The rules and regulations are very specific, section c, c-1, as to where children can play. Generally, the designated play area for children is at the clubhouse area. No other area is approved for play.
I have written a letter to the Board to ask them to enforce the fines provision of the rules and regulations so that parents will start supervising their children and not let them run all over the Palisades. Having children has a responsibility attached to it.
Let us know what you think and what you see.
Having a child play outside their own unit is being a responsible parent. Having them within ear shot and us being able to see them is more responsible than letting them run across a busy street and up, behind the clubhouse where they most definately can not hear us nor can we see them.
There are several parent’s in the neighboorhood who’s children play together and there is alway’s more than one parent keeping an eye on thing’s. Brasilia Court is a dead end street with virtually no traffic. Our children specifically play in front and back of our unit and are specifically told not to go beyond the next stairwell. For you to say that there are children running all over the neighborhood is just a ridiculous statement and show’s your own ignorance.
Jennifer, I appreciate you pointing out that parents are, and can be very present and aware, even when they’re not standing within arms length of their child. Even if children (mine included) are running all over this neighborhood, so what. Let them be. Go sit out on your patio and watch them have the time of their lives!
I, for one, love to see the kids in this neighborhood playing, having fun AND getting along. Not only do I enjoy the play and laughter of children, I also love the fact that they’re “out”. Period!
Let them play! Get to know them! Get to know their parents! Actually be part of this community!
I’m surprised at how strong a community can be when EVERYONE loves on the children in their own neighborhood. What ever happened to the motto: “It takes a village to raise a child”?
When ‘m concerned about a child’s safety, their welfare, their behavior, then I personally get to know them and their families, discuss any concerns with the parent(s) and hope that they will do the same for me! God Bless them ALL!!
Important things to consider when bringing up the subject of “our” children:
Age appropriate activity?
Distructive behavior or Just being a kid?
Ask yourself what you were doing at that age and in “your neighborhood”.
When appropriate: Discuss behavior with child directly, child’s parent(s) or contact office staff?
MOST IMPORTANT:
Shouldn’t our Board be more concerned with what the Palisades “Staff Members” are doing, instead of worrying about our children having fun and enjoying “their neighborhood”?
I have personally witnessed behavior that I consider more inappropriate by Palisades Staff Members, than I have by any of the children in this community!
You have got to be kidding me!!! You mean to tell me amongst all of the issues, as a “renter” I can point out several that this complex has, the kids running around the neighborhood is one of them up for discussion? It just doesn’t get more ridiculous than this. And who posted this up anyway and what exactly did you do as a kid? My personal opinion is if anyone in our neighborhood sees a kid doing something or being somewhere they don’t need to be then you should confront that kid and ask who their parents’ are and express your concerns accordingly. Otherwise, enjoy life, get a grip, put a smile on your face and let kids play like kids do. Has this place primarily been a retirement community or something? I’ve never heard such nonsense being publicized as if you need several opinions on getting such a bogus issue resolved. Maybe what we need to bring this community together is more isolation, yeah that sounds like it’ll work. How bout this……let’s start with the STAFF members who act like some of the kids running around the neighborhood and don’t seem to be on top of things like they should. Or let’s discuss some of the bogus immenities we say we have in our complex. By the way, who’s worked out in the fabulous work out facility lately? If you’re so concerned about these kids then get to know them and their parents. We should enjoy the fact our kids have a close-knit community and enjoy playing with each other and roaming the neighborhood.
And where exactly are these “approved” areas? You say “approved” as if The Palisades Board members have already designated these areas?
And I’m still confused…..what exactly is the issue? Having the children supervised or allowing them to only play in certain areas? So would it be ok to go outside and “watch” my child run around the neighborhood or do you not want him running around the neighborhood with or without my supervision period?
You say having kids comes with responsibility, lol!!!!!! I’d love to take a worldwide pole to see just how many parents in this world are right by their kids every single time they are outside playing.
Come on, don’t use this as a grounds for being insulting.
Come on, Man!!!
The author of the original post should move back to Florida to retire in a senior only community.
THANK YOU JOE!!!!
I could have sworn that we got rid of the Hitler when Jessie got fired.
Guess some of his underlings are still on site. Can we fire them too???
For Jennifer, Kristi, Donna and Joe:
So, your position is that you prefer your children playing in the street with cars to going to the club house area where it is safe, the grounds are open and unobstructed and the kids will do no harm to the grounds.
If you think that is being a responsible parent, I have missed something in the parent guide.
Mr. Dill:
I find if very hard to believe that anyone reading this forum would not understand the echoing message of the responders. Considering that I don’t know you personally, I’ll offer the benefit of the doubt and presume that you truly do not grasp our message, as opposed to concluding that you have (deliberately) forgotten what “childhood” means.
It’s obvious that those of us who care enough about this community to frequent this site and respond, consider this community our “neighborhood”. Therefore, our children consider this “their neighborhood”.
I don’t care who you are, how old you are or where you grew up, (in the city, in the suburbs, in the mountains or in the country) the surrounding areas of your home were your playground.
I grew up in Chicago and we lived our childhoods in the streets (the parks too, but mostly the streets). Why? Because we had to be within earshot (if not eye sight) of our mothers. The park (insert “Designated Play Area”) was just too far, the backyard was limiting, AND there was SO much more to DO in the streets! I’m guessing this holds true for all of us somewhere around the age of 8.
Although I appreciate the fact that there is a “Designated Play Area” for our children, this expectation is not only unrealistic, it is most definately insulting!
The “field” areas are polluted with dog waste, high grass, holes and bugs! A current Board Member reported playing football in this area with his son, and they were chastised by a resident for playing there. Perhaps is was because they are African American? My son and a friend were playing there (seeing who could throw a stick the farthest) and my landlord (also a current Board Member) received a phone call from the Staff, suggesting that what my son was doing was inappropriate. They FURTHER told him that my son was not allowed to play there! I had to receive a phone call from my landlord reporting that my son was “playing” in the “Designated Play Area”, but was no longer ALLOWED to play there!!!!
This community does not offer a properly functioning Tennis Court, Basketball Court/Area, nor a designated and functining playground area.
I would love to see this community (Renters, Home Owners and Board) become passionate about investing in and developing a functional Recreation Area. Craigslist offers “Free” and/or inexpensive: Mulch, Recycled Tires, Playground/Swing Set Equipment, Basketball Posts/Goals, Lighting, Inground Grills, Lumber, Picnic Tables, Etc, Etc.
Having said this, even with a State of the Art Rec Area, our kids will continue to play in, walk in, hang out in the streets.
In conclusion; (and I believe this is the echoing message) if the behavior of the children in our neighborhood is appropriate (regardless of where they are playing) and their mothers, fathers or other concerned parents and neighbors know where they are, who they’re with and what they’re up to, then I see no true issue in the initial “Up for Comment” post.
I would like to suggest a new “Up for Comment” post:
Investment and Development of:
A Properly Functioning Recreation Area, not only for our children, but for the entire community.
The fact is that our current “Designated Play Area” is, well, pathetic.
Donna, I agree with you for the most part. The fact the STAFF doesn’t know what the designated area is does not surprise me because it is their job to maintain the area and enforce the rules and they don’t.
My problem with children playing around the buildings is that they are destroying the hedges and the grass. I don’t accept the excuse that they are just being “children”. It is destructive and they should not do it. They are at times exceedingly noisy and disturb my enjoyment, which is not right. I ask that they be respectful of others.
As for playing in the street, if the parents wants to allow that, I wouldn’t for example, but if that’s what you want your children to do that would be fine except if an injury occurs OUR insurance would be tapped by an opportunistic attorney and our HOA fees would go up. I think you are a renter, so this doesn’t matter to you, but for us owners it is an important issue.
The last point I want to make to you is that the respondents to this issue are vocal, but not the majority.
Please read the rules and regulations, the master deed and by laws and abide by them. It is, as you say, “the village elders telling you what is acceptable behavior and what is not”. These are our rules and we ask you abide by them. Being a renter does not exclude you from abiding by the rules of the majority. As for you suggestion of a “up for comment” I think it is excellent and your comments are always welcome.
Mr. Dill,
Thank you for posting the current “Up for Comment”. I appreciate the opportunity to open
a discusssion on this issue.
It’s clear that we have very different opinions on children in general. I will state the following,
and will agree to disagree.
1) I have yet to see any child in this neighborhood be so destructive that they are “destroying”
the grass and hedges. I’m sorry, but I just don’t believe that for one minute. Let’s suppose it
is true: Find out who these children are, talk to their parents and get the issue resolved.
2) I stated twice, that when ANY behavior is inappropriate or disrespectful, that the issue
needs to be addressed and resolved with the parent(s) directly. Including being too noisy,
rambuncious, etc.
3) As you pointed out, I am a Renter, not a Home Owner. Please do not suggest that I’m
not affected by, nor concerned with child injury, law suits, insurance premiums or increased
association fees, which equals increased rent. That’s like suggesting that as a Finance Manager,
I’m not concerned with the quality stewardship of my employer’s money, because it’s not my
money, etc.
4) I have a copy of the Rules and Regulations and refer to it more often then I’d like. I would
like to bring to your attention that these Rules were written quite a while ago and from what
I can tell, have not been reviewed and/or revised. It is also extremely clear that the majority of these Rules were written by, and for the elderly, childless population. The fact that I’m a renter does not
negate this issue, but does suggest discrimination to both renters and families with children.
5) My son and I have the utmost respect for “The Village Elders” and for the most part, “abide
by your Rules and Regulations”. When we are presented with insult upon insult and Rules and
Regulations that are out of date, inaffective or downright ridiculous, then I stand my ground
as an equal or superior to a village elder (staff member, home owner, etc) who is void of the
ability to be open minded.
6) “Children” haven’t changed! WE get older, WE become adults, WE become senior citizens.
And sometimesCRANKY, OLD CRABS that have forgotten how joyous childhood is. (Or perhaps haven’t forgotten,
and that’s why they’re Cranky, Old AND JEALOUS Crabs!)
Mr. Dill,
My last comment referring to “CRANKY, OLD CRABS” was in no way directed at you, but a “general” statement about human nature. I apologize that it came off that way. This site “accepts” comments when you hit a key accidentially, and I had yet to finish when this occurred.
Donna & other concerned parents,
I would first like to address the issue of a staff member chasting you son…I was not aware of the incident and I apologize for the disrespect the staff member showed by not discussing the issue with you directly. As a parent of 3 children myself, I would be furious if someone approached my child rather than me unless my child was doing something that put him in immediate danger.
Unfortunately, the current Rules do designate play areas to be the grassy area behind the clubhouse and the open field beside the tennis courts however this rule is on my list for the Board to address when we meet to update the rules very soon. The current Boards’ position is that children are not to play on the Berlin hillside due to previous expensive erosion problems and around vehicles in the parking areas for obvious safety reasons.
As for a new play area; there was only a run-down metal swing when I began working here which we removed after recieving a letter from a concerned parent. I did check into the purchase of new equipment however the cost for structural building repairs must always take priority and we would not only take on the cost of the equip. but also the increase in the property’s insurance. It is not as simple as getting the standard equip that you would have in your own back yard because from a legal stand point we would be required to maintain commercial grade equip.
This community is no longer primarily an “Adult” community as it was in the 80’s, it is also a “family” community and that means children will be abound therefore appropriate changes need to be made to make your community a desirable and safe community for everyone. I am always open to new ideas to present to the board and would welcome the opprotunity to discuss them further anytime.
Stacey puts things well. I have to disagree with the 80’s comment. There were children then, hence the rules we have, there have always been children and there will be children in the future. The rules as presently written are fair to all and would be the same if you lived across the street at Copper Pointe.
Children will always try to expand the rules to fit their agenda and I for one do not want to see it expanded any more than it is. It is fair to all that the designated play area is the clubhouse area and not in the streets, between the building or as the photo attached will attest, adjacent to a power transformer. I have also found children banging things into cars and swinging on the walkway railings; giving them that tilted and bowed look. Children need to understand there are rules for ALL, including them, and parents need to teach their children that rules are a part of life. Believe it or not the parents of the children playing adjacent to the power transformer, on the concrete pad, thought nothing of this and felt it was just fine, WHAT???? Their is enough power in that transformer to melt those children. Play in a safe, designated area and it will benefit us all.
I’ve lived here for 28 years, the sound of children playing is joyful! I do however object to the car that has been parked in back of my unit for over a year, and has not moved. It’s a Mercedes…with a cover on it…