Ken Lake Common Areas & Environmental Protection

Ken Lake is a beautiful neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a dedication to sustainable community. One of the key focus areas for improvement in Ken Lake is the management of common areas and environmental stewardship.

Common Areas Management and Environmental Stewardship

• Provide clear expectations to the common areas manager(s) and a clear line of communication with the board. One responsibility should include coordination of volunteers in special work parties or in standing work groups.
  

• Develop a Strategic Plan for managing the community for five, ten and twenty five years that guides park and lake management and the budgeting process. This includes reviewing previous and current reserve studies performed by CEDCORE.
  

• Volunteers should be encouraged to adopt projects or common areas to steward (see above under Community Engagement).
  

• The management of the community will reflect the covenants mandate that this is a forested, tree filled community and that, as such, we need to recognize and accommodate the special challenges associated with trees, including moss, downfall, and the danger of falling trees on both public and private properties. A Forest Management plan similar to the Lake Management plan should be developed including the use of tree professionals, both paid and volunteer, and budgeting in place to support these measures.
  

• The management of the lake is a high priority and both short term and long term plans for its care should be developed, clarified to the community, and included in short term and long term budgeting.
  

• The Urban Forest should continue to be managed as a wild refuge that is safe for residents, their children and also wildlife. It is currently managed by an informed committee but could in the future be managed by the Common Areas Manager.
  

• Residents should receive regular education about steps they can take to protect and improve the natural environment, including such measures as safe moss control and yard chemicals, clearing storm drains, managing wildlife like raccoons and coyotes. The newsletter, website, UF Kiosk, and special educational actions (like a booth at July 4th or a townhall meeting) should be used to keep residents informed. Education on environmental stewardship should supersede fining and citations for non-compliance on related issues.
  

• Recognize that we have many dog owners in the community who would like greater access to parks and connections with other dog owners, but that they also have a responsibility for dog poop and dog behavior management.
  

• The application process to run for the board should be well publicized with descriptions of the different roles and offices available within the board and an adequate time period for recruitment and application. A better application process should be used to provide more information to the community about skill sets and background of applicants. The process should be handled by the management company outside of board influence.
  

• The Events Committee should continue to offer a wide array of events tailored to appeal to the diversity of residents that live in this community.
  

• All Standing Committee Meetings will be open to the community, documented and reported on at board meetings and/or in the newsletter in order to engage greater understanding and participation in our community events and activities. A list of all standing committees, their activities, chairs, and how to contact them will be available in the Newcomers packet and on our website.