to craft their own unique experience. That considers various things: what specific amenities do they like, what type of social programming, what are their wellness goals, and how active they are, and so forth. We help people live the resort club experience they most enjoy.

Moving forward, we want all our members to have confidence in the value of their investment by creating ever-new resort options and offerings, as well as maintaining the integrity and features of existing amenities.

matter what age. We also want to curate new offsite trips and events to broaden the Member engagement with our team and other like-minded clubs out West.

The Source: World-Class Cuisine. Local Inspiration.

Imagine the energy, ambiance, and culinary options of our newest restaurant inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients in the area. Drawing inspiration from the diverse landscape and rich culinary heritage of the Pacific Northwest, The Source replaced Portals and Fifty6 Degrees, offering a more dynamic, gratifying dining experience that celebrates local flavors, creativity, and community connection.

“This is really going to be special. Our concept with the Source was to not only elevate the culinary offering, but to enhance the ambiance and overall dining experience. We flipped the bar so that guests can now look outward over the mountains. We also extended the outdoor patio and seating area to give owners and guests an unparalleled outdoor dining experience with sweeping mountain views. And the cuisine is going to be fantastic, locally sourced, family-oriented dishes and sharable plates, as well as new cocktails, craft beers, and some of the finest wines in the region.”

- Andrew Wilson, Director of Restaurant and Bar Operations

Celebrating Taste (and Good Times!)

Chef Henry and his team strive to create an ever-evolving, highly sustainable food philosophy that is refined, inventive, locally sourced, and ingredient-driven. Taking from traditional cooking methods and combining them with innovative ingredients and techniques, Chef Henry has already established relationships with local growers and farms in Kittitas County to ensure a dynamic variety of complementary ingredients to satisfy every palate.

The Source menu will blend traditional recipes with modern twists. Through careful attention to visual presentation and storytelling, each dish will not only delight the palate but also engage all senses, inviting diners to savor the

vibrant flavors and experiences unique to our region.

A Savory PNW Experience

The Source will be a singularly unique dining experience, offering visually stunning dishes that achieve a subtle, harmonious balance of ingredients and sauces, ultimately providing a delightful dining experience for our owners, members, and guests. “Each dish was carefully created to contribute to the narrative of what the PNW region represents,” Chef Henry says. “By incorporating familiar ingredients such as huckleberry, pine nuts, apples, and salmon, and pairing them with contrasting flavors like citrus, butter, and smoke, we can create flavor profiles that blend seamlessly and tell a compelling story of the region.”

Chef Henry takes traditional dishes and gives them a twist to make them more visually impressive…and delicious, of course. For example, he has transformed the classic Banana Split dessert into a spectacular modern delight. “This involves bruleeing the bananas,” he says, “which means splitting the banana, sprinkling it with sugar, and using a torch to caramelize the top layer. The result is a dish with a bold and toasty flavor profile that elevates the traditional banana split to a new level.”

Craft Cocktails: Cheers All Around!

You can’t have good food without good drink. And the new beverage options at The Source are designed to celebrate and complement the savory cuisine. We prioritize hyper-local ingredients from the PNW, paired with a high-quality craft element.

The new signature craft cocktails showcase top-notch spirits, housemade juices and syrups, and fresh fruit. “Rather than simply serving a drink in a fancy glass, The Source aims to create a more heightened cocktail experience for guests, says Andrew Wilson. “For example, we will serve up the classics,

of course—martinis, Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, and so on—but we will also serve up fresh interpretations of various cocktails, as well as introduce new seasonal concoctions that are refreshing and flavorful.

We will also have a selection of robust non-alcoholic beverages on the new menu. The goal is to stimulate all the senses and offer a more holistic tasting experience.” The Source will also feature an updated wine list that spotlights numerous local wineries (from Washington state and the wider PNW region), as well as a selection of new and old-world wines from various countries around the world.

“When planning our menu, I aimed to capture the essence of the PNW in both the restaurant’s story and the dishes offered. The abundance of native food sources has fueled my inspiration to create meals that truly connect diners to the land and Culture.”

- Chef Henry, The Source

Chef Henry’s Banana Split (Your Kids Will Beg You for This One)

New Community Garden Promotes a Sustainable Lifestyle

“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility.”

(Wendell Berry)

It is often said that the land was the original amenity at Suncadia, all 6,400 pristine acres. The storied Cle Elum River winds and weaves through the community like an ever-present caretaker, keeping benign watch over the hills, valleys, and forests that comprise Suncadia. This incomparable natural setting forms the foundation of a sustainable living experience that is unmatched in the Pacific Northwest.

Preservation and conservation have always been at the heart of Suncadia. Even though the families who call this sanctuary home‘ represent’ a wide cross-section of ages and interests, there is one characteristic that knits them all together: the desire to live in a sustainable community that nurtures the land for future generations. That extends to every facet of life here. As an example, many of you have come to us requesting an organic garden to grow organic fruits, vegetables, and plants. We heard you and we’re happy to say we are now implementing a new Community Garden at Nelson Farm.

“This is a fun and important new amenity that everyone is excited about. The Community Garden is something that exemplifies what Suncadia is all about. It gives our members one more way to connect socially while at the same time nurture and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle on this beautifully preserved land.” - Regan Johnson, Chief Gardner

Sowing A Natural Connection to the Land

Located adjacent to the Hay Creek Organic Culinary Garden, the new Community Garden offers 21 carefully designed beds that members can rent.

“Each personal bed is $600 to rent annually,’ says Regan, “and with that comes a shed, compost, stools and tools, seed packets, and a plant start-up kit.

There is also built-in watering through an irrigation system. I will also be available as a resource, to answer questions and provide tips and needed help. Since the Culinary Garden is next to the new Community Garden, I should be easy to find.” The garden will be fully operated and managed by Regan, along with the homeowners. During the

summer, members can grow a variety of tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons. During the fall, as the season changes, members can grow kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, beets, collards, and other cold-weather-friendly vegetables.

“One of the best things about the Community Garden is that it will create a ‘Garden Community.’ This will be an inviting shared space in which Members can discuss gardening techniques, ask questions, swap seeds, share recipes, host potlucks, and basically develop friendships with other like-minded gardening enthusiasts.”

- Mark Chitwood, VP Of Clubs

All Natural, All Organic, All The Time

Everything pertaining to the Community Garden will be sustainable and earth friendly. Only organic materials will be allowed. There will be no chemicals or carbon footprint. Carefully managed compost and natural fertilizers will be used, as will pollinator flowers, such as marigolds, which serve as a natural bug and pest deterrent. All the various crops will be rotated regularly to prevent disease and safeguard the soil.

“The great thing about the new garden is that it is something that our members requested,” Regan says. “That says a lot about the common interest among homeowners in preserving the land and creating a more sustainable community. Suncadia is blessed with a dream location along the Cle Elum River, surrounded by acres of protected forests and mountains held in conservation for generations to come. It’s encouraging to see how much the homeowners here value that natural connection to the land and are committed to preserving it. Plus, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun for everyone.”

Community Events: Coming Together to Make Memories

“I love seeing an event come together after all the work has been done,” says Alyssa Holden, Community Events Manager. “To see the excitement and joy in the eyes of the attendees is special. It makes all the preparation and effort worthwhile knowing that I played a small part in helping create memories for so many different people.”

Indeed, Suncadia is all about community. The Community Events team is always looking to incorporate new events and gatherings, and striving to elevate and improve upon the events we hold annually. “As Community Events Manager,” says Alyssa, “my overarching goal is to create occasions, gatherings, and activities that will attract not only property owners, members, and guests, but also individuals and families in the extended communities of Roslyn, Cle Elum, as well as all of Kittitas County.”

Sweating The Details

Creating and sustaining the sense of community takes a lot of work and planning. It’s a full-time job for many Suncadia associates, like Alyssa. “We have a great team here that brings these events to life,” she says. “There is so much passion and creativity that

goes into planning each event, whether it’s Harvest Festival, the annual 4th of July celebration, or the brand-new Kid’s Summer Program.

To do this job well—to create experiences that people will love and cherish their whole life—takes a team that is inspired and dedicated. And in my mind, there is no better team out there than the people we have at Suncadia right now. It is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement

Suncadia and Tumble Creek homeowners are fortunate to have a dedicated community fund to enhance, innovate, and create a wide variety of seasonal events and festivals. This type of non-profit is unique to Suncadia.

We are committed to giving back to homeowners, members, and the community at large. This is the reason we can have so many great, ongoing seasonal events throughout the year: Harvest Festival, Winterfest, 4th of July Celebrations, Kids Summer Spectacular, Summer Concert Series, to name but a few.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2024

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES: July 4-6

BACKYARD SPOTLIGHT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: July 5, 12, 19, 26 & August 2, 9, 16, 23

SUNCADIA KIDS’ SUMMER SPECTACULAR: July 6, 13, 20, 27 & August 3, 10, 17, 24

ART WINE & WALK: August 31

HARVEST FESTIVAL: October 5-6, October 12-13

HALLOWEEN: October 31

WINTERFEST HOLIDAY BAZAAR: November 29-30

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: November 29

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION: December 31

Empowering Community: The Role of the HOA at Suncadia

The mission of the HOA at Suncadia is to achieve a harmonious, pro-active collaboration amongst the leadership team, Suncadia Residential Owners Association (SROA), and the various HOAs at Suncadia—we have 8.

“Our goal,” says Edward Simpkins, Director of Community Associations, “is to foster a sense of community, governance, and shared responsibility among residents at Suncadia Resort, which includes Tumble Creek, so as to enhance the collective living standards, address resident concerns, and promote a harmonious living environment. It’s a new day at Suncadia and better communication with homeowners and management is where it all starts. We must work together collectively to create the best overall living experience for everyone.”

Wellness Is a Way of Life Here (All Year-Round)

“It’s like entering a beautiful new world,” says Razzi Lentz, Suncadia Fitness Supervisor & Instructor. She has been at Suncadia for just over a year and encourages anyone and everyone to walk through the doors at Glade Spring Spa to create their bliss. Her goal is to help people find their own, unique wellness path:

“Glade Spring Spa is an enchanting environment that’s restorative and healing to one’s mind, body, and soul.” In fact, one could say the same thing about Suncadia in general—all 6,400 acres. To drive through the front gates is to leave hurry and worry behind, replacing traffic, congestion, and deadlines with fresh-flowing water,

A Collaborative Journey

One example of an effective collaboration between the HOA and Suncadia Resort is the Annual Picnic at Dawson Park. Now in its 18th year, the Annual Picnic has grown each year, now attracting some 1,000+ homeowners, all congregated together outdoors to enjoy live entertainment, multiple food trucks, various vendors, beverage tents, and more.

“This annual event demonstrates the effectiveness of true collaboration,” says Simpkins. “It is a homeowner-driven event that we fully support, helping with logistics, resources, and planning. This event creates an opportunity for everyone to not only come together and celebrate community, but to play an active role in the betterment of the community at large.”

Suncadia Hires New Owner Relations Manager: Brandi Darnall

“We are thrilled to have Brandi Darnall on board,” says Simpkins. “She will play a key role in creating and establishing relationships at both Suncadia and Tumble

towering ponderosa pines, sundappled valleys, and stunning ridge lines on every side.

“We just feel better up here, it’s absolutely gorgeous: the mountains, the rivers, the trees, it’s a true Alpine environment. We feel more relaxed, energized, and healthy here. And we both love to get out in nature and walk the trails and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The entire lifestyle at Suncadia and Tumble Creek is centered around wellness—there’s a perfect blend of rest and recreation for us here.”

- Karen & Brad Gray, Tumble Creek Homeowners

A Wellness Retreat Like No Other

“Nature is healing,” says Razzi. “Suncadia gives us these natural, soulenriching experiences that we often cut ourselves off from because of the job grind or the demands of day-today life.”

Each new day here brings the possibility of renewal. Suncadia helps people re-center and re-energize themselves, not only through an array of health and wellness offerings, but also through an immersion in this natural mountain setting. Suncadia is unique in that it gives families and individuals plenty of recreational and health-oriented options to cultivate the type of holistic wellness experience best suited to them.

Creek. Brandi will also be a conduit betweenresidents and management— homeowners now have a strong voice that they can relay their questions and concerns too. She, in turn, will pass them along to management and get the dialogue (and eventual solution) started.

This really is indicative of the new day here, and the ‘One Suncadia’ vision that encompasses homeowners, resort guests, and the Suncadia and Tumble Creek teams.” She will play a vital role in onboarding new owners and members, which includes introducing them to existing members and staff. “Brandi will help build community,” Simpkins says, “simply by bringing people together—we couldn’t be more excited about the value she brings to our community.”

SOME HOA GOALS FOR 2024 & BEYOND

Improving Communication

We realize some owners get as many as 50 Suncadia emails a month. Our goal is to prioritize and streamline communication for owners, to become more efficient and intentional about our various forms of communication, both digital and traditional.

Fostering Inclusivity

We are all linked together at Suncadia by a common objective and goal: to make Suncadia the most rewarding living experience for both owners and guests. This takes into consideration all the various programs, groups, events, and

activities on property, giving each the same level of attention and effort.

Creating Hospitality

Our goal is to deliver authentic hospitality to create a more unified culture. Suncadia is comprised of various owners, members, guests, groups, and entities. “We want to extend the same level of premier service and hospitality to everyone,” says Simpkins, “whether they are buying real estate, coming for a visit, or have lived here for 10 years. If you approach everyone with the same level of attention and service in the moment, it carries over to all facets of the community.”

Bolstering Security

Safety and security are always a priority at Suncadia, especially as we grow to accommodate more families and guests. We are prioritizing specific practices and security-controlled services—such as cameras and additional safety protocols to control access and minimize any behavior or activity that is detrimental to the safety and enjoyment of our owners and guests.

RAZZI’S WELLNESS TIPS

• Stay active, try to do some physical activity each day

• Go on regular walks

• Sign-up for a massage or body treatment

• Set fitness goals and develop a regimen to meet those goals

• Take time to slow down at various points throughout the day

• Take up a new activity: swimming, tennis, golf, pickleball, hiking, & so on

• Find a workout or exercise group for inspiration

• Schedule an aerobics or yoga class

• Take advantage of the healthy food options at our restaurants

• Consult with me (Razzi) or other fitness/wellness team members

Activating the Brand

We are thrilled to share the vibrant developments that have unfolded in our community, bringing our “Find Your Nature” brand promise to life in ways that enrich your living experience.

Over the past year, we embarked on a journey to refresh our brand , starting with updated colors and logos that reflect the spirit of our community. You may have noticed this refreshed look appearing in our Experience Guide and Basecamp publications, on the new shuttle wrap and on new murals within the lodge parking garage. These initiatives are perhaps the most noticeable visual changes but are only a part of our team’s commitment to living our values and giving deeper meaning to our brand promise.

Our core values – Connection, Harmony, Creativity, Belonging, Appreciation, Joy, and Release – guide every interaction we take.

Our values feed into our mission to create meaningful experiences that strengthen our community, protect the land, and let people live life to the fullest. Our recent development projects also exemplify how our values are an integral part of everything we do.

The new Source restaurant offers a

Q&A

Suncadia Hires New Golf Director:

Darren Howard

Darren Howard has been around golf pretty much his whole life. Not only was he a PGA Class A professional in the early 90s, but he has also worked at some of the finest private golf resorts in the country—places like Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head, SC; The Dye Preserve in Jupiter, FL; The Blackthorn Club in Johnson City, TN; and more recently, the Incline Village in Lake Tahoe. Darren understands what it takes to build a golf program and take it to the next level.

“The first thing I noticed about Suncadia,” he says, “is the amazing potential it has to be one of the premier mountain golf resorts in the country. The setting is gorgeous, the courses are stellar, the amenities are world class, and the golfing interest among members and guests (including junior golfers) is increasing each year. I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity.” We

dining experience that perfectly captures our commitment to create opportunities for connection with family and friends. Similarly, the renovation of the lodge has opened up the space and provided even more opportunities for us all to appreciate the natural beauty of the area we call home.

Moreover, the addition of the Nelson Farm bike pump track and park exemplifies our dedication to creating active and joyful outdoor spaces that allow you to explore and embrace the great outdoors.

These improvements are not just upgrades; they are embodiments of our “Find Your Nature” mantra – a harmonious blend of comfort, adventure and community. Each new amenity and enhancement is a testament to our promise of offering a living experience that is not only about a place to reside but about a lifestyle that brings you closer to nature and yourself.

Thank you for being a part of this vibrant community, where every day is an opportunity to truly find your nature.

recently sat down with Darren to discuss his vision for Suncadia golf—here’s what he had to say.

What attracted you to Suncadia?

Darren: “It’s funny, I have been in the luxury resort golf industry for three decades and I had never heard about Suncadia. When I was asked to come interview for the position, I was literally blown away by the courses and the resort itself. I kept thinking, ‘this place has everything it needs to be one of the elite mountain golf communities in the country.”

You started in December. What are some new things you’re doing here that golfers should know about?

Darren: “Well, we were adding a stateof-the-art TruGolf Simulator at the Prospector Club House. The technology is incredible, so realistic. Golfers can select from 60+ golf courses, many top rated across the country. Of course, we have a Trakman simulator at Tumble Creek, as well. The beauty of these two golf simulators is that they extend the golf season.

During the winter we can give lessons on them, members can work on their swing, and we will even hold tournaments with them during the cold months. We’re trying to demonstrate that golf is truly a yearround sport at Suncadia.”

Tell us about the three courses here, two at Suncadia and one at Tumble Creek. How are they playing?

Darren: “The courses here offer great variety, each one is beautifully laid out and

NA TU RE FIND YOUR

core values – Connection, Harmony, Creativity, Belonging, Appreciation, Joy, and Release –guide every interaction we take.”

designed, and each play differently—so there’s no danger of getting in a rut. These are all ‘everyday courses’ and they were made to be played often.

With six sets of tees, these courses can play as hard or as easy as you want them to. They each have generous fairways, giving you room for error. On the other hand, from the longer tees, there are some forced carries that can be quite challenging due to the wind up here and varied weather.

Rope Rider at Suncadia is player-friendly and allows you to run the ball up on the fairways to greens; the Tom Doak course at Tumble Creek has that feature, as well. The greens at each course are typically fast and firm, which makes it fun and challenging. And golfers here can play combination tees if they want, to mix it up. So, you may play from the back tees on certain holes and then move up to a shorter tee shot if you like. Again, the variety and options these courses give you are ideal for a resort community like Suncadia.”

Question: What are your other goals for Suncadia golf?

Darren: “We really want to elevate the conditions and playability of these outstanding courses. We aerated all three in the fall, which is the ideal time to seed. We want to keep these courses in perfect condition throughout the extended season in the fall.

We’re paying a lot of attention to the greens, to keep them firm. We are beefingup some bunkers, with more sand and better edging. We have a great Golf Superintendent here in Kevin Gomes.

Our philosophy is to pay attention to all

the details surrounding the courses—not just the greens and fairways. And above all, we are striving to deliver a higher level of service: greeting golfers when they arrive… grabbing their clubs for the round…have someone to greet you on 18 to clean your clubs or take them to the car.

We just want to elevate the service to be on the level you would expect at a premier, resort-style community.”

Question: Ever since Covid, it seems like more and more people are discovering golf. Do you see that too?

Darren: “I saw an article last week in the Wall Street Journal, that talked about how more and more millennials are flocking to golf. The sheer number of thirty- and forty-somethings is the fastest growing demographic. And that is great for places like Suncadia, who already offer an amenity-rich living experience that attracts active, outdoor-oriented individuals and families. The pool of golfers keeps growing.

Another area we are focused on is our PGA Junior League. We have more and more kids getting interested in golf. We hold clinics and tournaments for juniors, often in a scramble format, to make it more fun.

I envision at some point in the future, Suncadia could start an active golf school or academy. It would be a natural fit here, with 54 holes to add variety, the high-tech simulators and interactive capabilities, and the top-tier teaching instruction we can provide. It could potentially elevate the value within the community by attracting more and more qualified families to Suncadia who, like me, see it just once and fall in love.”

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