HOA Survey about the Piney-Z Playground

Thanks to all who participated in the survey! Scroll down to the Survey Results.

The Issue

The Piney-Z amenities (Pool, Lodge, Fitness Center, and Pavilion) are owned and controlled by the Piney-Z Community Development District (CDD). The green spaces and open spaces near the Lodge (and all over the neighborhood) are owned and maintained by the HOA. The Piney-Z Playground, located next to the Lodge, is different in that the land is owned by the HOA, but the playground equipment is owned by the CDD, per the developer.

The CDD, as a governmental entity, is required to bring all of the amenities up to the new 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards by March 15, 2012. For the playground, this would mean additional mulch, paving a path from the parking lot to the playground, and adding some play items at ground level for children who cannot climb. Examples of ground level play items are panels with activities such as music chimes, steering wheels, tic-tac-toe, and other games. These can be found at some city playgrounds. The estimate to bring the playground up to the new standards is $7,000 - $10,000. The CDD has allocated up to $10,000 for this in the 2012 budget, which is included in your 2011 property taxes.

Additionally, the main playground structure, composed of climbers, tunnels, and slides, is nearing the end if its life cycle and will need to be replaced in a few years.

Options

1. The CDD can upgrade to the new ADA requirements and continue to own and maintain the equipment. If the community feels the playground is a good investment, the CDD has already allocated the funds.
2. The CDD can remove the playground equipment and the HOA can decide what to do with the empty space. If the community feels the playground is not a good investment the CDD can remove the equipment.
3. The CDD can give the playground equipment to the HOA. The CDD attorney has advised the board that they can give the equipment to the HOA if it is determined to be in the best interest of the community. The HOA is not a governmental entity and would not have to comply with the new ADA requirements. However, the HOA is concerned about this because, unlike the CDD, the HOA is staffed solely by volunteers with no maintenance personnel and very limited financial resources. Replacing the equipment may require a special assessment. Unless community response indicates otherwise, the HOA is not inclined to accept the equipment.

Survey Results

Thanks to all 147 survey respondents!