As we step into spring, it seems the universe decided to put on a celestial spectacle just for us. The recent Blood Moon and lunar eclipse painted the night sky in eerie reds, leaving some of us in awe—and others checking for werewolf sightings. If that wasn’t enough, last night’s severe weather had us bracing for impact, but miraculously, we seem to have escaped with only a few scattered branches and some very confused neighborhood geese.
But let’s not get too comfortable—April is upon us, and with it comes the trickiest day of the year: April 1st! Yes, neighbors, April Fool’s Day is back, and history has taught us to stay on guard. Who can forget the great “lost dog” saga of 2019 (when someone put up posters for an invisible dog named "Sir Barks-a-Lot" or the “HOA Mandated Yard Flamingo” email of 2016? No flamingos ever arrived, but a few people still put them out just in case. Be alert—because the pranksters of Richland never sleep (and neither do our local vampires).
With the changing season comes a slew of exciting community events, and you won’t want to miss out! Stay tuned for all the details in the upcoming section.
Stay safe, stay sharp, and keep looking up—because you never know what might be lurking in the skies... or in your yard.
Exciting News – The Pool is Opening Early!
To make things even better, we will have the pools heated for your comfort. However, please note that this will be swim at your own risk, meaning no lifeguards will be on duty. We ask that everyone, especially parents and guardians, pay extra close attention to the little ones while enjoying the water. Let’s make safety a priority as we kick off the swim season!
Upcoming Events
🏊 Pool Opening – April 5
- Swim at your own risk (no lifeguards on duty)
- Heated pools for a more enjoyable experience
- Note that the lap pool will be closed from 3p-6p weekday afternoons May 12-21 as our swim team begins their summer practices.
🌊 Richland Waves Swim Team
- Registration Opens: April 1
- Visit richlandwaves.swimtopia.com for details
- Swim Team Info Meeting: Thursday, April 17, 6pm @ Richland Clubhouse
- Learn more about the summer swim season and meet the coaches
We can’t wait to see you poolside! Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, let’s make this a great season in Richland!
Richland Eggstravaganza - Saturday April 19
- 2-5pm for Easter Egg Hunt, Face Painting and Crafts
- 0-6 @ 2:15
- 7+ @ 2:40 - Activities Will take place for the duration of the event
- Email relevant information to: Graduates@richlander.com
- High School or College Graduates Only
- If you do not receive email confirmation, be sure to reach out to us to make sure we have your student listed.
Richland Waves Swim Team News
Are you ready to get back in the pool?
Kickoff Meeting: Join us at the Richland Clubhouse on Thursday, April 17th for an informational meeting about the upcoming summer swim season. Come early at 6pm to be first in line to order this year’s swimsuit, we will present an overview of this year’s swim season at 6:30pm, and our board members will be available until 8pm as needed to answer any additional questions.
This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about joining the Waves!
Suit Up: Our swimsuit vendor will be on site, so swimmers can try on and purchase the official team swimsuit. Whether you're a new wave or a returning champion, we've got you covered!
Practice Makes Perfect: Practices kick off on May 12th after school, and shifts to morning sessions on May 28th. With six swim meets scheduled every Thursday night from May 22nd to June 26th, there's plenty of excitement on the horizon. The season extends through July 13th for swimmers who qualify for the county meet.
Flexible Schedule: We understand summer is a busy time, so practice attendance is always flexible. The swim team can easily fit alongside other summer camps and vacation plans.
Open to All: Kids age 4 to 18 as of June 1st, 2025, are invited to join the Waves, whether they live in Richland or not. We welcome swimmers of all skill levels, from experienced athletes to beginners taking their first plunge. For those outside the Richland community, a non-resident fee applies, but the opportunity to swim with us remains wide open. If your child has a passion for swimming, we're here to foster their love for the sport. Join us and make a splash this summer!
For more details, visit our website at richlandwaves.swimtopia.com.
See you at the pool!
Congratulations Richland High School Graduates
The Richland HOA is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring a special banner to celebrate and honor our 2025 graduates! The banner will be displayed on the clubhouse railing, showcasing the achievements of our young community members. It will be similar to the one pictured below.
If you have a high school or college graduate in your household, we'd love to include them on this commemorative banner. To have your graduate's name featured, please send us their information by May 1st. Be sure to include the graduate's first and last name, as well as the school they are graduating from. You will receive an email confirmation once we add your name to our list.
Please email all relevant information to: Graduates@richlander.com
If you do not receive email confirmation, be sure to reach out to us to make sure we have your student listed.
Don't miss this opportunity to recognize your graduate's hard work and dedication. Let's come together as a community and show our support for the Class of 2025!
Richland Lake Drainage Project Update
The County provided an updated schedule for the lake drainage and repair project. As always, these dates are weather-dependent, and adjustments may be made as necessary.
Updated Project Schedule:
- Lake Drawdown – Begins April 16, 2025, and will continue through April 30, 2025.
- Fish Removal – Scheduled between April 25 and May 2, 2025.
- Repairs to Outlet Control Structure – Work will take place after April 30.
- Inspection, Repair, and CIPP of Primary Spillway Pipe – Set for May 16 to May 22, 2025.
- Lowering Taylor Lake (~3.5') – Adjustments to water levels will occur between May 5 and May 22, 2025.
- Refilling Taylor Lake – Expected to begin May 30, 2025, and conclude by June 20, 2025.
- Refilling Y-16 Lake – Will take place between May 30 and July 3, 2025.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as the County moves forward with this project. The County team has assured us they will continue to provide updates as they receive them from the contractor.
Important Notice: No Illegal Leasing or Short-Term Rentals
Airbnb, short-term rentals, and unauthorized leasing of homes or rooms are strictly prohibited. Violating this policy is a direct breach of HOA regulations, and we will take swift and decisive action against any homeowner found in violation.
Richland is a residential community, not a rental marketplace. Unauthorized leasing negatively impacts security, property values, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhood.
If you are aware of a homeowner illegally renting their home, leasing rooms, or engaging in short-term rental activities, please report it immediately to theboard@richlander.com.
The HOA can and will take enforcement measures, which may include fines, legal action, and other penalties as outlined in our bylaws.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Richland a safe and stable community.
Richland HOA Board
And For the Last Time – No Chickens or any other Farm Animals!
Alright, Richland, let’s settle this once and for all—CHICKENS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Not in our HOA. Not on most of the residential lots in Gwinnett County. Not in your backyard, not in your garage, not even if you name them something cute like "Feather McNugget."
We don’t care how much you love fresh eggs, how "quiet" you claim your hens are, or how “it’s just one little chicken.” Rules are rules. If you want to raise chickens, goats, or a prize-winning herd of alpacas, it’s time to sell your house and find yourself a nice farm (or at least a neighborhood that doesn’t care). There are plenty of unkempt communities with lax or nonexistent HOAs where you and your feathery friends will fit right in.
And before you get all defensive, let’s be clear—you knew you were moving into an HOA community with restrictions, so don't act shocked when you receive a violation letter. Your neighbors don’t want to hear your rooster at sunrise, they don’t want to step in surprise “presents” while walking their dog, and they definitely don’t want to smell your DIY chicken coop.
Eggs aren’t that expensive, so let’s all agree to follow the rules, be good neighbors, and keep Richland chicken-free.
Consider this your final warning.
Sincerely,
Your Very Tired and Frustrated HOA Board
HOA Board & Management Update
HOA Board Members
- Jay Bulot – President
- Alan Meeks – Vice President
- Don Tam – Treasurer
- Sandra Hill – Secretary
- Ricky Fiorillo – Member at Large
Community Updates
Clubhouse
- Ordered new ice scoop for the kitchen ice maker.
- Replaced rusted floor register in the kitchen.
- Refilled touchless soap dispensers in the lower restrooms.
Landscaping & Grounds
- York River landscape enhancement – AEI - Pending
- Tree removal at York River entrance – Completed
- Lawrenceville Suwanee enhancement – AEI – Pending
- Rip Rap (Rocks) (2 loads) on order with Gwinnett County – Installed along creek and trail for erosion control.
- Wildwood Lake Fence Repairs – Completed; staining pending
- County installing sidewalks along Taylor Road.
- Portsmouth entrance sign – Discussing options.
Pool
- Pool Opens: April 5, 2025
- Finalizing pool mailing for residents.
- Pressure washing of pool deck and clubhouse scheduled before opening.
- Heater discussion: Approved heating both pools.
Tennis & Pickleball
- Upper tennis court gates – Replaced transformer.
- Pickleball net & scorekeeper – Scheduled for replacement this week.
- Windscreens – Retied at upper and lower courts.
- Leaf gates for courts – Quote received ($400 per gate) – Approved - work with stakeholders to identify locations.
- Additional outlets for each upper tennis pavilion – Approved.
- New plastic dining chairs (Home Depot) – 20 chairs purchased – Completed, approved purchased of additional chairs for upper courts.
Trails
- Nature Trail Maintenance – AEI Vibrating Roller - completed. Requested quote for additional gravel and drainable pipe for phase 2.
Lakes
- Requested additional information from Swampthing.us - nothing to report as of 3/16.
- County work on the dam began in March; lake drainage is in progress.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation and patience as we work to improve and maintain our community! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the board.
Richland HOA Board
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all the happenings in the Richland Community. Download the NABR Network App for your phone, or check it out on the website. Once you set up your account, you set your preferences to receive communications through text message alerts or opt to receive the same information via email or you can just regularly check the community feed for updates. Additionally, you are able to pay dues, reserve the clubhouse and submit ACC requests all virtually.
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