Bill Barnard, General Manager
It’s hard to believe that it has been almost six months since this pandemic began to impact our lives. As summer winds down, and the fall approaches, I wonder how these months passed so quickly, and what the next six months will look like for all of us.
With this in mind, I wanted my message this month to address both where we are today in terms of HOA operations impacted by COVID-19, and the question that is becoming increasingly present, what’s going to happen in the fall, and beyond, here in PebbleCreek. The simple answer is that we really don’t know. As frustrating as that may be, it is the only answer that we can give. We remain guided by CDC and other governmental authorities, and by our ultimate goal to ensure the safest possible environment for our community members and staff. We have had to make difficult decisions and, while not always popular, they have been for the best interest of the greater community. While there are amenities that are not available, I am pleased that we have been able to continue to offer many services and keep a number of amenities open during these past few months.
Our patrol team has remained at full capacity of service, and our front desks continue to assist new homeowners, renters, and residents with a variety of services. The ALC continues to operate, our Common Area and Facilities teams continue to maintain common areas, buildings and pools, golf courses, and sports courts. Food and Beverage continues to offer dine-in service, take out, and pre-made meals to go. The Activities Office continues to offer notary service, some travel opportunities and Virtual Cinema, as well as being a resource for information and assistance.
Residents have been able to enjoy the golf courses, pickleball, tennis, bocce, and softball. Pools have remained open for the majority of the last few months, and we are hopeful that the fitness facilities will be allowed to resume in the future. Common areas, walking paths, Sunrise Park, and the Dog Park are open as well.
Clubhouses, ballrooms, meeting rooms, libraries, sports buildings, and the Renaissance Theater do remain closed. As we approach what is historically our busy season (October through April), the question looms larger about what is going to happen with these amenities for the remainder of 2020. Staff is already seeing an increase in requests to book meeting rooms, banquet events, tournaments, and so on. We cannot offer a definitive answer with the uncertainty of this pandemic, and the answer today is that they are not available until further notice. Our best guess is that we are not likely to see large gatherings through the end of the year. For planning, our staff is not confirming or booking any events, concerts, banquets, weddings, meetings, etc., at this time.
The best guidance we can offer is that we are reviewing operations daily and the management team continues to look at ways that we can function within the limitations presented by COVID-19 and governmental guidance. We have turned to Zoom for board and committee meetings, we are working on a video for our New Homeowner Orientation, we have moved tables in our restaurants to comply with social distance guidelines, and continue to offer curbside pick-up for takeout and meals-to-go.
I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of the efforts we are making. These have been, and are likely to remain, difficult times for all of us. We will continue to look at creative ways to get things done and open amenities within the framework needed to keep the community safe. I will do everything I can to keep you informed and work with our staff and Board members to continue to navigate our community through these uncharted times.