The Walden Lake Community Association’s board of directors unanimously voted Sept. 15, to move forward with plans for a new park in place of the polo fields. Although the project is far from confirmed, the board has a design for the park and has agreed to obtain quotes and advice from civil engineering firms.
Residents use the 26-acre polo fields for recreational purposes such as soccer, but the fields have no specific functional designation. Throughout the last 10 years, WLCA has spent more than $100,000 to mow the fields.
Shelly Orrico, a Walden Lake resident and member of the Polo Field Use Committee, supports the development of a park where youth of all ages can stay active.
“Why not build it into something our community can use at all times?” she said. “We have a really nice park with a lake, but we don’t have anywhere for kids 12 and over to go to. … We really think this is a need.”
The committee plans for the park to include a softball diamond, soccer field, volleyball court and horseshoes, as well as a quarter-mile walking track. There also would be pavilions with barbecue areas, a playground and a splash park. The dog park could be relocated to this area, as well.
At Monday’s meeting, three young residents expressed their desire for this park: Alvin Orrico, Alex Wells and Travis Rainey.
“We really need a sports facility, so all the kids can hang out … and not stay inside all day, and stay active,” Wells said.
The committee proposed their park map to the board, but explained that a civil engineer is needed to consider water sources, elevation and other factors, and develop an official design.
The board voted to authorized the property manager to invite three civil engineering firms to submit designs and estimates for the project. Bob Hunter, WLCA treasurer and committee member, said he hoped the estimates would be complete by the end of the calendar year.
Jim Chancey, president of WLCA, was concerned about the possibility of deed restrictions on the polo fields and said this would have to be researched. It is possible that all Walden Lake residents would have to vote on the project, and the park could be built only if it had the majority’s approval.
MANAGEMENT
The board also discussed the selection of a property management company for 2015. Associa has managed Walden Lake for more than a decade, but board members were divided on whether to stay with the company or switch to another.
Board member Bruce Rodwell contacted five potential management companies, and the Contract Committee then narrowed it down to two options: keep Associa or switch to Greenacre Properties.
Rodwell recommended switching to Greenacre.
“We just felt that Greenacre offered a lot more,” he said. “We’ve had problems with Associa over the years.”
Greenacre is a local, family-owned company, while Associa is a national corporation. Rodwell said Greenacre would not require certain fees from residents that Associa has historically required.
“I just feel that we need a change,” said WLCA secretary Heather Updike. “Not only do they support the website, which is another project we’ve been putting off, but they’re a small family. They’re debt-free.”
Hunter does not support the switch.
“I think Associa has done a very good job for us,” he said. “With their vast pool of information with other communities they provide services to … they would continue to be good for Walden Lake.”
Hunter said the contract Associa submitted for next year showed better costs than Greenacre’s, and the company offered good ideas for community improvement.
Hunter also was concerned about a section of Greenacre’s contract regarding Walden Lake’s three administrative employees. The contract designates them as non-compete employees.
“If we were to hire Greenacre and then decide after a year or so that we wanted to go with someone else, our three current employees could not stay with us,” he said.
Four board members voted to switch to Greenacre, and four voted to stay with Associa. Because one member was absent and would have cast the deciding vote, the issue will be discussed further at the meeting Oct. 20, but the board must make a decision by Oct. 31.
TOWING POLICY
The board approved a policy regarding towing of unauthorized vehicles around the lake. After corresponding signage has been posted, vehicles without a Walden Lake sticker will be towed only if the WLCA is notified and then calls the towing company. The towing company will not “troll” the park to search for violators without receiving a call. Residents’ guests may park at the lake, but they must first obtain a visitor pass from the office.
The policy is in accordance with Florida Statute 715.07, which defines towing practice for homeowners associations.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.