The Beginnings

On March 4, 1981, a group of neighbors from the Foothills North #2 development met at the home of Leroy and Yvonne Bailey to form a community club for the area known as Foothills North. At this meeting, the name "Fortuna Palms Community Club" was selected and a drive got underway to purchase property from the area's developer, Henry Schechert (affectionately known as Hank, even today) of Foothills Development, for a  community clubhouse. From that day on, the drive has never stopped!

The Fortuna Palms Community Club was incorporated as a 501(c)(7) social club on April 16, 1982. Club members worked with Hank to ensure the Club and community were developed and grew in tandem. Hank donated some of the land and $20,000 for a pool, in exchange for allowing the members of his subdivision to the East into the Club. One lot was purchased on June 15, 1982 by the organization and two additional adjoining lots were donated to the Club by Hank. The ambitious original plans for the Club included a clubhouse and a pool. The Club is located at 10812 S Avenue 14 E in Yuma, Arizona.

Each of the original members participated in the purchase of the land, construction of the clubhouse, installation of the pool and in the fundraisers that helped make Fortuna Palms Community Club possible. Dues at the time were set at $100.00 per year.

One of the first of the Club's activities were community member cookouts, held each Thursday evening during the winter months.  The first flea market and bake sale was held on February 19, 1983, raising just under $1000. In addition, the Club sponsored an Old-Limp-ic Walk. The walk was two miles throughout the neighborhood and was followed by a pancake breakfast that raised funds for the organization. The Club's original sign was installed, along with the septic system in April 1983. The official groundbreaking ceremony was held November 29, 1983. In December 1983, members agreed to levy themselves a $500.00 assessment as additional funding for the pool.

The estimated costs for the original 28’ X 60’ clubhouse with a 10’ X 60’ porch was $15,000, plus sweat equity. Framing was accomplished by club members on January 9th and 10th, 1984. By March of 1984, stucco was being applied to what would come to be known as Friendship Hall. In October 1984 the brick wall surrounding the future pool was constructed. Swimming pool construction began December 12, 1984.  A New Years Eve party, complete with dinner and dancing, ended the year’s activities on a high note. 

On January 10, 1985, the swimming pool was filled with water.  The grand opening was held January 17, 1985.

In June 1985 the Club received its bingo license from the State of Arizona. The Club netted few revenues from the events and decided to end the activity.

In February 1986, 150 people took part in the third annual Old-Limp-ic walk. The two-mile walk ended with breakfast, a raffle, bake and rummage sales.  Insurance risks stopped official walks, but unsponsored walks with breakfast being hosted by the club continued for a few more years.

In 1997, Hank donated $2,000 of the $6,500 needed to refurbish the pool, adding a heater to the pool, allowing year-round use.  Additional concrete was added to the pool area and to the parking lot.

On June 16, 1997 the drinking water vending station was placed on the lot, adding passive income to the Club’s coffers.  The new shower area was added in December of 2002.  The clubhouse was painted and a new fence added in March 2006. In 2007 the new cement for the handicapped area of the parking lot was poured.

Swimming and water volleyball were popular activities. Photos from 1986 show club members in a Yoga class and lots of folks in the pool participating in water aerobics.  Dinners hosting county officials were sold out to packed houses and musicians shared their talents while club members danced many nights away.  Signature St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dances began in 1988 and were held annually (except for those dark COVID days) through 2024.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve parties were well attended by members.  Luaus, potlucks, fundraising dinners, and 50th anniversary parties were plentiful in the early years.

Today, Fortuna Palms Community Club has grown to over 500 members (just under 300 memberships). Our organization continues to be run completely by volunteers for the use of its members and guests. 

 PICTURES OF THE EARLY DAYS