Sun City West is an unincorporated community within Maricopa County. Situated in the Northwest Valley of Arizona, Sun City West was built by Del Webb in 1978. The community was completed in 1997 and includes some 17,000 homes and about 30,000 residents.

Sun City West is age-restricted, and at least one resident in each household must be at least 55 years old. No one under 19 is allowed permanent residency.

As an unincorporated entity, the community is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. The Recreation Centers of Sun City West Inc. was set up by Del Webb to operate the community’s recreation centers, golf courses and other Association property. The “Rec Centers,” as the Association is known, is governed by an elected nine-member Governing Board. The Directors are all volunteers, receiving no compensation for their service.
The Governing Board is responsible for setting policies and for hiring a General Manager to carry out those policies. The General Manager, in turn, is responsible for hiring professional staff to carry out those policies.