The Parks HOA News December 30, 2011

HAPPY 2012! The holiday season in The Parks came to life this year with so many homes displaying spectacular decorations and colorful lights!  The amazing displays have been a sight to behold; hopefully everyone has been able to enjoy the holiday beauty in our neighborhood.  While an organized holiday lighting competition was never officially organized, Davis Lake Loop and Lost Lake Drive were especially in the spirit!

PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD VANDALISM

As you may have noticed, there has been a great increase in vandalism in The Parks. Stop signs have been broken, entry lights shattered, and street signs demolished.  The Neighborhood Watch program has helped to identify probable culprits whose names have been turned over to the police. It takes all of us to be aware of what it occurring; take pictures if you can, and call the police (541-693-6911) if you see any crime being committed. The more that is reported, the better overall picture the officers have to see a pattern and assess financial damages.

This Newsletter is getting easier to write, thanks to contributions from homeowners. Following are two articles that have been sent in:

GARBAGE ISSUES

I all of a sudden was having additional “garbage” pick up fees on my statement.  I contacted Cascade Disposal and after many months of going rounds with them for many additional charges, we discovered that there is a new driver in this area.  I let them know I have lived here since June 2005 and NEVER had these fees. They said the new driver is probably assessing fees if the lid is even slightly opened.  I told them I was going to start taking pictures of my can each week when I put it out. They came up with a better solution: I am on a “do not pick up excess garbage”, which means they have to call me before taking anything extra to confirm if there is in fact any additional garbage.  Gee… I haven’t received ONE phone call… and no more charges!

The message is: Ensure that our neighborhood knows to CLOSE their can lid TIGHT in order to avoid excess charges. They charge $3.25 per…? I’m not sure what they allow for $3.25. When seeing these multiple charges in a week and then over the months, I was shocked!  I finally got it straightened out.  Thought this would be helpful to others.

SPEEDING

The Parks is a beautiful neighborhood and my family and I love living here. It’s always fun to watch the kids playing in the park or in the fountain across from my house on Blue Lake Loop. However, what isn’t fun is the knot that gets in my stomach when I see those kids crossing the street to go play and around the corner comes yet another car accelerating to excessive speeds as they hit that straightaway. The thing that makes me really nervous is that something horrible is going to happen before any solutions are in place. Neighbors and friends, when driving on Blue Lake Loop in front of the fountain/park, or anywhere in our neighborhood, please please SLOW DOWN. Slow down for the safety of our kids, slow down for the safety of our pets, slow down for the safety of you!  I would also ask the HOA to consider speed bumps as I feel this is most likely the only solution.  Thank you for your time and happy holidays.  – Kris Arnold

HOA Response: WANTED: SAFE STREET COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Due to a spike in reports about speed and safety concerns along Blue Lake Loop near the fountain park, the time for action has come.  A number of residents have asked for speed bumps or other traffic calming measures.  Community members now have an opportunity to make a contribution.  In order to implement the best long-term solution, we should gather interested individuals, investigate all the options and present the findings to the Board.  This gives residents a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the neighborhood.  Please contact Steph Uetrecht, sutrek@gmail.com , by Jan 15, 2012 if you are interested in joining this committee.

JUST A REMINDER

We are very fortunate to live in a beautiful area full of mature trees and landscaping.  In an effort to preserve that beauty, please be aware of potential fire danger. Even with the cold nights and cool days, our neighborhood is dry and sparks can easily set off fires. The Parks Design Guidelines states: (Page 9, Section 4.4) “Due to the extreme fire danger usually present in this region, all chimneys shall be equipped with UL or L.C.B.O. approved spark arrestors. Open outdoor fire pits are prohibited. Barbecues are permitted, provided they are lidded cookers. ALL other types of portable, freestanding barbecues or outdoor fireplaces are prohibited.”  We ask all residents to please adhere to those guidelines.

SNOW REMOVAL

In case we happen to get any more snow this winter, keep in mind that you’re responsible for shoveling your sidewalks within 24 hours after it snows. The snow plow comes through if there is an accumulation of a minimum of four inches, and if the forecast doesn’t look like it’s going to be melting immediately. This is a judgment phone call placed by our property manager, who has done an outstanding job of keeping the streets plowed, yet keeping the cost in mind. This is also another reason to not park your car on the street, as it interferes with the snow plow. Alleys are also plowed, but not driveways.

THAT AFTERGLOW

Seasonal lights are to be taken down by January 31.

BOARD MEETING

The next board meeting will be on January 18, 2012, 6:30 P.M. at Cascade Middle School Library. Everyone is welcome.

ANYTHING WE’RE MISSING?

If you feel compelled to write an article for this newsletter, please email it to TheParksHOA@gmail.com.   or the Comments section on our website, theparkshoa.org. This newsletter has proven to be a great tool for keeping us all informed in the goings-on of this precious little jewel, The Parks. The more that contribute to it, the better it is!

Alpine Trail

Alpine III

Due to the increase in vandalism in The Parks,  Neighborhood Watch held its first meeting on September 20, 2011.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Minutes, September 20, 2011

For NON-EMERGENCIES, contact the police at 541-693-6911.

The Bend Police Department has provided the following information:

• 13 Burglary Tricks
• Safety of the Road
• Ten Tips for Home Safety

If you would like to participate in Neighborhood Watch, please submit your name, address, email address and phone number to this website. You will be added to the list to help dispense information regarding any questionable Parks activity.