Tony Muscat
Three years ago, in my capacity as chairman of the SaddleBrooke One Property and Roads Committee, I was tasked with generating proposals for updating the existing Arts and Crafts Facility, with a focus on future needs. Together with three other residents affiliated with various clubs and groups within SaddleBrooke, we initiated this project to present recommendations for both board and community consideration.
In engaging with our community’s clubs, we identified and prioritized facility requirements, which culminated in the proposal and forthcoming construction of the Community Wellness Center. However, our recommendation for a dedicated woodworking facility was not included in the final plans.
During the initial research phase, our team visited more than nine active adult communities across Arizona, from Tucson to Phoenix. We found that among major 55+ communities, only SaddleBrooke One and SaddleBrooke TWO lacked an established woodworking facility. This absence is notable, given the significant interest in woodworking within our community, evidenced by more than 250 garage workshops operating locally, paralleling the popularity of pottery, fiber arts, and similar activities. Such a facility would provide a centralized location for enthusiasts to collaborate and share expertise.
In 2023 the SaddleBrooke Woodworkers Club was established and now boasts more than 90 dues-paying members, despite the lack of a dedicated workspace. By comparison, similar clubs in other communities report memberships ranging from 200 to 300 individuals, typically limited only by available space and safe facility usage capacity.
Since its formation, the Woodworkers Club has received numerous requests from residents and both Homeowners Associations to construct, repair, or refinish various items. Certain members who maintain home workshops have managed to fulfill these requests and, despite limited resources, have earned considerable respect within the community. However, the absence of a dedicated facility continues to necessitate declining projects that could otherwise be efficiently completed.
Local real estate agents frequently receive inquiries regarding the presence of a woodworking facility in SaddleBrooke and must inevitably respond in the negative. While SaddleBrooke does host a woodcarver’s group, it is important to distinguish this from woodworking, as each discipline requires unique infrastructure.
What advantages does a woodworking facility bring to SaddleBrooke? Firstly, it makes our community more competitive compared to other 55+ communities in Arizona. Currently, we are the only major 55+ community that does not offer this amenity. Adding a woodworking facility would attract new residents and provide SaddleBrooke’s woodworkers with a dedicated space to meet and share their skills. Furthermore, under the reciprocal use agreement, this feature encourages renewal, since members from both HOAs benefit. The facility would also help maintain and boost property values by adding another appealing option in our community. Additionally, it helps future-proof SaddleBrooke, because woodworking remains an exciting and popular hobby enjoyed by many.
As we begin 2026, we encourage you to engage with your neighbors and articulate the advantages this amenity offers to all residents of SaddleBrooke. Together, let us respectfully present our case to the board, emphasizing that there are members of the community beyond golfers who would greatly appreciate and deserve a dedicated space to pursue their woodworking interests.