Since top ten list are popular at year end…. I thought why not do a Choctaw top ten! Included are ten of my favorite projects/enhancements to the community for 2020.
Number 10: Tree Trimming at Suqulak Trl Park:
This summer we lifted the canopies of many trees in both parks on Suqulak Trl. We also removed numerous dead trees. In my opinion, raising the canopies of mature trees is one of the best things you can do to a tree. I love the look, and it helps provide additional light and airflow for the turf below.
Number 9: Access 10 Shoreline Restoration:
This project is still in progress, but I love how it is turning out. Truckloads of concrete have been removed from the shoreline. Once removed, we removed sediment from the shoreline, corrected the contour of the shoreline by installing new rip rap, and raised the ground level to correct the grade. As a result, we have a much more user-friendly area, improved aesthetics, and the ability to add one more dock to rent. We did remove the fishing deck. The existing deck was deemed unsafe. Building a new deck has yet to be decided.
Number 8: Soccer Field Drainage:
Over the past 3 years, we have done a significant amount of work to improve parks throughout the community. Many park restorations included multiple phases. This summer we completed the third phase of the Soccer Field. Drainage along the wood line was cleaned up and a new swale was excavated. This phase not only will improve the drainage and aesthetics, but it sets us up for the next phase of this park.
Number 7: Yuma & Cherokee Drainage:
Like the park restorations, the association has improved numerous drainage issues over the past 4 years. This fall we attacked the flooding issue along the north end of Cherokee and Yuma. A new drain tile was installed under the road at Yuma and Cherokee to replace the old rusted tile. A new swale was installed at the outlet of that pipe to allow the water to properly leave the drainage tile. This will result in the water not backing up in the tile due to the outlet area being dammed up. This is phase I of the two-phase project to improve the drainage along the northwest corner of Cherokee to the Cherokee/Yuma intersection.
Number 6: Arrowhead Renovation:
What can I say – It just looks great!!
Number 5: Parking Lot Lighting: Arrowhead Parking:
A new parking lot light was installed for the south end of the lodge parking lot. This will greatly improve the visibility when the south end of the lot is in use. The light also illuminates the walking path to the Arrowhead. This light will be used when the Arrowhead is in use or events for the lodge need to use the south end of the lot.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Number 4: Business Updates:
Like many businesses, the pandemic directed us to look at things a bit different. Below are few highlights:
- This year we have set up our office equipment so that our staff has the ability to work remotely.
- We rolled out phase I of online bill pay. The second phase is to combine invoices so that you are not receiving a separate email for the membership fee charge. Our goal is to have that completed by March 1, 2021.
- Electronic forms for rental agreements, and other office documents. You will see these being utilized more with the upcoming dock and storage unit renewal agreements.
Number 3: Office Renovations:
We can not explain how much more uplifting it is to come to work to a nice office! Scroll through the before and after pictures!
Number 2: New Playground:
Definitely one of my favorite projects in my career. I have been lucky enough to be a part of many cool projects working on golf courses and during my time in the landscape industry. I have to say this one is right at the top. It just feels good leaving the office after a long day and seeing kids having fun on the playground. The group of volunteers also made this job rewarding. Definitely would not have gone as smooth without all the help. Watch the video below to relive the construction of the playground. Enjoy!
Number 1: The work of my team!!
The items listed above are all bigger ticket items. There are so many everyday tasks that get completed that go unnoticed….until it’s not done. I am very grateful to have a staff that will work at any hour, during any conditions, do things without always being told, and just take pride in their work. The team really has, and acts, with the common goal of creating positive environments and positive experiences. We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes we have to deliver news/feedback that you may not agree with. However, I can state for certain that we all have the passion to do what’s right, learn from situations, and enhance all experiences.
I am also very appreciative of the partnerships with numerous contractors. In my mind, “contractors” are team members just as much as “staff”. It takes us all to be on the same page and have the same vision in order to experience success.
The third part of our awesome team is all of the volunteers. I am not sure if everyone truly understands how much is accomplished by volunteers. Landscaping and setting up plant sales, painting, donating labor to make repairs, setting up concerts, hosting/donating concerts, playing music for the community, donating/hosting Labor Day events & fireworks, setting up parades, research work of committees and clubs, research by individuals on a specific topic of their interest, and hours of BOT work, are all items/events that took place in 2020…that probably wouldn’t have happened without volunteers. Even Mr. & Mrs. Claus donated time to the community.
We have a GREAT TEAM…and a lot of big plans for the future!
I wish everyone a safe and healthy 2021, and I look forward to the exciting experiences that 2021 will bring.
I appreciate you all and the opportunities you provide to me and my team,
Mike Casimir
CLPOA Property Manager