The Fountain of Youth

I am sure you have heard of the fountain of youth, the mythical spring discovered by Ponce de Leon around 1474, in St. Augustine, Florida.  Maybe you have even visited and if so, leave a comment down below. This mythical spring allegedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in the waters.  Isn’t this what everyone “of a certain age” is after?  However, tales of these sacred waters existed well before this discovery.  Alexander the Great was said to have come across a healing “river of paradise” in the 4th century B.C., and many other stories have been told from various places around the world throughout the years.  

All those accounts are just legends and myths. I am here to declare I have found THE fountain. So all you reading who are looking to regain your youth, prepare to jump in Sun Lakes!  It’s not in Florida, or really anywhere you might think you’d find a lake. It is in the desert of Arizona.  Yes, you heard it right, the fountain of youth is in the middle of the dry desert!

Sun Lakes is an active adult community of 55 and over located in the southern part of Chandler, Arizona near Phoenix. This planned community has approximately 10,000 homes, 5 active adult country club communities, a softball field, multiple heated pools, 5 golf courses, multiple tennis and pickleball courts and even exercise facilities. There are miles of walking paths and endless days of sunshine! 

There are also many other clubs, activities and service organizations to meet others with similar interests.  Some of these include: the Sun Lakes Hiking Club, Biking Club, Camera Club, Arts and Crafts, Quilting, Card Clubs and Theater.  However, it was on the softball field, aptly named The Field of Dreams, where I first encountered this fountain. 

Having played softball my entire life, I was excited at the opportunity to take the field again.  I realized I was no longer in my 20’s myself, but was amazed to see “seniors” in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s running around the baseball diamond as if they were in their prime.  Truly an inspiration, these men and yes, even some women play regularly and competitively with the same enthusiasm as if The Commissioner’s Trophy was on the line.  While competitiveness was evident, it was great to see a real sense of friendship, camaraderie and most importantly, fun!  This season is just getting underway, so stop by and cheer them on if you are nearby.  You will even find one of the teams sponsors to be very familiar.  Yes, you guessed it, SkyView Digital Media! 

If softball isn’t your game, maybe tennis or pickleball spike your interest.  There are a number of courts to check out whether you are in the Tennis and Pickleball Center at Iron Oaks or the Cottonwood Palo Verde section, it won’t be difficult to find a court to play.  There are plenty of opportunities to connect and play during the day or even at night since the courts have lights! 

Once you conquer the pickleball courts, you can head over for a round of golf on any one of the five golf courses. Tee up on some beautifully palm tree lined holes with your own foursome or join one of the men or women’s leagues.  These professionally designed courses will definitely challenge you, but you will have fun in the process!  After your round of golf, you won’t want to miss heading for the 19th hole, especially on the Oakwood Course.  You can dine inside or on the lakeside patio of the Stone & Barrel Restaurant . If you’re not hungry, just grab a drink and visit while catching all the big games of the day in the bar.  I must warn you though, you might get distracted by one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see if you’re enjoying a late dinner.

Whether it’s sports or any of the other numerous activities and clubs, you will have endless choices for activity.  On average there are 297 sunny days out of the year, no snow, and minimal rainfall.  Yes, the summers are hot, but the fall and winter are amazing!  As I look out my window in the Midwest on another rainy, dreary day in the 50’s, I must admit I am dreaming of being back flying around taking more beautiful pictures in Sun Lakes! 

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The Fountain of Youth

I am sure you have heard of the fountain of youth, the mythical spring discovered by Ponce de Leon around Read more