Adjacent to the north side of the Automotive/Restoration Club building is a canopied flat area. To the thousands of Sun City West residents who drive by the ARC building, it’s simply an area where cool cars are parked.

However, to ARC members and some others, it is more than that. It is an area that holds cherished memories and also allows people to reflect and meditate.

This area is known as “Anna’s Courtyard.” Longtime ARC member Don Scheidt provided the funding that made the courtyard a reality. The plaque at the center of the courtyard says it all: “In appreciation of my loving wife and the SCW community that has enriched our retirement ... Don Scheidt.” Don passed earlier this year in February, after 52 years of marriage to Anna. The agreement to build the courtyard with RCSCW was in 2014, with the courtyard being completed in 2016. The Rec Centers provided the funding for the large canopy.

The courtyard consists of the large area with brick pavers, the flower box arch half-wall that surrounds the front and the large area of grass. Benches spread out in the area have name plaques on them in honor of departed loved ones. Two blue benches were placed by Anna’s sister in honor of her son, who passed.

It is not uncommon to occasionally see someone sitting in the shade on one of the benches for an extended time, taking a break from walking or finding place of solace for a specific reason. Just a few steps away from the sounds of pistons, valves and carburetors, one can find comfort, reflection and spiritual bliss, just outside the door at ARC.

Visit arcofscw.com.