I grew up in a Community just north of Chicago. The Community was incorporated almost 100 years before I was born. My friends and I played in parks that were built to entertain people of generations and times long before us. We drove down several streets that were built to accommodate horse drawn carriages. The high school we attended was steeped in tradition. We had a trophy case featuring trophies, awards, and pictures from sports I barely recognized. We had a hall of fame featuring all the celebrities and world renown’s that had called the community their childhood home. We had civic pride and our goal was simply to fit in.
We all tried to find our way to fit into the mold when growing up in established communities. To add our name to the voluminous book of community achievements and follow in the footsteps of our predecessors. Yes, our goal was to be part of the rich past and tradition. We knew of no other way. I certainly did not until my wife and I took a trip to Arizona.
Almost immediately we fell in love with the sunshine (it was early March – felt good coming from Chicago), the kind hearted people, the expanse, and the stars, we could actually see stars! We traveled way north from our Scottsdale hotel to a place called “Rawhide” to experience an old western town. That was only about 20 years ago. The ride from Scottsdale Road and Shea to Rawhide seemed endless, dark, and desolate. We fell in love with it. The allure was that there was no past to bind us, no footsteps to follow, and no lines to tow. This was different from anything we experienced. Fresh with the feeling of an opportunity to create a new life rather than live in someone else’s shadow.
About 9 years ago we started our migration west. Rawhide, was moved to Chandler. But that long desolate ride from Scottsdale and Shea was amazingly now populated with vibrant buildings, home developments, car dealerships, and resorts. We drove past the 101 to a new community called Desert Ridge. I remember seeing the placard. My wife and I both remarked the typeface reminded us of Disneyland, the self-proclaimed “happiest place on earth.” But seeing the meteoric growth, we knew we had to be part of it. This would be our “happy place”.
The point is virtually all of us came from somewhere else. Desert Ridge is young by community standards, about 21 years old. Not old enough to produce generations of Desert Ridgeians, steeped in a time honored and out of touch cultures or traditions dating back a century or indoctrinated with an antiquated mindset.
No, this is our turn to build a community. Our turn to write chapter one in the history books. To set the standards by which all future Desert Ridgeans wish to aspire to. It is more than an opportunity it is our responsibility.
Still Growing
Desert Ridge is only at about 40% of its total planned population. That means there will be significant growth over the coming years. We hope to attract people who will care about our community. They will only know how to fit in by following our examples. We are the ones that get to create the “brand”…welcoming new neighbors by showing them the Desert Ridge way. The brand, if you will, is what we want our community to be known and respected for. It really doesn’t cost much. It’s established by actions. It starts with just a smile, a hello, a courtesy, a helping hand to a neighbor in need. It’s understanding that “we”, together not “I” can be part of something greater than if I only concerned myself with “me”. It takes following the rules of our CC&Rs, providing feedback to the DRCA on how you feel the organization can best serve the community. It’s not a perfect world, but we can build our brand by adding to, not detracting from it.
We are off to a great start
Pinnacle High School first opened in 2000. It is considered in its first generation and already a highly respected school. People we meet around the valley know of Pinnacle High. A great community building block and source of great pride.
Today, social media spreads rumors, innuendos, and information with the speed of a keystroke. Untold people can see one comment about an experience, if posted to the right social media site. Unlike 100 years ago people had to see things for themselves (so I am told, I’m not that old) today, perception is reality. I suggest we all do our part to converge the perception and reality of Desert Ridge into one great community.
I see the buzz growing, on the DRCA website, at community events, and around Desert Ridge. We are communicating, talking, and listening, we have something special going on here. It’s worth keeping it going.
The Desert Ridge Community Association is the steward of our community. Through my involvement everyone I’ve met including volunteers, the sub-association community managers, the master association community managers, the DRCA board members are all on the same wavelength. They are here to help us enjoy our communities and build rich and full lives here. Together we can do this!
I’m looking forward to the day that friends back east no longer ask how far is Desert Ridge from Scottsdale, or Mesa, or Glendale. Instead they ask how far is Scottsdale, or Mesa, or Glendale, or Phoenix from Desert Ridge? Contact us- let us know how you think we can keep the buzz going!
Rob Reichstein
Communications Chair
Desert Ridge Community Association
