July 2026 Richlander Newsletter
America Turns 250…Richland is Naturally Throwing a Party
Hello Richland!
July is upon us, and this year is not just any July. This is July 2026, which means America is turning 250 years old.
That’s right. Two hundred and fifty years of independence, fireworks, cookouts, flag-themed clothing, suspiciously competitive cornhole games, and the sacred national tradition of standing in a driveway asking, “Do we have enough ice?”
And because this is Richland, we are not merely celebrating with hot dogs and fireworks. No, no. We have decided to make this a proper semiquincentennial gathering, which is apparently the official word for a 250th birthday and also what you say after stubbing your toe on the coffee table.
Naturally, invitations have been extended to all of Richland’s former newsletter-adjacent visitors and supernatural residents.
The vampires have been notified, though they have requested that fireworks begin well after dusk and that the hot dogs contain no garlic-based ingredients. The werewolves are expected to attend, provided the fireworks do not startle them into howling. The ghosts of Taylor Lake have been invited, though several RSVP’d in archaic French and one simply wrote, “Je dois trouver le cΕur de l’ocΓ©an,” which we are choosing to interpret as “I’ll bring chips.”
Captain Jacques “Shadowblade” Buleaugh and the spectral crew of the Maraudeur de Minuit may also make an appearance near the lake, assuming they can stop searching for the Heart of the Ocean long enough to appreciate a good fireworks display. MikΓ‘hrin, ancient guardian of watery things and occasional storm-based problem solver, has been asked, politely, not to summon a tempest during the show this year. He made no promises about the rain, but he did assure us that the light display will be pretty impressive.
Casperine McAllister has agreed to observe from a safe distance with a notebook, a flashlight, and what she described only as “protective herbs.” The WATCH Group will be monitoring the clubhouse roof, the bridge trolls have been reminded that July 4th is not an acceptable time to demand riddles from small children, and Zog Tharnok already knows whether you plan to attend.
So, basically, the guest list is full.
Meanwhile, we have also heard that a few Europeans may be visiting America this summer for the big 250th celebration. We welcome them warmly and encourage them to enjoy our many national wonders: air conditioning set to “arctic,” ice in every beverage, grocery stores large enough to require a map, free refills, parking spaces wide enough for actual vehicles, and the majestic American hot dog — a food item that continues to confuse, inspire, and possibly alarm foreign guests.
And if any of our European visitors find their way to Richland, they may finally understand what greatness really looks like: two pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts, trails, a clubhouse, pavilions, a fire pit, a lake, hot dogs, fireworks, and neighbors who can turn a simple HOA update into a paranormal incident report.
Yes, America is great.
But Richland?
Richland is where America comes to borrow pool noodles.
Ok…for real though: July 4th is almost here, and we are excited to celebrate with our neighbors. Bring your chairs, bring your blankets, bring your family, bring your patriotic spirit, and please bring your own drinks because this year the HOA is handling hot dogs and chips, not hydration logistics.
Happy July, Richland. Let freedom ring, let fireworks sparkle, and let no one ask the Board whether we turn the pool heater up or down on July 4th.
—Your Richland HOA Department of Red, White, Blue, and Mildly Haunted Community Events
HOA Board Updates
Electronic Voting Update π³️
For newer residents, the HOA has been working for the past couple of years to amend our bylaws to allow for electronic voting and electronic notices. Right now, many HOA votes still require paper ballots, proxies, mail, email, or in-person participation, a process scientifically designed to make everyone say, “Wait…didn’t I already sign something?”
The proposed amendment would allow Richland to use online/electronic voting and electronic meeting tools where permitted, making it easier for residents to participate in elections, bylaw votes, and other official HOA business.
The good news: we have made significant progress. As of the last update, we had approximately 480 votes submitted. The less-good news: we still need additional votes before the amendment can be finalized.
If you have not yet voted, please watch for reminders and take a few minutes to complete the form. We know HOA voting is not quite as thrilling as fireworks, barbecue, or arguing over SEC football, but it really does matter. Making voting easier helps ensure the Board actually reflects the will of the neighborhood, or at least makes future hostile takeovers more convenient.
Ballot to Allow for Electronic Voting (PDF Format)
Lake Sediment & Dredging Update π
For residents who are new to Richland, several of our community lakes have experienced significant sediment buildup over time. Some of this is natural runoff and erosion, but the HOA has also raised concerns for years that upstream development, county drainage systems, past construction activity, and stormwater flow have contributed to the problem.
Sediment buildup reduces lake depth, affects water quality, impacts appearance, and can eventually interfere with long-term lake health and use. In plain English: lakes slowly becoming mud bowls is bad.
The HOA has been gathering information, reviewing reports, speaking with contractors, and exploring long-term options, including dredging. Dredging is complicated and expensive, especially because some portions of the lakes are HOA-owned while other areas are owned by individual lakefront property owners.
To begin preparing for the long-term cost of sediment removal, the HOA added a special assessment specifically earmarked for lake sediment removal and dredging. Once all dues and assessments are collected this year, that dedicated fund should be up to approximately $100,000.
That is meaningful progress, but dredging is still a major project with many pieces to work through, including engineering, access, easements, permitting, contractor pricing, timing, and how costs may be handled across the affected areas.
The HOA will continue to keep residents updated as we work through the options. Unfortunately, lake restoration is not a “send Ricky out there with a shovel and a pirogue” kind of project, though we appreciate the confidence.
Upcoming Events π
4th of July Celebration
When: Saturday, July 4th
What: Celebrate Independence Day with us!
Music and hot dogs will start around 12:30 p.m. The HOA will be cooking hot dogs and providing chips.
This year, residents should bring their own drinks. Water, soda, juice boxes, adult beverages, electrolyte potions, vampire-safe beverages, and anything else your family needs should come with you.
We are hoping to have fireworks over the lake in front of the clubhouse shortly after dark. Please keep checking Richlander.com and the Richland Facebook page for the latest updates, final location details, and any last-minute changes.
Residents are encouraged to set up chairs and blankets early. Good viewing spots tend to go fast, and nothing says “America” quite like staking out your preferred patch of grass several hours before the show.
Special Thanks π
Thank you to the Richland Social Committee for hosting the Pool Opening Party.
A huge thanks to Jay Bulot and Ricky Fiorillo for grilling hot dogs for the pool party! Think you have what it takes to cook over 500 hotdogs in under 2 hours? Put your skills to the test by emailing the Social Committee!
If you are interested in suggesting or helping coordinate future events, please email the Social Committee at: Social@richlander.com
Remember to visit the Richland Facebook page and Richlander.com to stay informed about upcoming events and activities.
The Richland Social Committee
RSC
Email the Social Committee if you are interested in suggesting, or helping to coordinate other events!
The Richland Social Committee (RSC)
Mailbox Reminder: Your Choice, Your Style
Just a reminder, Richland homeowners now have an additional approved mailbox style available neighborhood-wide.
If your mailbox needs replacing, you may either keep the existing approved style or choose the newer, less expensive alternate style that was previously approved by the HOA. The alternate mailbox is made from rust-free aluminum, offering a more durable option without requiring anyone to take out a small mailbox mortgage.
So whether you are sticking with the classic Richland look or switching to the newer approved option, both styles are acceptable.
For pricing or details on the alternate approved mailbox style, please contact Justin at:
justin@shabenandassociates.com
Here’s to mailboxes that look good, hold mail, and hopefully avoid becoming the subject of the next great neighborhood debate.
Mailbox Refresh Option π¬✨
Not ready for a new mailbox, but yours could use a little spa day? One of our entrepreneurial young Richland residents, Everett Norman, is offering a mailbox makeover service for neighbors.
Service includes cleaning and sanding the mailbox to remove excess rust, applying two coats of black gloss paint to the mailbox and post, and adding new house numbers.
For details or to schedule, contact:
Because sometimes your mailbox does not need to be replaced; it just needs to stop looking like it has survived three recessions and a minor pirate attack.
Richland Amenities
One of the best things about Richland is that we are more than just a collection of homes, mailboxes, opinionated pool heaters, and residents who may or may not be part of the WATCH Group. We are lucky to have a neighborhood full of amenities that give residents plenty of ways to relax, gather, play, explore, celebrate, and occasionally wonder whether something just moved under the bridge.
- Lap Pool: Great for swimming laps, cooling off, swim team practice, or pretending your cannonball form is “for the kids.”
- Mushroom Feature Pool: Zero-entry pool area with the mushroom water feature, perfect for younger swimmers and families.
- Clubhouse: Available for rentals through Richlander.com for parties, meetings, celebrations, and events.
- Three Pavilions: Available to reserve through ReserveMyCourt.com at no cost for gatherings and outdoor events.
- Tennis Courts: Six tennis courts maintained for resident use, including upper and lower courts.
- Pickleball Courts: Six dedicated pickleball courts located at the lower courts, available by reservation.
- Playground: Located behind the pool and open year-round for kids to play and burn off the snack-based energy supply.
- Walking Trails: Gravel nature trails for walking, jogging, exploring, and dramatic woodland escapes from responsibility.
- Trail Bridge: The long-awaited bridge now connects the two trails, creating a longer connected route through the community.
- Community Fire Pit: Located behind the tennis courts near the clubhouse; first come, first served, so bring your own wood and extinguish fires completely.
- Park-Style Grills: Available near the fire pit and playground areas; please clean up after use.
- Fishing by the Gazebo: Residents may fish near the gazebo, which is another great way to enjoy the lake and common area.
- Richland Sharing Library: Located on the pool side of the clubhouse; take a book, leave a book, and please avoid using it as a magazine recycling center.
- Richland Book Club: Meets monthly at the clubhouse for neighbors who enjoy reading, discussion, and occasionally remembering which Tuesday it is.
- Lakes and Common Areas: Beautiful neighborhood scenery, wildlife, open space, and the occasional suspicious ripple.
Richland on HGTV? πΊπ‘
Rumor has it that Richland may have appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters in the episode “Room for His Ego,” which appears in various listings as Season 274, Episode 8 or 9 and, confusingly, also shows up on Prime Video under Season 260, Episode 11. We have not personally confirmed the cameo yet, but the episode is about an Atlanta-area home search, and we did give permission for filming in the neighborhood, so this may be the one.
So yeah, your mailbox, your landscaping, your trash can, your dog, your car in the driveway, or possibly you walking to the pool in flip-flops may now be part of basic cable history.
We are not saying you are famous.
We are also not saying you are not famous.
If anyone has seen the episode and spots Richland, please let us know. We would love to confirm whether our beautiful neighborhood made the final cut, ended up as background scenery, or was tragically left on the editing room floor like a perfectly good HOA plotline.
And, of course, if they failed to properly capture Richland’s greatness, the pools, the trails, the pickleball courts, the lakes, the clubhouse, the mysterious pool heaters, and our occasional supernatural residents, please notify the Board immediately so we can determine whether to celebrate, demand royalties, or threaten to sue someone.
Richland HOA Management Updates
Current Management Report π ️
Behold, Richlanders, another pulse-pounding installment of HOA management updates. This month we have lights being replaced, fences being repaired and stained, trees being removed and replaced, courts resurfaced, mosquitoes placed on notice, and pool heaters once again attempting to remember their purpose in life. It may not be blockbuster entertainment, but it is the glamorous behind-the-scenes work that keeps Richland running.
HOA Board Officer Positions
Jay Bulot – President
Alan Meeks – Vice President
Don Tam – Treasurer
Sandra Hill – Secretary
Ricky Fiorillo – Member at Large
Clubhouse π
It got dark on the pool deck pretty early, people complained. We reported it. The timer for the security pole lights around the pool area was replaced. Now there is light.
The security light under the clubhouse deck was also replaced, which should improve lighting around the lower clubhouse and pool area.
We are continuing to monitor the cleaning company’s service to make sure the clubhouse and pool-area facilities are being maintained appropriately during the busy summer season.
Landscaping and Grounds π³
Several landscaping and grounds projects have been completed or are pending.
The Richland Parkway picket fence repair work was completed, and staining was completed by Academy Fence.
The Taylor Road green fence repair work was completed, and staining was also completed by Academy Fence.
At the Laurel Lake entrance off Little River Drive, Academy Fence is replacing the fencing with a vinyl rail option.
The Wildwood Lake swan signage replacement is ready for installation and is pending.
The Blue Atlas Cedar was removed.
The landscape enhancement at Collins Hill and Taylor Road was completed by AEI.
The Waterford monument landscape enhancement was also completed by AEI.
The Board is continuing to work on negotiating pricing with Waste Management, because apparently even trash has decided it needs a stronger negotiating position this year.
Pool π♀️
The pool opened early this season on April 4th.
The main pool heater heat exchanger was reinstalled, and the pool is currently heating. Guards are monitoring its status, which means the heater is once again under community supervision and possibly on probation.
PASS security started on May 20th and continued through June 14th.
Thank you to everyone for your patience as pool operations continue through the summer season.
Tennis and Pickleball πΎπ
Procare Pest Services has been set up to provide mosquito treatment around the amenity area, which is great news for everyone except the mosquitoes.
The resurfacing of lower tennis courts 5 and 6 has been completed.
The Pizza and Pickleball Social was held on June 5th. Thanks to everyone who came out to play, eat, socialize, and pretend they were “just warming up” after missing three shots in a row.
Trails π₯Ύ
Boulders for the retaining wall at the ramp entrance to the bridge are still pending. This work is intended to help stabilize the ramp entrance area and improve the long-term condition of the trail access point. It may also reduce potential hiding places for trolls, though no official troll relocation plan has been adopted at this time.
Lakes π
The Board is continuing to review work related to the Richlake OCS.
Quotes received include:
Georgia Stormwater Services: $17,000
Greystone International:
$2,500 to siphon lake
$2,500 to unclog drain
$3,500 to repair the bank with rip rap on the other side of the spillway
Total: $8,500 — pending
Lake infrastructure projects are rarely exciting, but they are important. Also, anything involving siphoning, drains, rip rap, and spillways sounds like it should come with either an engineering degree, a pirate map, or both.
Stay Connected π²
Stay up to date with Richland events and announcements through Richlander.com and the Richland Facebook page.
That is where we will post the latest updates, reminders, schedule changes, and any confirmed sightings of a fully cooperative pool heater.
Other Important Information:
Father's Day Edition
Since we are soft-publishing this newsletter on Father’s Day, we thought we would tuck in a little hidden Easter egg for anyone who made it this far. Congratulations, you found the dad zone.
In honor of Father’s Day, we would like to recognize all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, bonus dads, dog dads, grill masters, pool-chair supervisors, lawn philosophers, swim-block installers, and men who have ever stood in the garage staring at something while saying, “I think I’ve got a part for that.”
Fatherhood is many things. It is love, patience, sacrifice, suspiciously strong opinions about thermostats, and the ability to fall asleep in a recliner while still insisting you are “watching the game.”
It is carrying pictures where your money used to be. It is discovering that what Dad really wants is, in fact, a nap. It is realizing that the older we get, the smarter our fathers seem to become; which is strange, because many of them still use speakerphone in public like they are addressing a town hall.
So here’s to the Richland dads who grill the hot dogs, inflate the pool floats, haul the chairs, install the swim blocks, fix the mystery noises, open impossible jars, pretend not to cry at graduations, and somehow know exactly when to say, “Ask your mother.”
Happy Father’s Day, Richland dads.
May your socks be admired, your naps be uninterrupted, your grill lines be respected, and your children remember that “World’s Best Dad” mugs are legally binding, and that you are still waiting for the boat and the island :)
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