STOP
A heck of a way to start my article, right? To the returning seasonal residents please note there is a new stop sign on Ave of the Champions. Please come to a complete stop. The opinions thus far have been positive and if you have ever tried to turn left off Ave of the Masters (heading to the Club) you know how important the stop sign is. There are also a large number of walkers and bicyclists crossing Ave of the Champions who appreciate the new stop sign. Everyone’s understanding is appreciated.
END OF NOVEMBER
In addition to cooler weather (we hope) the storm season ends November 30th and I will again be able to use the “H” word. I don’t want to jinx it since we experienced “H” Jeannie and Francis in October but it looks like we made it through another storm season. If you have accordion shutters closed or clear storm panels installed they must be opened/removed at the end of this month. If you don’t have storm protection, please remember that written approval from the POA Architectural Review Committee is required before installation.
PLAYGROUNDS
I’ve mentioned plans for upgrading a number of areas including new gazebos in Burwick and Marlwood parks. The Board also approved some new “spring rides” for these playgrounds. The Marlwood basketball Court has also been finalized.
Demolition of the old wood gazebos should be starting about the same time you are reading this and as soon as all the debris is cleared away, construction of the new vinyl octagon gazebos will begin. At that same time, we will accommodate for the arbor that looks like it fell from the sky in Burwick Park and missed the path. The truth is that the asphalt was a little too wide for the arbor and, since we planned to re-asphalt after the gazebos were installed, we thought it would be a good idea to move the path to run through the new arbor.
We hope you and your family take advantage of the fresh parks!
LITTLE CHANGES
Along with the end of the year comes the annual meeting. In the meeting notice being mailed in December, you will find some changes to the PGA POA Rules. Most of the changes are to clarify or clean up confusion in rules that have existed for years. One of the changes involves the 30 year old truck rule. Under the current rules even certain luxury SUVs are prohibited (i.e. those with a small bed area in the back such as the Cadillac Escalade EXT) PGA has always prohibited trucks but only between 2:am – 6:am (while you are probably sleeping). I always thought it kind of strange that people so strongly protested any change to the truck rule and said “we don’t want trucks” when the reality was that they were allowed the whole time you are awake, the whole time you are eating dinner and even while preparing for bed. The only time they are not allowed is when you’re sleeping. In other words, they can sit outside any time EXCEPT 2:00 – 6:00 a.m. As a result of the popularity of trucks over the past ten years and after long debates on the matter, the Rules Committee recommended making some changes to allow pickups if they have a custom coordinated topper over the bed (so they look like an SUV). The Board approved the recommendation and details will be defined in the amended rules. In addition, the Board approved a change in the hours prohibiting trucks. It will be midnight until 6:00 a.m. At these times they must be inside a fully enclosed garage.
ONE MORE MONTH – DON’T MISS THIS
The Annual Art Festival and Craft Fair is being held Saturday, December 13th at Masters Park from 10:am – 4:pm. If you have never enjoyed Masters Park or if you haven’t yet attended the arts and crafts festival, you don’t want to miss it this year! Not only is it relaxing to stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens, but it’s a good opportunity to find one of a kind hand-made items for yourself or others. You will find everything from clothing; children’s and pets hair accessories; paintings; photography; sculptures; jewelry (my designs too!); copper wall art; wood carved boxes, signs, and more! Tell your friends and make it a wonderful day. Hope to see you there!