When I work on projects for our neighborhood, I’m always encouraged by the ideas that people have to improve the pool and park. From time to time I get some suggestions from people that I don’t have any way to answer. For example, one resident asked last summer about the condition of the tennis courts. Not being a tennis player myself, I didn’t quite understand what the issues are, so I asked more – worked with some contractors, and got some ideas of what it would take to bring that area into a playable condition. As you will see below, the cost involved in fixing the tennis courts is huge.
On the flip-side of all of these great ideas is cost and extent of use. That is to say, with major repairs or upgrades, I think you have to take into account the number of people affected by a project. That being said, I wanted to bring some numbers before the neighborhood, and show you what I have found after meeting with residents and contractors on some of the ‘big ticket’ items at the pool and park.
I hope, by showing everyone ‘what stuff costs’, we can continue to show how critical every dollar is to the success of the neighborhood community. I have also created a page on this website with a ‘running list’ of ideas and prices available here: Community Wish List. The board of trustees is working hard to spend every dollar wisely, and with every resident in mind. See some of the projects we are opening to the community for input.
Pool/Park Parking Lot and Driveway – the last time the parking lot was treated was some time in the late 1990’s. The last treatment, from what I can see was a simple overcoat of sealant and painted lines. The condition of the parking lot now might be best described as ‘usable’. To repair it correctly now would require 3-4 inches of new asphalt material, sealed and regraded for drainage. The cost would also include the driveway, parking barriers, and lines. The latest estimates we have received price this job between $55,000 and $62,000 depending on the vendor.
Tennis Court Resurfacing – in the last few days, I have received a quote from a local company specializing in tennis and basketball courts. Right now, there is one course of asphalt, and a ‘top coat’ on our courts. It’s not recommended to topcoat the courts again. The big issue is that there are no drainage tiles under the courts which has led to substantial shifting and cracking. This splitting and cracking will only continue to happen unless the drainage is fixed first. Any patch jobs, seals or fillers would also fail shortly after application. Simply patching the court would be throwing good money into a bad situation. To do both the drainage tiles and the court surface would cost approximately $82,000. That price includes new drainage, court resurface, lines and nets, but not improvements to lighting or fencing.
Playground Equipment Additions – This project is ongoing, and flexible. The product catalogs I have received list prices for compete systems like we have now. From what I can see, the system we have that was purchased almost 20 years ago cost almost $25,000 then. Pricing for comparable systems now is almost twice that. However, there are loads of smaller, standalone pieces we could purchase and install piece by piece. These standalone climbers, ropes, bars, slides, and spinners could range anywhere from $25,000 – $120,000. For example, adding another system like the one pictured here from “GameTime” play systems would cost over $80,000.
Obviously I’ll keep trying to find better pricing on projects as they are suggested, but your feedback as a resident stakeholder is really important!
SO – here’s where you are able to contribute – if you have 5 minutes, please help by responding to a simple survey. There are only a few questions, but every opinion counts. On the survey, you can see many of the projects suggested over the last few years. There is also a spot for you to add your own ideas.
Please this link: BRETTON RIDGE PROJECT PRIORITY SURVEY to make your opinion heard! As a resident of Bretton Ridge, you have the right and the obligation to help steer projects, and to prioritize funding…so please take a few minutes to fill in the survey. As always, additional feedback is always welcome by emailing the current board of trustees at: board@brettonridge.com
Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Jon Jarc
Bretton Ridge Board President