Party On!
I am writing this before the 29th Annual Children’s Party in the Park but next month I will try to get some photos in from the event. Although I don’t have children and I don’t live in PGA National, I still come out every year to watch activities. It is always fun. Don’t tell anyone but my first year at PGA National (17 years ago when I was younger and thinner) I went down the giant slide with the then POA President, Siro DeGasperis. It’s true that you’re never too old to enjoy your childhood!
The Rumors
Coventry Lane: I know you read this to get the scoop on what’s happening so here it is: First, yes, it is true that Coventry Lane will receive curbing next year (just like most of Avenue of the Masters). This should prevent the inconsiderate ‘fools’ who intentionally pull onto the grass west of Heather Run just to spin circles or “do donuts”…well the NUT half is right! It will also keep the legitimate drivers from pulling off the road and accidentally sinking. The curbing will be done by Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (“NPBCID”) during their new fiscal year (October 1, 2015 – Sept 20, 2016.)
Road Rights of Way: The “soft shoulder” signs were replace with “no driving or parking on grass” signs. Amazingly, many people didn’t know what soft shoulders meant….until their car got stuck! Other than the aforementioned malicious damage, the new signs will hopefully keep drivers off the grass rights of way.
Other Signs: Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District is in the process of installing a speed limit warning sign at the south end of Ryder Cup Blvd. in an effort to alert drivers when their speed exceeds the posted 25 mph limit. For those who think “it’s ridiculous” that the speed limit is only 25 at the end of Ryder Cup Blvd, I invite you to pull into the Preston entry area then try to exit to go north on Ryder Cup. You will see that you must time your exit with cars entering PGA from Northlake (and racing where the road merges from two entry lanes to one) and cars leaving PGA who either made a turn off Ave of the Masters or came down the overpass hill and are in the bend in the road and racing to “make the light” at Northlake. In other words, you can’t see the cars heading south until you are pulling into the road to turn.
I constantly remind drivers to slow down (at least inside PGA) but the aforementioned sign will help remind drivers and, if that doesn’t work the police will again be issuing speeding tickets. Better a ticket than an accident, right?
Northlake at Ryder Cup Blvd: The POA Maintenance Committee and Board of Governors have been finalizing plans to completely update the landscaping along Ryder Cup Blvd from Northlake Blvd to just past the guardhouse. Plans include a low stone wall (similar to the main PGA National entry but only about 2-3 ft. tall) and replacing all the Bischofia trees along the sides of Ryder Cup with different trees. In summary, it will be quite beautiful and no longer look like a “back entry” to the community!
Getting Stoned: No they didn’t legalize anything… I’m talking about stone surfaces on the guardhouses. The Northlake Blvd guardhouse will be the next one to receive the stone finish used at the main security “Comm Center” (by the traffic circle). Once that guardhouse is done, the others will be done one at a time.
Money?: All of the above projects are paid for in the budget under Capital Improvements (except curbing which is paid for in your taxes to NPBCID). Speaking of MONEY – I’m happy to report that the POA Board has adopted the 2015-16 budget at the same $700.00 per lot. This is the 5th year that the POA assessment has remained at the same rate.
Reminders
You know I can’t write an article without nagging just a little; it’s in my DNA so here goes. Don’t worry, there are only two but you know how I harp on things:
Paths: If you ride a bicycle or skate (or use any wheeled means) and you ride on the paths along the main roads, please warn walkers when you are approaching from behind them. A Simple “coming on your left – or right” is not only common courtesy, but it might just prevent someone from getting hurt when the walker/jogger is zigging and you are zagging! Speaking of wheels – motorized equipment is not allowed on the pedestrian/bike paths or sidewalks except for the use of vehicles specifically designed for the disabled.
Pets: The POA and City both require owners to pick up after their pets and to keep them on a leash when outside of a fenced yard. This not only applies to dogs….it means any pet. By the way, Masters Park is not a “dog park”. The POA doesn’t want to create a rule prohibiting dogs so please keep them on a leash. If you can’t think of another reason for it (such as the rules require it; perhaps it will prevent a fight between your dog and another person or dog; etc.) then consider this: I was just referring to the people speeding along the roads. What would happen if your happy, playful pup noticed something really fun to chase after (like a squirrel, a bird or for some dogs, a leaf) and they took off after it – right into the roadway? It would be a terrible tragedy and would break my heart (and I don’t even know your dog) so please, please, keep your pets on a leash at all times.
As to cleaning up after your pet, the POA janitorial staff is tasked with picking up debris along the main roadway/walkways). It is amazing how many conscientious pet owners pick up their pet waste then just toss the bag along the walkway or into the bushes or even in the lakes/canals! Really? Yes! Please note that the POA has a good number of trash receptacles along the walkways. Please properly dispose of the bags – meaning in a trash receptacle (whether along the main roads or at your home).
Bye Bye Birdies
To all our seasonal residents – We wish you a happy and healthy summer. Don’t worry about us – we will be here cooking in the South Florida heat! We will hold the place together until you return.