By: Jeremy Mulvihill on April 21, 2025
One of the growing challenges in our community is the lack of age-appropriate recreational spaces for older kids. Many of our children have outgrown the baby playground, and unfortunately, the grassy areas are often not usable due to dog waste. In response, a well-meaning neighbor installed a basketball hoop to provide a constructive outlet for local youth. While this initiative was appreciated by many, it also attracted more activity, which unintentionally led to damage in the surrounding area. Additionally, per HOA rules, personal basketball hoops in common areas are not permitted. That said, the core issue remains: our older kids need a safe, designated space to play. Without it, they’ll naturally turn to activities like kickball or handball in areas not designed for that kind of use, potentially causing further wear and tear. This is an opportunity for us, as a community, to start a thoughtful discussion about long-term solutions that support healthy play, respect our shared spaces, and align with HOA guidelines.