Westwind wonders
This RV and golf resort in Yuma has earned its stellar reputation
Westwind RV & Golf Resort earned the Best Parks in America rating from Woodalls, both for excellence in their facilities and their recreational activities. For a resort that was established in 1985, that is quite an accomplishment, but not a surprise—for the management made extensive improvements in 1998 and again in 2008 and 2009, with more planned for 2010. The large heated swimming pool was recently rebuilt and looks brand new.
Of the four restrooms spread throughout the resort, three have been remodeled and the last one is scheduled for an extensive makeover in 2010. A visitor will see neat, well laid out sites. Park models, mobile homes, RVs and motorhomes blend in nicely with each other. This scene together with the renovations explains half of the Woodalls’ 5W rating.
As for recreational activities, it soon became apparent that there is a lot to keep residents busy at Westwind. The main attraction is the nine hole par 3 golf course that occupies the corner of the resort and consumes 12.5 per cent of the physical space. The course is well maintained and there is also a putting green. The second most popular place is the pool which is large and inviting. A spa is adjacent to the pool. Both places were busy when we visited and it was easy to see why.
A grand facility
Another very unique aspect of Westwind is its size and the way the sites were installed. Remember, this resort was built in 1985. That’s twenty-five years ago. Most of the 1,057 trailer sites, except for those at the perimeter, are at a diagonal and either 32' by 50' or 37' by 48'. They each have a concrete patio, 6' by 20', and tress at the edge of the site. For a resort built many years ago, that is exceptional.
Activities are a large and interesting part of life at Westwind, for there are many and they vary to suit the interests of the residents. There are courts for playing bocce (3), shuffleboard (5), volleyball (1) and horseshoes (2). Entertainment is also a large draw here, with groups brought in to sing and perform. Dancing is also popular and both types of events are held in the spacious Coyote Lounge. Crafts include sewing and quilting and are highlighted at the onsite craft fair. Another popular attraction is the woodworking shop, where a resident provides tips on woodworking.
The shop is equipped with a number of modern power tools and equipment, and the finished products we saw on display were impressive. Every Saturday there is a BBQ and pool party with music under the stars.
A caring community
The resident managers, Darlene and Don Ervin, started two years ago. We spent most of our time with Don, who is an extremely people-friendly proactive person. It was not surprising that one of the residents we met commented that the manager works for the residents, and that they really felt that was their park.
That is quite a testimonial and Woodalls obviously saw exactly that type of attitude and management style during their review. We certainly did!
Extras in this resort that really impressed us included observing a bunch of men in red jackets setting up to provide a dinner. Could this be a catering firm? No, it was the Shriners and they were setting up tables and equipment to serve dinner with the proceeds from the dinner to be used to promote their favourite charity—the Shiner’s Hospitals. The management assisted in this fundraiser by providing the space and publicity, even though the resort’s restaurant would lose business that night. Another extra was the Special Olympics which included 252 people for a pool tournament. And then there is the Angel Tree at Christmas time which helps provide gifts for abused women. Of course, the residents are heavily involved and supportive, which is why the events are so successful.
Fifty per cent of the residents are from Canada, with many from Alberta. The Yuma location, with its many days of sunshine, offers many things to see and do.
Westwind RV & Golf Resort is the ideal place to take advantage of what’s on offer.
Directions:
From Jct I-8 & Fortuna Road, (Exit 12), go south 50 feet on Fortuna Road to South Frontage Road West. Drive for one mile. Westwind Resort is on the left.
Telephone: 928-342-2992 Email: [email protected]
