Playground Equipment Removal

Neighbors,

I wanted you to inform you of our latest project and also ask that you inform any curious neighbors who might ask you about it.

Earlier in the year, at the behest of our insurance company and also out of concern for the safety of our children, the Board paid a Certified Playground Safety Specialist to audit our playground and recommend a course of action to bring it inline with nationally-accepted safety standards. That lengthy report is on file at the office.

The inspector reported that appr. 7 pieces of equipment are classified as "Class 1" hazards...that means the equipment poses immediate real and serious threats to children which may result in serious injury or death. It was his opinion that the cost to modify those pieces of equipment (if even possible) is more than the value of the equipment, thus we should remove it as soon as feasible.

The Board has given this topic much thought and research. Dimitri Leventis and Toni Benton have been instrumental in gathering add'l information the playground equipment. For now, the Board has placed yellow caution tape around the equipment designated as Class 1 safety hazards. We want to inform residents to the best degree possible that 1) we have identified certain playground equipment for removal 2) We will remove this equipment in a timely fashion 3) We intend to replace the equipment with safety-certified pieces as our finances allow.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, pls contact me, the office, or any Board member.

Bits and pieces

It's been very very quiet throughout the community as we get the kids back in school, close out the summer, and look to the holidays! Your association staff have been busy with our annual audit (completed), tracking unpaid dues, and preparing for the Annual meeting scheduled in November.

If you have walked by the citrus grove recently, you may notice a couple things: light green growth on the trees, new growth almost to the ground, and the new low volume, continuous flow irrigation system. Part of our vision for the grove was to emulate the professional citrus groves that were once abundant in our area. It is common practice in these groves to have a continuous, low volume irrigation system and to allow the branches to grow to the ground - the branches prevent light from reaching the base of the tree, which curbs weed growth (a problem we have had) and keeps moisture from quickly evaporating.

We have added sophits to our pumphouse (courtesy of Mr. Jim Brasby) and will be focusing on other low-cost improvements as we finish out our fiscal and calender year.

As always, we encourage resident participation and welcome your thoughts and comments.

Some happenings...

1. Jim Brasby, our Building & Grounds Supervisor, recently welcomed a new addition to his family - Anthony (AJ) Brasby! Almost 9 lbs, he and mom are doing wonderful.
2. The Board is gearing up for our Annual Meeting in November and we're piecing together an '09 budget. Anyone wanting to assist, please call the office at 784-3054.
3. BOO! We're having a Halloween Party, courtesy of the hard working resident Dawnmarie Schnauder. It's Oct 31 - check out the September VV for details!
4. There are quite a few hurricanes heading in our general direction...a great resource to stay ahead of these storms is the Nat'l Hurricane center website www.nhc.noaa.gov. They update all tracks and storms at 5a, 11a, 5p, & 11p (every 6 hours).
5. We have several openings for different positions within the Association...we can't function efficiently without volunteers. Make a change and consider donating an hour or 2 per month to your community.

Ciao, baby!