A Richland Summer!
Hello Richland!
Hello, Richland neighbors! We hope you've been enjoying the pool since its official opening on May 6th. If you've been holding back, fearing the icy touch of the water, fear no more! Our new pool heaters, as powerful as a classic sports car engine, are keeping the water at a balmy 80 degrees. It's so warm, you might start to wonder if we've tapped into a hidden hot spring!
And if you're still hesitant to venture out, June 3rd is the perfect day to make your way to the clubhouse because we're throwing the biggest pool opening party of 2023. You'll feel like you're partying with Kenny and Vanessa in Vegas, minus the neon lights and slot machines! But don't worry, what happens at the Richland pool party, stays at the Richland pool party.
And if you're still glued to your couch, remember that June 3rd isn't just about our pool party. It's also National Play Outside Day and National Trails Day. This might be the perfect opportunity to transform from a couch potato into an adventurous hiker! So, why not swap your remote for a pair of hiking boots and make a grand adventure out of it? Head out, explore our beautiful trails, and then end your expedition with a refreshing splash in the pool. It's time to literally take a hike, folks! Just remember, no removable T-tops in the pool or on the trails. We're all about PG ratings here!.
Now, if you're the type who prefers flower crowns to hiking boots, or moonlight to sunlight, don't worry, we've got you covered too! The Summer Solstice is just around the corner, and we've got plenty of options for you. Our fire pit is the perfect size for a Midnight Bonfire Dance, and our open spaces are ideal for a Drum Circle at Dawn. And if you're worried about lugging a drum around, why not try the Air Drums? They're just like an air guitar, but with more rhythm and less heavy lifting!)
So, have a fantastic summer, folks! And remember, lock your car doors. You never know who might be wandering the neighborhood looking for a midnight snack, some spare change or 1973 Stingray.
Richland HOA Announcements
The HOA has received several emails about pool and lifeguard hours. We'll leave these posted here for a bit longer! Please keep in mind that only members in good standing (those who have paid their dues) will have access to the pool and tennis courts. Happy swimming!
Pool Hours 2023
Pool Rules 2023
Community Reminders 2023
Pickleball: Yay or Nay?
As many of you can attest, Pickleball has been growing in popularity - both within Richland and across the nation. A couple years ago we purchased 4 portable nets. In all honesty, we didn't think they were going to be used as much as they have been. So we've got a proposal for you. We're considering a switch-up at our tennis courts and we need your input.
Here's the deal: We're thinking about converting the lower tennis courts 7 and 8 into permanent pickleball courts. This means we'll lose two tennis courts but gain six pickleball courts.
Pickleball has been gaining popularity and we want to know if you're on board with this change. Love it? Hate it? Let us know!
Please email your thoughts to theboard@richlander.com. Please also include your address, so we know you live here :) We value your opinion and can't wait to hear from you. Let's shape the future of Richland together!
Mailbox Makeover: Your Choice, Your Style
Hello, Richland neighbors! After a lively debate that almost turned into a scene from a Wild West movie, we've decided to simplify the mailbox replacement process.
We understand that some of our current mailboxes range from the very cheap to the very expensive. So, we're giving you the power of choice. If your mailbox needs replacing, you can either stick with the current style or opt for a new, less expensive default style.
The new mailboxes are made from rust-free aluminum, offering durability without breaking the bank. If you're interested in exploring this option, please contact Justin at justin@shabenandassociates.com for pricing details.
We'll be posting updated flyers with more information in next month's newsletter. So, whether you're sticking with the old or embracing the new, we've got you covered. Here's to a mailbox that suits your style and your budget!
Pool Update: More Heat, More Fun!
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We managed to make this improvement budget-neutral. We had initially allocated $40-60k to update the Mushroom Pool, but we couldn't find an appealing option within our price range. So, we decided to invest in heaters for both pools instead.
But that's not all! The Mushroom Pool has also received a fresh coat of paint. It's looking better than ever and ready for all the fun summer days ahead. We've also heard your concerns about the water volume and noise from the Mushroom Pool. To address this, we've installed a variable speed motor to reduce the flow. We're keeping a close eye on this, and if you think a timer or off switch is necessary, please let the board know.
We're excited about these updates and hope they will make your pool time even more enjoyable. Here's to a fantastic pool season ahead, Richland style!
The HOA Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
- 🏊♀️ Richland Waves Swim Practice - Please note that the main pool will be closed for swim practice from 8am-11am, Monday to Friday throughout June.
- 🏓 June 2nd, 7pm: Richland's First Pickleball Social - Come join us on courts 7 and 8 for our inaugural Pickleball Social! Balls and paddles will be available. This event is open to high school ages and older.
- 🎉 June 3rd: Pool Opening Party - Here's a chance to meet your neighbors and join us for the biggest pool opening party of the year! We'll have Music, Burgers, Hot Dogs (the good kind) Chips and assorted drinks. Remember, as always, this is a BYAB event (bring your adult beverage).
- 🚚🍔 June 9th, 5-8pm @ Richland Clubhouse: Food Truck - Enjoy some delicious food from The Baltimore Crab Cake & Karaoke!
- 🍦 June 10th, 3-5pm @ Richland Clubhouse: Ice Cream Social - Cool down with some sweet treats at our Ice Cream Social, followed by 🚚🌮 Mrs. Rosa Latin Food Truck - Spice up your evening with some Latin flavors from Mrs. Rosa's food truck.
- 🏊♀️ June 15, 4pm: Richland Waves vs Berkshire Barracudas - Come and cheer on our team! Please note that the main pool will close at 4pm for the event. The Mario Mushroom Pool will remain open for resident use. We will open the pool gate near the tennis courts during swim meets for easier pool access.
- 🎥 June 17th, 8pm: Movie Night - Grab your popcorn and join us for a fun-filled movie night.
- 🔢 June 21st: Bingo @ Richland Clubhouse - Test your luck at our Bingo night
- 🏊♀️ June 22, 4pm: Richland Waves vs Steeple Station Stingrays - Another exciting match awaits! The main pool will close at 4pm for the event. The Mario Mushroom Pool will remain open for resident use. We will open the pool gate near the tennis courts during swim meets for easier pool access.
Mark your calendars, but check back for updates! We've got a jam-packed month ahead of us. Let's make the most of this summer together, Richland style! 🌞
Richland Social Committee
We want to extend a huge thank you to the Richland Social Committee for their amazing work in planning events and activities. Their dedication and creativity help make Richland one of the BEST communities in Gwinnett!
Our heartfelt thanks go to:
- Christina Arrington
- Gani Banire
- Kathy Burnette
- Cornell Collum
- Carol Frye
- Jill Jones
- Maritza Makemsom
- Gabe Thompson
- Natasha Thompson
If you're interested in suggesting or helping to coordinate other events, please don't hesitate to email the Social Committee. Remember to visit the Richland Facebook page or NABR to stay informed about these and all upcoming events and activities!
Email the Social Committee if you are interested in suggesting, or helping to coordinate other events!
The Richland Social Committee (RSC)
Congratulations, Richland Waves!
Hip, hip, hooray! We're riding high! A huge congratulations to our neighborhood swim team, the undefeated Richland Waves, on their fantastic win over the Dacula Dolphins on May 25th.
A big shout-out to our swimmers and their dedicated coaches - you're making waves in the pool! Let's keep this momentum going and ride this wave of success all the way to the next few Swim Meets:
- June 1st - Away Swim Meet vs. Edinburgh Marlins
- June 2nd - Picture Day (with Sportography)
- June 8th - Away Swim Meet vs. Rivershyre Sharks
- June 15th - Home Swim Meet vs. Berkshire Barracudas
- June 22nd - Home Swim Meet vs. Steeple Station Stingrays
- June 28th - Last Chance Meet (if needed)
- July 7th - 9th - County Meet
And remember, Richland Waves Swim Practice is now Monday-Friday from 8am-11am through July 7th.
Go, Waves, go!
Join the Pickleball Craze at Richland!
Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity among our Richland residents of all ages, from high school students to adults. As our pickleball courts become busier, we're introducing a reservation system to ensure everyone gets a chance to play.
To make a reservation, visit either the Richland HOA website or richlandhoa.nabrnetwork.com. Click on 'Reservation' on the left-hand side, then scroll down to 'Tennis Courts'. Follow the instructions to set up an account and reserve a court. When reserving, select 'Pickleball'. Please note that only one court can be reserved at a time, for up to two hours.
A few of our Richland Pickleballers had the opportunity to attend the Professional Pickleball Association World Championship Series in Atlanta this past weekend. They picked up some great tips and even snapped a few selfies with the professional players!
If you'd like to join our growing Richland Pickleball Group Me Invitee Text List, send your text information to 404-713-9528. And don't worry if you're new to the game - we offer group sessions to help you learn the basics.
So, grab a paddle and join the fun! We can't wait to see you on the courts.
Richland Book Club
📚 Attention, literary enthusiasts of Richland! 📚
Our beloved Richland Book Club gathers on the 4th Tuesday of every month at the clubhouse at 7 pm. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for some intellectual conversation, we'd be thrilled to have you join us.
For more details and to RSVP, please email Ingrid Shell at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com. Grab your favorite reading glasses, and let's dive into the world of literature together! 🤓📖
Richland HOA Management Updates
🛠️ Behold, Richlanders! Prepare for a riveting journey through the latest community projects your dedicated HOA is fervently tackling (Current as of May 18). Yes, we know how exhilarating updates on lighting can be. 😉 So, buckle up and embrace the whirlwind of thrilling news about the various endeavors we're undertaking throughout the neighborhood. We challenge you to stay awake long enough to learn about the pressure washing saga. Let the adventure begin! 🎉🔦
- Officer Positions
- Jay Bulot – President
- Alan Meeks – VP
- Don Tam– Treasurer
- Jill Jones – Secretary
- Ricky Fiorillo – Member at Large
📰 HOA Governance Update: Let's Make Voting Easier!
The HOA Board has been hard at work exploring ways to simplify the voting process. We've noticed that only a small minority of residents currently vote for board members. Given recent news reports about HOA boards overstepping their authority, we believe it's crucial to increase participation in our community's decision-making process and empower residents to take action should we see similar movements within our community.
To this end, we're considering a change to our covenants to allow for electronic voting. This would make it easier for everyone to cast their vote, ensuring that our board truly represents the will of our community. In the coming months, we'll be sending out ballots for this proposed change. Additionally, we'll be going door-to-door to gather signatures in support of this initiative.
We believe that every voice in our community matters and should be heard. By making voting more accessible, we hope to encourage greater participation and ensure that our HOA continues to serve the best interests of all Richland residents.
Stay tuned for more updates on this initiative. Together, let's make Richland an even better place to live!
🏠 Clubhouse
- HOA is considering replacing the current folding chairs and with one single type, this should make it easier to store and use the chairs for special events.
- HOA Storage has had pest exclusion treatment again (more small rats were found). Hopefully this time they got them all.
- Exploring the possibility of using phone/app to access amenities. New Clubhouse reader ordered – pending installation.
- Currently in discussions regarding updating clubhouse appliances: fridge, dishwasher, ice maker, theater seating?
🌳 Landscaping/Grounds
- GCDOT has installed new sidewalk from clubhouse to Hunt River Way and York River Way.
- Playground mulch installed
- Pinestraw application installed
- New Bridge between tennis courts restained
- Stumps cleared in the wooded area by the lower tennis courts
- White rail fence on schedule for pressure washing in June
- 2 trees removed by bridge
- Landscape work, repairing irrigation by clubhouse where county hit lines inside right of way
- Landscape work spraying trail with growth inhibitor to slow growth
- Dumpster enclosure will be restained
- Dumpster service has been increased to Mon and Friday pickup every week to accommodate the increased number of parties in May and early June (mostly resident graduation parties).
🏊 Pool
- Mushroom Repainting $1,400 - completed, we have also upgraded to a variable speed motor for mushroom - $2800. We are holding off on putting timer/off switch to see if these updates solve the water volume/noise volume expressed by parents of small kids.
- Pool Heaters – installation completed – temp set to 80 degrees, plans are to enclose the heaters with fencing similar to what is around the pool today.
- AMS is scheduled to replace waterline tile and plaster both pools – fall project after pool closes.
- Pressure washed pool deck - completed.
🌊 Lakes
- Bathymetric studies have been completed for both Taylor Lake and Richlake. We are currently in the process of obtaining quotes for dredging the lakes.
To clarify, we have requested assistance from Gwinnett County to help remediate the sediment. It's important to note that only 19% of the stormwater conveyance deposited into Richlake originates from Richland. Another 24% comes from Gwinnett County Property (School Board properties including Collins Hill, Walnut Grove, and Collins Hill Park), while the remaining 57% comes from non-HOA homes and businesses surrounding Richland.
Regrettably, the county has informed us that they have decided to use your stormwater utility fees to make improvements solely to County Property. We are still awaiting a response to our previous request for support to address the sedimentation issue. However, if the county declines to assist, the majority of the dredging cost will be borne by lake property owners. It's important to note that the HOA only owns a small portion of Richlake. We will continue to keep you updated on this matter.
If you would like to view the presentation we made to Gwinnett County Officials, you can access the PowerPoint presentation here. We will continue to keep you updated on this matter.
Other Important Information:
I think the lakes where but in the 50's with funds from government support. But the lakes were designed to fill up in in about 30 years. With the developer dredging and other activities, we've seem about 60 years out of then. It's also why some of the lake property owner, own to the middle of the lake. So, yes the lake homeowner should pay the bill and no trespassing is there right. If the county does maintenance then, homeowners would loose there rights to the frontages. Hope this help to understand the scope and complexity of the lake maintenance.
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