Below is the information sent to all residents regarding the project:
History and Research
The Board has been working on the possibility of installing a playground in Beau Chene for more than five (5) years. Because the BCHOA does not own any land in Beau Chene sufficient for installing a playground, a tentative lease agreement (see below) was made with the Beau Chene Country Club to allow a playground to be built on their property.
The Board finalized the lease agreement and passed responsibility to the Liaison Committee to discuss vendors to be used while ultimately receiving approval from the Beau Chene Country Club on the aesthetics of the playground structures.
A total of five (5) vendors visited the proposed site and submitted quotations and design layouts to be reviewed by the Liaison Committee. The Committee discussed each proposal, keeping in mind design, cost and implementation, and subsequently agreed upon Planet Recess as the vendor of choice to supply the equipment, surface and installation.
Financials
The following up front costs are associated with the proposed playground:
-Playground equipment, surface, installation, shipping and tax: $163,900
-Fencing: $30,000 (4' black wrought iron fence with gate surrounding the area)
-Land preparation: $11,700 (tree removal, mitigation, drainage install)
-Ten (10) parking spots: Estimated cost $65,000 (installed in 2024)
The following expenses are annual costs:
-Ground lease agreement: $9,700 per year
-Maintenance: $15,000 per year
-Total Cost = $295,300
The Liaison Committee presented this information to the Finance Committee for review upon their formulation of the 5-year plan, which forecasts the financial sustainability of the BCHOA and ability to operate the neighborhood accordingly. The Finance Committee concluded that the proposed playground would not affect the budget and implementation of normal dues increases.
Ground Lease Agreement
The ground lease has an initial term of ten (10) years with the ability to extend the terms for eight (8) consecutive extended terms of five (5) years each. The ground lease payments are calculated at $1.00 per square foot per year (9,700 sq ft x $1 = $9,700 per year).
Proposed Site
The proposed playground would be installed to the right of the Beau Chene Country Club Pool and parking lot, behind the #10 tee box of the Oak golf course (see below image). The site is approximately 9,700 square feet.
Land Preparation
The live oak trees that are present in this area are to be retained and mitigated, but all other trees will be removed to allow space for equipment and fencing.
There is an uncovered drainage ditch that runs down the middle of the site, which will be covered and allow for proper drainage upon completion of land preparation.
Ten (10) additional parking spots will be installed next to the Tennis/Fitness facility and are conditionally required by the Beau Chene Country Club due to the increase in traffic. Installation of these parking spots will not occur until 2024 to allow the HOA to spread the cost.
Insurance
The Board consulted with our insurance provider, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, and confirmed that the current umbrella coverage that is written for the BCHOA more than covers us.