Dear Board of Directors,

As owners of Del Webb Lakewood Ranch (DWLWR) and HOA members, we expect community amenities and common areas to meet the high standards promised upon our purchase and which are typical throughout Lakewood Ranch.

The Board’s “Del Webb Vision Mission Core Values” outline the community’s goals and HOA Board’s obligations. As stated, the vision is to maintain DWLWR as a desirable 55+ community by protecting natural beauty, strengthening neighbor connections, and preserving our lifestyle. The mission is to maintain high community standards, protect property values, and support an exceptional quality of life through responsible management, open communication, and inclusive governance. A core value is to aim for high standards in service, maintenance, and amenities.

We believe the Board has not lived up to these values and is failing to maintain high community standards, protect property values, and maintain our community’s desirability.

While we commend the Board’s contracting with new landscaping, arborist, and irrigation firms, and the community-wide lawn replacement, we feel there are other high-visibility/impact projects that should not be delayed.

To sustain DWLWR’s desirability and premier status, we must compare our community with neighboring communities. Failing to maintain a competitive edge risks property resale value and diminishes the quality of life within DWLWR.

We applaud prudent financial management and minimizing unexpected expenses, but there is a balance between frugality and imprudence. Many of us feel that amenities require routine upgrades and enhancement to remain current and desirable. Simply preserving the current state of amenities and common areas indefinitely compromises their functionality and appearance, leading to substandard quality for Lakewood Ranch. Maintaining the status quo harms property values and community enjoyment.

We firmly believe that several essential improvement projects are imperative to restore the DWLWR to its former state, ensuring its alignment with the standards of Lakewood Ranch. These projects should commence concurrently to mitigate further deterioration.

In the event that capital funds prove insufficient, the Board may impose a special assessment in accordance with our Governing Documents. While we defer to the Board’s judgment, we anticipate that the assessment amount will be less than $2,000 per household, which should be manageable for most owners. Although this measure may be unpopular among some residents, it may become necessary to uphold the Board’s vision, mission, and core values and to safeguard our property values.

Crucial projects include:

• Updating/upgrading the furniture at the main pool.
  
  The Board has contracted to repair the damaged pool furniture. This is urgently needed, as we currently lack adequate furniture for regular users, particularly during weekends, holidays, and special events. We understand that the decision to retain the existing umbrella bases has been made, despite the fact that many of them are broken and pose a risk to the elderly. That is an unacceptable compromise.
  
  
• The Lake House needs a significant upgrade.
  
  The outdoor tables are deteriorating, exhibiting broken tops, pitting, and peeling. The furniture is mismatched, featuring faux rattan and wrought iron pieces. A cohesive design is essential to create a harmonious atmosphere.
  
  To provide shelter for outdoor seating and enhance guest use during inclement weather, an awning or roof covering with rollup or retractable rain/wind/insect mitigation system should be installed. Optimally, fans, and heaters should be installed over the exterior deck to make better use of that space during the hottest and coldest days/evenings. We acknowledge that this project has been postponed due to cost concerns, but consider it a necessary investment in what should be a premier amenity. The cost should be at least partially offset by increased use during rainy, windy, high heat, or cold weather. Compared to other Lakewood Ranch restaurants, ours is severely lacking in this regard.
  
  The Lake House interior requires a complete overhaul, incorporating a cohesive appearance and a remodeled outdoor seating area.
  
  
• The Oasis’s overall aesthetic requires an update.
  
  The current interior design and paint scheme bear a striking resemblance to an early 2000s assisted living facility. A comprehensive modern remodel with a contemporary color palette is long overdue.
  
  
• The main pool lining needs resurfacing, and the pool deck requires routine maintenance.
  
  The pool lining is discolored and stained. We understand that this project is currently being discussed, but that no contract has yet been awarded, and no firm timeframe has been established. This should be an every five-to-seven-year project named and funded through reserves.
  
  The pool deck needs routine power washing and sealing to prevent mold and mildew. Although mentioned in recent announcements as a pending project, we’ve included it for completeness. Routine maintenance like power washing the decking pavers and paint touch-up should be ongoing, not occasional. Routine maintenance should be routine and not require special approval by the Board.
  
  
• Landscaping and turf along main streets, common areas, and cul-de-sac berms need replacement or upgrades.
  
  Although progress has been made in replacing turf on individual lawns, the grass, and landscaping along major roadways and at the ends of cul-de-sacs, requires the same level of attention as individual lawns. Neglecting this aspect has a detrimental impact on property values.
  
  
• The Sales Center needs remodeling and opening for meetings and recreational gaming.
  
  In light of our community’s active residents, the Del Webb Lakewood Ranch lacks sufficient space for the many specialized interest groups and card/board game enthusiasts in the Oasis. A community vote was held over a year ago, with overwhelming support for converting the Sales Center for this use. Delaying the project incurs financial costs associated with maintaining an unused structure and diminishes our capacity to accommodate meetings and gaming activities.

We respectfully request that the HOA Board consider options for these and similar improvements. Postponing repairs due to funding is unacceptable. These projects should commence immediately and concurrently. A special assessment is likely, as the published balance in our Capital fund does not appear sufficient to support these simultaneous projects. Delays and staged implementation will accelerate the decline in our community’s prestige, property values, and overall enjoyment.

Sincerely and respectfully,