Bare spots in common area grass due to excessive foot traffic - how to handle?

Started by TimB4 • 10 replies • 1520 views

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TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

All,

This is a townhome community with limited large open areas for children to play. Yes we have playgrounds but other than a couple of traffic islands in the parking area and a few level open areas between the various rows of townhomes, there are few options for children to get together for play and stay near to their homes.

The neighborhood children in one section have gotten together to play in a specific open area near their homes. Recently the Board received complaints of wear spots in those ares. When we looked, the wear spots were actually rather large (one area being close to 6 feet by 4 feet)and down to bare earth. There is little doubt (but no proof) that this was caused by the increased foot traffic in the area by the children playing.

Understanding that the common areas are for everyone to enjoy and we do not want to discourage this. However, we also need to address the issue of the excessive foot traffic to see if the are will recover by itself or if seeding/sodding will be required.

I've written the attached article for our newsletter (the picture used is not of the actual damage but it gives an idea of what is happening).

Does anyone have other suggestions?

Tim

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JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Tim

Good letter. Polite, to the ponit, and offers solutions.

On golf courses when they want to stop usage for growth, they put stakes and a rope around the area. You might consider this.

Hope this helps.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

I think if you were to rope it off, it would no longer be "common area". Either plant something aesthetically pleasing or lay down some wood chips.

SharonH9 (Virginia)
Posts: 216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ValerieS2 on 04/18/2013 8:58 AM
I think if you were to rope it off, it would no longer be "common area". Either plant something aesthetically pleasing or lay down some wood chips.

I interpret the roping off as roping off as temporary while it is being repaired perhaps with seed and watering.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SharonH9 on 04/18/2013 10:27 AM

Posted By ValerieS2 on 04/18/2013 8:58 AM
I think if you were to rope it off, it would no longer be "common area". Either plant something aesthetically pleasing or lay down some wood chips.

I interpret the roping off as roping off as temporary while it is being repaired perhaps with seed and watering.

Correct.

KevinK7 (Florida)
Posts: 1,343

Posted:

I think the roping off sections for replanting would be good and understandable to the membership. I have seen this in public parks and for the most part people adhered to signage. Is it possible to try and find an alternative ground covering that is both aesthetically appealing and durable to avoid constant closures.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

More importantly (at least to me) it is an excellent example of how to deal with children. While Tim admits to us that the problem was probably caused by children playing but in the letter he keeps it age neutral. Except for over 55 communities you can't ban children from doing things, you can however ban everyone from doing things.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I would take a more unconventional approach. Why not make this a more official area for playing? Put up a basketball goal in that area if there are no obstacles in the way. How about putting down some mulch? If you want to get rid of the kids in the area I would put up landscaping of bushes or small trees. If you don't mind the kids there, then adapt the area to accommodate them.

Former HOA President

MatthewW4 (Arizona)
Posts: 500

Posted:

In this case, you apparently have children playing in one of the few areas where they may do so safely and remain near their homes. A bare spot of ground 6 feet by 4 feet is not the end of the world and I would not waste any time dealing with it.

The letter you wrote is a good approach as it encourages the kids to keep on playing and does not send out the message that adults are all idiots who over-react to life's little disappointments.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

I like your letter and we have several spots in the community like this - mind if I steal it???

(for a moment, I thought you lived in our community, but you're in Virginia!!)

Reseeding is a good ideal along with roping it off - tell everyone the place will be restricted for a few months to give the root system time to establish itself and in the meantime, please keep the dogs off the lawn (possibly another reason the grass is dead, due to dog poo. You may also want to ask your landscaper or someone about grass that may be more durable for high traffic areas.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Shelia (and anyone else), feel free to use the article if you desire.

All,

I thank you for your comments and suggestions.

Tim

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