INSURANCE:
There is no extra insurance rider, it is a proposed addendum to the policy where a simple box is checked. The insurance company has already stated that the playground is fully covered and the rep told us that there were no specifications or restrictions. The City stated it is private property and akin to a backyard not requiring public specs. (If it were we would qualify for a 503c4 non profit and we are not. See Property Tax post.) SunCrest has also confirmed this. A certificate stating all details of this proposed insurance is supplied here, above.
BUDGET:
As several of you have asked, please note that a final budget has not yet been ascertained for the playground. The recent corner lot design has been presented for SunCrest approval. At that time we will establish a firm budget depending on whether homeowners will be donating time and fence materials, trees, etc. Nothing is hidden, the playset was $1601 including tax and from there we will see.
COSTS:
Thus far we have discussed that Darren would handle the dig for the mulch area, move the boulder, sprinkler adjustments, and pile the dirt for the berm. Volunteers can plant Aspen trees and plants that we get at WalMart for $6 each. Volunteers may also be used to dig posts with a rented auger or shovels and cement the posts in place.
MORE DONATIONS = LESS WORK:
If the donations, all of which have not yet come in, are sufficient to have Darren handle all of the work so be it. Otherwise there are folks who look forward to volunteering.
GENERAL FUNDS:
Some funds can come from the general funds for a picnic table and some of the trees if needed as these are general improvements. Please stay tuned as the budget will be shared as soon as one is fully developed. $300 a year after we saved $1000 on insurance is still a good deal and is planned as a part of the homeowners fees.
OLDER KIDS:
Signs can be posted to prevent older kids from using. Older kids in our neighborhood are not interested in playgrounds anyway -- they like World of Warcraft and X Box Live. If there is vandalism the insurance covers this. There will be picnic tables there and at the pavillion for folks of all ages -- teen and adults and children -- to congregate, and the proposed Aspen trees the play area will eventually provide dappled shade in the day.
SAFETY:
Lots of trees, raised berm with plantings, fence with corral gate, tables, and moms should deter kids from running out. Swings and slides aim to the sides where treed berm is, and there is 30 feet of distance to the curb, all blocked. A Caution sign at curve should deter speeders. We do have extremely low volume traffic. Currently the Pavillion where the children congregate is closer to the street than the proposed playset area. Furthermore the children walk on the sidewalks all the time. The waterfall is where they like to play now. The waterfall is more dangerous than a playset in every way yet we have not filled that in. A designated play area will give the children a safer and fun alternative. It would be an attractive and useful private Cove amenity.
CHANGE TO PLANS:
The concerns coming from the cutting of trees idea can be put to rest as that idea has been cancelled. The tape was merely to see the idea within the space. The vote about whether or not to cut trees is also cancelled. It was all just up for discussion and nothing was being done. The Board met with the Design Review July 7th evening to discuss the playground placement. Every possible location was considered with pros and cons weighed, the Board voted on the Corner Lot as the easiest spot. We were trying to answer the concerns about cutting trees and whether it was appropriate to even consider it. No secrets were kept and all will be presented at the meeting July 9th. Meetings of the Design Board are not required to have homeowners present but those who were coincidentally there were shown all materials openly.
PURVIEW:
The maintenance and design of common areas is under the purview of the Neighborhood Design Review Board and the Board, and no homeowner vote is required for the Board to take action on the park.
EXISTING SUNCREST AMENITIES:
The SunCrest playground is across a busy street, and is more for toddlers. A private amenity for the Cove is a plus for the neighborhood and superior to the "tot lot" at the Information Center and does not require leaving our private street, preferable to walking across Traverse Ridge Road.
NOT AN ADULTS ONLY COMMUNITY:
This is not a Retirement or Adults-Only community so those who oppose family-oriented amenities may wish to rethink their objections. Those with young families will enjoy this amenity and those who are retired may enjoy having their grandchildren play in our new playground.
PRIVATE YARDS:
No one yard is of a size or grade to accommodate a playset of this quality or magnitude in this neighborhood. Pooled resources make for a great community.
SALE OF COMMON AREA
A homeowner had an interest and approached the Board about this however no action was taken, voted on or even considered except as informal discussion. If this were ever considered it would require a homeowner vote and 67% of the owners would have to agree. Any owner in arrears loses his vote which would reduce the number of votes required. Should this ever come up formally the Board would notify all owners in writing as per the CC and Rs.
