Lakes Recreation Ctr

Pros

• The facility is nice.
• It is very clean.
• The food and service are great.
• Chef Peter is highly regarded.
• The remodel is very nice.
• The Sunday market is great.
• The tax service was excellent.
• It is so beautiful and feels like a luxury hotel.
• The place is really nice with a great location for the farmer's market.

Cons

• They were served a baby-sized portion of shepherd's pie.
• The front desk refused entry to tour with an infant, despite assurances they were just touring.
• The policy seemed nonsensical or was misinterpreted.
• The pool party was sad and the staff were grouchy.
• There were too many white people.

Review

The collection of notes paints a picture of a multifaceted venue that blends dining, recreation, and community events. Across the comments there is a common thread of cleanliness and recent improvements, with several visitors remarking on the remodel as well as how nice the overall environment feels. Several reviewers described the place as "Very Clean" and praised the remodel as gorgeous, relaxing, or even luxurious in feel. It's clear that the aesthetic upgrade has left a positive impression on many people who visit for different reasons.

On the dining side, experiences varied but tilting positive in many cases. One user mentioned a disappointing portion size, reporting that they were "ordered shepherds pie and was served a babies portion," which stands out amid otherwise favorable feedback about the food. Despite that misstep, other diners highlighted the quality of the cuisine and service, with one guest specifically singling out Chef Peter and saying, "Great food and service. LOVE Chef Peter." This kind of praise signals that, when the kitchen hits its mark, guests leave with strong impressions of flavor, attentiveness, and culinary leadership. Overall, the food experiences appear to be a mix of highs and occasional dissatisfactions, but the praise for the staff and the chef tends to dominate in the positive comments.

Policy and access are a recurring source of frustration for some visitors. A specific encounter at the front desk left a guest feeling restricted and misunderstood; the staff member reportedly forbade entry to touring guests because of infant-related limitations, insisting the pool area was "3 and over," even when the group offered to stay away from the pool and simply tour the site. The reviewer felt the policy might be misinterpreted or nonsensical, especially since other members of the group could enter if one person stayed behind with the baby. This tension highlights how operational rules can shape overall impressions, sometimes eclipsing otherwise favorable aspects like cleanliness or remodel quality.

The same threads of policy and atmosphere show up in comments about pool-related events. A separate note mentions a pool party where a 17-year-old visitor from Denver was not allowed entry, described as a "sad pool party" with "grouchy" staff. Taken with the earlier policy concerns, this suggests a broader discomfort with how age restrictions and guest rules are enforced, influencing what could otherwise be a breezy social experience. Yet these criticisms sit alongside more enthusiastic remarks about the venue's other offerings, indicating a mixed but active social scene.

Beyond dining and recreation, the venue functions as a community hub with regular markets and shows. Several notes celebrate the Sunday market atmosphere, calling it a "great Sunday market" and praising the organizers for being "very organized" with a wide array of vendors. The participation of recognizable groups, such as AAA Arizona from a local corner, is highlighted as a positive experience, with reviewers noting that the market felt well-run and engaging. The consistent mention of multiple markets - "Second Sunday Market n Craft Show" with an upcoming date - paints a picture of a vibrant, recurring event calendar that draws attendees looking for local goods and community interaction.

The location itself emerges as a major selling point for many reviewers. Phrases like "Now close to home," "So beautiful! Feels like a luxury hotel!" and "Really nice place; great location for the farmer's market we went for" reflect a sense of convenience and upscale ambiance that appeals to residents and visitors alike. The sentiment is that the venue serves as a nearby, attractive destination, whether people are there for markets, casual visits, or the pleasantries of a remodeled space that elevates the overall experience.

One remark, reflecting a critical edge in the social dynamics of the place, stands out clearly: "To many white people." This line is a stark contrast to the otherwise mixed but largely complementary notes about cleanliness, remodels, and events. It adds a candid, if uncomfortable, dimension to the overall sentiment - suggesting that the social environment and demographics may influence some visitors' experiences and feelings about the community space. While this voice is only one among many, it underscores that perceptions of inclusivity and atmosphere can vary significantly among guests.

Taken together, the reviews sketch a venue that has undergone a successful visual and structural upgrade, with a clean, inviting environment and a range of appealing programs. Guests repeatedly praise the remodel, the general ambiance, and the strength of the market and event programming. Dining experiences land on a spectrum from solid to exceptional, with notable accolades for the culinary leadership of Chef Peter and occasional criticisms around portion sizes. Access policies and the enforcement of age restrictions appear to be contentious touchpoints that shape certain visits in ways that can sour otherwise positive impressions. Overall, the place reads as a dynamic, community-oriented space that draws people for food, markets, and a sense of being part of a local hub, even as it navigates the challenges of policy interpretation and social atmosphere.

This part of Peoria, Arizona offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several reputable physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby, residents can easily access healthcare services. There are also a number of restaurants, cafes, and theaters in the area for dining and entertainment options. Additionally, several parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Places of worship are also available for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Peoria seems to offer a well-rounded and welcoming environment for seniors to consider for their future living arrangements.

Physicians

• Sonoran Vein and Endovascular (0.6 miles)
• Pleasant Pediatrics (1.2 miles)
• Aspire Pedi. Therapy (1.9 miles)
• Associated Retina Consultants (2.4 miles)
• Arrowhead Dermatology PC (2.8 miles)
• Arrowhead Endoscopy & Pain Management Center (3.6 miles)
• North Valley Dermatology & Original Skin (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Line Thai Resteraunt (1.4 miles)
• Peoria Artisan Brewery (1.5 miles)
• Whataburger (1.6 miles)
• Ventana Lakes Yacht Club (1.7 miles)
• Arrowhead Grill (1.7 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2 miles)
• Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• The Church At Arrowhead (2 miles)
• St Thomas More Parish (4.1 miles)
• Christ's Church of the Valley (4.8 miles)
• CCV Childrens Building (4.8 miles)
• Copper Hills Church (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Fletcher Heights Park (2.3 miles)
• Rio Vista Community Park (3.4 miles)
• Indoor Playgrounds International (4.7 miles)
• Foothills Park (4.8 miles)
• Thunderbird Park (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Black Rock Coffee Bar (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• Arrowhead Fountains 18 (2.4 miles)
• AMC Arrowhead 14 (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• HonorHealth Health Center (3.9 miles)