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LAKE FOREST ESTATES HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, APRIL 2015
Inside This Issue
President’s Message
1
Spring Projects, Yard Care
2
Announcements
3
Sports Court Rules
4, 5
Easter Egg Hunt Pictures
6,7
Calendar, Contacts
8
President’s Message
I hope everyone is enjoying our lovely spring weather. It’s
certainly nice to see the spring flowers out in their prime.
The major challenge our community has been facing over
the past few months has been the city’s effort to rework the
financing for the “Legacy Site” property which boarders the
southern side of our development and a rewriting of the
city’s 10 year Comprehensive Plan. At stake is its potential
development into ultra high density commercial and residential buildings up to 5 stories.
Getting involved with this process has certainly been an
exposure of “entering into the wild side” of city politics.
With all the various factions between the City Council, the
Planning Commission, city staff members, consultants and
outside influences such as other HOAs and developers;
there was a very difficult task of figuring out just what was
happening and who represents what. Muddying the water
appears to be leadership issues, lack of effective communication and no real interest in reaching out for citizen involvement in the process. Some of the players appear to
be avoiding the past work and promises of past city officials
such as the Citizens Advisory Committee report on the
Legacy Site from 2005.
What we saw back in February, when we first got involved,
was an effort to restructure the city financing for changing
the Legacy site from tax-exempt bonds to taxable bonds
which would have removed restrictions for half of the property to be limited to “public use”. At the same time, the city
Comprehensive Plan was being rewritten to allow development of the site with “fine grained street” plan and high
density 5 story buildings with ground floor commercial
space and apartments above. Housing densities of 36
units per acre were being planned which would dictate
small apartments (our development is 4 per acre). Obviously, having this density of development next door to us
would have a significant impact on our community and
property values.
We were able to help sound the alarm as what was happening. With a lot of help from many of the residents of Lake
Forest Estates with letters, e-mails and participation at the
City Council and Planning Commission meetings, I think we
had an effective impact on the decision to retain the taxexempt status of the finance bonds for the Legacy Site that
retains the public use limitation for at least 5 years.
The rewrite of the city Comprehensive Plan is a continuing
work in progress. We now have allies on the commission
that are working to change the language to make the Legacy
Site a separately defined area from partially developed areas
to the south. This will be a big step forward because it will
allow separate zoning restrictions to be placed on the property to keep it consistent with the concepts originally brought
forth in the 2005 CAC report. The updating of the zoning
restrictions is actually a separate activity to rewriting the
Comprehensive Plan (CA) that will take place after the CA is
approved by the City Council. This probably won’t be complete for another 6 to 9 months.
We will have to stay involved for quite a while to help shape
the future development of the Legacy Site into an asset that
benefits both the City of Maple Valley and Lake Forest Estates. Our suggestions have been communicated to appropriate officials. Hopefully a continuing presence in key meetings will keep things moving in a favorable direction. We
could certainly use some help attending the City Council and
Planning Commission meetings.
Concerning issues closer to home!
I’m sure everyone has noticed our light pole at the entry island is back in place. A new pole was needed to replace the
pole damage in the accident. Thanks to Greg Frisbee and
PSE, the light fixture is rebuilt with a new lens and LED bulb.
I regret to announce that Lorin Burke has decided to step
down as Treasurer. Debbie Brothers has agreed to take over
the role. We thank both Lorin and Debbie for their contribution to our community.
Our Community Pride Day is approaching on Saturday May
2nd. This is where we meet on Saturday morning and work
together on a project to improve our common facilities and
then have a barbeque lunch. It’s always fun to reacquaint
with our neighbors after the long winter. This year we will
continue cleaning out some of the overgrown brush in the
park. We started this last year and there is still plenty to do.
See you there!
Wayne Anderson, LFHOA President
Common Area Spring Projects
While Bostonians were watching the snow fall from the sky all winter, we counted our blessings. But as we all
know, living here in the good old Pacific Northwest there is one ghastly never ending downside to mild wet winters.
You got it, MOSS! No doubt many of you have marveled at the sight of the bumper crop of moss along the fence on
253rd. The buildup has actually taken place over a number of years. Chemical treatments just aren’t enough anymore so the Board has decided to bite the bullet and have Wilson Enterprises renovate the lawn. The area includes
the lawn along the fence and extending around the entrance signs for a distance of approximately 100 ft each direction along Hwy169. The renovation will include killing the moss and removing it with a power rake. Next spread a
layer of topsoil over the area, roll it smooth then reseeding. Please be patient with the initial unsightliness of the
project but the entrance will look so much better by summer.
For our annual Pride Day event, we’ll continue our focus on removing overgrown vegetation in the Park. Last spring
we removed a number of native maple trees, trimmed down the salal and pruned the Rhodies. We leased a dumpster for a week and had 3 loads hauled away. Afterwards we’ve had several positive comments about how “open”
the Park looks. This year we plan on clearing out the area along the lower trail adjacent to the Native Growth Protection Easement. We estimate about 2 dumpster loads for this effort. Upon completion we’ll have our typical delectable version of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives BBQ burger and hotdog luncheon at the picnic shelter.
Hopefully by the time this newsletter is published we will also have had Wilson refurbish the threshold under the
contractor entrance gate to the Park. For various reasons the soil and gravel under the gate have eroded leaving
large gaps under the gate. The refurbishment will consist of digging down to the native rock and clay then back filling with 3 in. crushed rock and compacting it to create a hard dense level surface.
LFEHOA Work Accomplished
Tasks
By
De-winterize Park
Wayne Anderson and Lloyd Baker
Rebuild entry street light fixture with a new lens and LED bulb
Greg Frisbee and PSE
Replace 2,600 pound boulder displaced during accident at entry island
Wilson Enterprises (our landscape contractor)
Install light pole and street light in center island at entry
Wayne Anderson and Bernie Glaze
Replaced lamps in center island LV lighting
Wayne Anderson
Repair gravel at park contractor gate
Wilson Enterprises
Repair park fence, damaged by unauthorized persons climbing over fence
Wayne Anderson and Lloyd Baker
Repair rock wall at beach
Lloyd Baker and Wayne Anderson
Update on Lime Application to Our Lawns
Last spring I wrote an article about soil testing for lawns and the recommendation given by King County Soil Conservation District (see the Spring 2014 Newsletter on www.LakeForestEstatesHOA.com). I thought a follow-up article
would be appropriate.
After taking several soil samples to their facility last spring, I receive a test report recommending that I apply 5 applications of granulated dolomite lime during the spring and summer months. It appears the big problem with the soil in
our area is very low pH (about 4.5 where 7 is ideal).
I followed their recommendation for my yard. Here are my observations:
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Over the summer the lawn stayed much greener and looked much healthier, even after the hot weather spells.
I only applied fertilizer twice because it just didn’t seem to need any.
The lime is cheap compared to the cost of fertilizer.
So while applying the lime is a bit of hassle, the savings in fertilizer is a good trade off and probably better for the
environment.
This spring the yard greened up quicker than normal and really looks great compared to previous years.
This spring I had the soil tested again. I was surprised to find the pH was almost the same as last year at 4.6! I was
hoping to see the pH closer to normal. The recommendation is for the same application of lime. So based on my
observations of my yard, I will continue to follow KCSCD recommendations.
Announcements!
Call for Pride Day!
Were You There for the Easter Eggs?
Held on Saturday, April 4, 2015
Our Community Pride Day is approaching on Saturday May 2nd. This is where we all meet on Saturday morning and work together on a project to
improve our common facilities and then have a
barbeque lunch. It’s always fun to reacquaint with
our neighbors after the long winter. This year we
will continue cleaning out some of the overgrown
brush in the park. We started this last year and
there is still plenty to do. See you there!
A special “THANK YOU” to Lori Kaid for making
this year’s Easter Egg Hunt for the Children of
Lake Forest Estates a memorable and successful
event. Lori filled over 1,000 eggs with candy, had
Easter stickers, rubber Easter bunnies, and special suckers for the children.
Seeing the smiling faces on the children make this
event so rewarding and the parents really enjoy
this time with their children.
Easter Egg Hunt Photos are on Page 6 & 7 and
were taken by Wayne Anderson
Garbage Can Reminder
Annual Garage Sale
Are You Ready???
A reminder; our CC&Rs call for garbage cans to
“sealed from view from any lot”. Cans should only
be moved to the street curb the day before garbage pickup and then stored away from view from
the street or neighbors the day of pickup. Storage
of garbage cans on the driveway or visible from
the street is not permitted.
Saturday, June 6, 2015 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
If you have unwanted items to sell, consider joining your neighbors with our garage sale!
We are looking for a chairperson for this year’s
annual event. If you are interested please contact
[email protected]
Park and Sport Court Rules
As the weather gets warmer activity in our park and sport court will increase, unfortunately each year we have
problems with non-residents trespassing on our facilities. Last year we added new and improved private property signs to help reduce this problem. This year the board is also considering other deterrents to trespassers in
an effort to improve homeowners’ enjoyment, and reduce vandalism.
Attached are the Park and Sports Court Rules, which are also posted on the kiosk at the park entrance. Please
make sure all family members who use the park and sport court are aware of the rules. Here are a few primary
rules:
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A Key must be in the authorized user's possession while they are in the park
Authorized users under 21 years of age are limited to two guest per key
No bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, or wheeled vehicles on the sport court.
(We spent over $7,000 to resurface it last fall)
We hope everyone has a great time enjoying the park this year.
Park & Sport Court Rules
The Lake Forest Estates Homeowners’ Association Park and Sports Court are owned by and maintained for
the enjoyment of the current homeowners and their resident family members at Lake Forest Estates. Conditions of use and responsibilities are contained within our CC&Rs.
Authorized Users
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Homeowners and their resident family members.
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Homeowner’s parents, children, and grandchildren not currently residing within Lake Forest Estates may
obtain use privileges if the homeowner notifies the HOA, indicating names, relationship, indicates that non
-residents agree to abide by these rules and the homeowner agrees to be liable for any damages caused.
LFE keys checked out to the homeowner may be used by the registered non-resident family members for
unaccompanied use of the Park and Sport Court. No keys will be issued to non-residents. Guests will be
limited to two (2) per key. Privileges may be revoked if problems develop.
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Renters/lessees and their resident family members within Lake Forest Estates may obtain use privileges
if the homeowner notifies the HOA Treasurer with the name, phone number and e-mail address of the
renter. The Treasurer will contact the renter and issue keys upon the renter making a key deposit and
agreeing to abide by these rules. LFE keys are to be returned prior to vacating residence. Non-resident
family use privileges will be granted to renters according to the previous paragraph. Privileges may be
revoked if problems develop. Homeowners are not to pass LFE keys to renters.
Hours
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Gated park and lakefront - Dawn to Dusk.
Sports court - 9 AM to Dusk.
LFE Park and Parking Lot keys
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Contact the Treasurer for new or replacement keys.
Keys are issued to homeowners and renters and are for the use of resident family members only.
Keys are not to be given out to any other individuals, except as allowed above.
LFE keys must be used to enter or exit the park and parking lot.
A key must be in the authorized user’s or their family’s possession while they are in the park.
Persons without an authorized key or as authorized by these posted park rules will be asked to leave or
may be referred to Maple Valley Police.
Keys found in the possession of unauthorized people will be confiscated.
Parking
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All vehicles should park in the HOA parking lot.
No parking on the private drive adjoining the park, King County Trail or on park access roadway.
If the parking lot is full, please be considerate of homeowners living adjacent to the park by observing the
“No Parking” signs posted on the adjoining streets.
Parking lot and park entrance gates are to be closed and locked immediately after entering or exiting.
Supervision of Children
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Children under 12 years of age should be accompanied by an adult.
Alcoholic Beverages
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The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in the park in accordance with Washington State
liquor laws, i.e., persons must be 21 years of age or older.
Fireworks
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No fireworks of any kind permitted in the park, beach, dock, sports court or parking lot.
Homeowner’s Responsibility
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The homeowner will be responsible for adhering to these rules and for any damages caused by members
of their household, authorized non-residents, guests or pets.
Park & Sport Court Rules continued
Guests:
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The park and sports court are intended for use by residents of Lake Forest Estates.
Guests must be accompanied by an authorized user with a LFE key at all times.
The authorized user is responsible for opening and closing gates for their guests.
In the park, authorized users under 21 years old are limited to two guests each unless accompanied by
an authorized user over 21 years old.
Pets
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Pet owners are to clean up after their pets in the park and sports court areas. A dispenser for plastic
bags for this purpose is located on the restroom building.
Sports Court
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Athletic shoes are required
No bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards or wheeled vehicles are permitted
No fireworks
Court use is on a first come – first served basis; no reservations. One-hour time limit if others are waiting.
Fires and BBQ’s
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No campfires are allowed.
Fires are permitted only in the BBQ’s.
Use only charcoal briquettes in the BBQ’s.
Beachfront and Dock
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Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard.
Children under 12 should be supervised.
No climbing on or diving from the dock handrail.
No bicycle riding on the dock.
No swimming under the dock (there are mooring chains under the dock)
No glass containers on the beach or dock.
Picnic Shelter Reservations:
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The picnic shelter can be reserved by LFE homeowners and renters for private events.
Reservation requests for groups larger than 50 need to be submitted to the Board for approval.
A reservation covers only the picnic shelter and immediate area. The remainder of the park is open to all
homeowners.
Reservations should be made with the LFE Secretary at least two weeks in advance:
 First come, first served.
 The reservation form may be downloaded from our web site: www.LakeForestEstatesHOA.com.
 The name and phone number of the Secretary can be found on the Association Website.
 A completed reservations form and a refundable $50.00 cleaning deposit is needed to confirm
your reservation. This deposit will be refunded if the area is cleaned up and your trash removed
from the park immediately after the event.
The HOA Secretary will provide the homeowner with a “Picnic Shelter Reserved,” notice to post
The picnic shelter and surrounding area should be left in the condition that you found it.
Enforcement
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Any LFE homeowner or resident may ask users to show LFE key or proof of residence. Homeowners are
encouraged to escort unauthorized users out of the park and/or report inappropriate activity to the Police
Safety Issues or Items Needing Maintenance:
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Please report any safety problems or facilities needing maintenance to a HOA Board member. The LFE
e-mail address is [email protected].
LFEHOA Elected Board Members
President
Vice-President
Contracts Administrator
Secretary
Treasurer
Other Important Contacts
Park Reservations
Park Keys
ACC Committee
Finance Committee
Welcoming Chair
BlockWatch Chair
Newsletter Publisher
Webmaster
Wayne Anderson
Chuck Denning
Lloyd Baker
Sandra Munsey
Debbie Brothers
425-432-6087
425-432-7656
425-432-9798
425-432-2129
Sandra Munsey
425-432-2129
Debbie Brothers
Bernie Glaze
Ron McCabe
425-413-2325
Mary French
Debbie Brothers, Tonyia Cairns, Mary French
Kim Hancock
425-413-5086
Cindy Denning
425-432-7656
Lorelie Kaid
425-413-9575
Gary Costa