Thanks are in order to the Swim Team Coaches and all the parents who volunteered their time and effort to make this another successful Swim Team season for the Lakes Snakes. It was wonderful to see all the families participating in our Lakes Swim Team and all the kids who will always remember their friendships and accomplishments. I also want to thank our Lakes staff for all their work facilitating all the big home meets and the Swim Team Awards Banquet. The Lakes Community Association is proud to have hosted the Swim Team for 50 years and we look forward to continuing this Lakes tradition next year.
We take where we live for granted as we drive in and out of the Lakes every day. Our large trees, lush greenbelts, and the expansive lake make us a hidden pearl in the Arizona desert. Take a moment as you drive home into the Lakes and look around and appreciate how beautiful our community is.
It takes all of us to keep our community looking its best, but there are homeowners who apparently don't see the value in maintaining their properties. It is an integral part of our community that we all do our part to keep our homes looking well cared for. This is the obligation that we all took on when we agreed to live in this community.
There are several homes that are not in compliance. Take the time to really look at your property and see if you are meeting the standards expected of you in The Lakes. How does you paint look? How does your grass look? Is your lawn a collection of weeds? Do you have bare spots? Do you water and mow consistently? If you have xeriscaping, do you meet the 70% groundcover covering your rocks? Is your gate falling apart? Do your trees and palm trees need trimming? Do you put your garbage and recycling bins away out of sight? Do you have junk in you front yard? Do you have unregistered and inoperable vehicles on your property? Are your boats registered? Is your vegetation growing over or into the lake?
We have a system of notices that lead to fines if violations are not resolved. Fines don't start until two notices have been sent which gives homeowners plenty of time to resolve situations that have led to the notices before the fines are applied. Communication with the CC&R Inspector is key because the lack of communication sends us the message that you don't care and don't have a plan to correct the issue.
For homeowners who rent out their properties within The Lakes HOA, it is important to note that responsibility for the property’s upkeep remains with the homeowner, not the renter. This means ensuring that landscaping, exterior maintenance, and adherence to HOA rules are consistently upheld, regardless of tenant occupancy. Neglecting these duties can lead to fines and affect the overall appearance and harmony of the neighborhood.
As members of The Lakes HOA, we are all integral to this collective effort, contributing to the shared vision of fostering a harmonious and well-kept environment.
We have a great community with great property values, but to maintain them, we all need to do our part to keep our individual homes looking their best.
New Businesses in South Tempe
I would like to update you on some new businesses that are going to open around our community and the development of a new plaza just south of us at Rural and Warner. I have included the plan for the upcoming plaza being built on Rural and Warner.
There is lots of new development going on in South Tempe which makes our community even more desirable. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me; 480-332-0050.
Christine
As we continue to maintain the beauty and property value of The Lakes, I want to address a growing concern: the unacceptable condition of many lawns throughout the neighborhood.
What is a lawn?
Let’s begin by clarifying a basic question: What is a lawn? A commonly accepted definition refers to an area of ground covered with grass that is regularly maintained—mowed, watered, and cared for. A patch of mostly weeds cut short does not meet this standard. Neither does a lawn left yellowed, with patchy bare dirt, or shaggy due to neglect.
Water
In our Tempe climate, a Bermuda grass lawn requires at least two waterings per week to stay healthy and green during the summer months. The volume of water matters—if your lawn is still yellow, brittle, or uneven after regular irrigation, it's not getting enough.
Mowing
Mowing is another key part of upkeep. Even though many homeowners rely on biweekly services, Bermuda grass typically requires mowing once a week to remain tidy. If your lawn looks overgrown after seven days, it should be mowed more frequently.
Weeds
Equally important is weed control. A yard consisting mostly or entirely of weeds is not a lawn—it's a sign of neglect and is not acceptable in The Lakes. The most effective method for removing weeds is applying a post-emergent herbicide for actively growing weeds. This should be done consistently throughout the growing season. Hand-pulling may help in small areas but is not practical for larger infestations. Weed control is just one part of maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn—alongside proper watering, mowing, and fertilization. Ignoring any of these elements leads to the kind of deterioration we are unfortunately seeing too often in the community.
It's also important to remember: a lawn service only does what it’s contracted to do. If the results are insufficient, the homeowner—not the service—is responsible for the outcome. Simply hiring a service does not remove your obligation to ensure your property meets community standards.
If you have a lawn, you should also have the means to maintain it. That means owning a hose, sprinkler, or timer system, and yes—even a lawn mower. Our properties are reflections of our pride in this community. Maintaining them is not optional—it’s a responsibility we all share.
Let’s continue working together to make sure The Lakes remains a place we’re proud to call home.
Christine