Created by DPE, Copyright IRIS 2005

Created by DPE, Copyright IRIS 2005SUNSCAPE ROUNDUP Park Party

To: Sunscape Board of Directors
From: 2007/2008 Park Party Committee Chairs

Re: Use of Funds Recommendation

With the addition of this years (2008) funds $(13,000.00) our Sunscape Round Up Park Party has raised some $28,000.00 over the past two years. As you know last year’s funds ($15,000.00) were voted on by our members as designated towards finishing the Welcome Center.

As part of our Mandate, the Board has previously requested that we provide our Committee’s suggestions as to possible use of Park Party funds. A list of ideas is detailed below.

In keeping with the current Boards stated desire to keep the Membership informed and involved, we also suggest consideration be given to providing everyone with a breakdown of how Park Party funds have been used "previously" (back as far as the Welcome Center project only) and "potential" ideas for a future vote. If you prefer, I would be willing to put this forward in a general Park Party communication next fall (with the Board’s editing of the message). It could also take the form of a "survey" for future expenditure ideas, including the ones provided below as well as opening it up for general Membership suggestions. Based on the dominant responses, the Board would have a good indicator of potential Park Party funds usage both for the 2008 and a portion of the 2009 revenue. A vote coul~ then be tabled as part of the (2009) annual meeting, so as many items could be acted upon in one season as possible.

Our understanding is that approximately $46,000.00 is currently in the Park Improvement Fund, almost all of which has come from previous Park Party revenue. Of particular interest to the Membership would be what portion of last years $15,000.00 amount WILL NOT BE NEEDED for the Welcome Center, and available for future projects or expenditures.

Our Park Party Committee Chairs represent 11 individual Lot owners, the majority of whom were involved in both the 2007 and 2008 Park Party. We have collectively agreed on the following for the Board’s consideration to put forward for a Membership vote in 2009:

1.     All future Park Party funds only be used for projects of $10,000.00 or less, and every effort be made to use up funds annually. If we want to: ensure the continued support of our numerous volunteers and the Co-op Members they must see immediate, tangible results.
 2.      The Board of Directors be authorized to use up to $2500.00 in Park Party funds in any one calendar year for any expenditure(s) they deem appropriate i.e. do not have to wait for the annual meeting vote. (previously recommended for the 2008 Annual Meeting vote, but not put to the Members by the Board)
 3.     Up to $2500.00 to replace the sound board and wiring etc. in the Community Center. We understand the existing system is over 20 years old, and is no longer reliable. Estimates provided by Jack Mitchell suggest a total cost of $3500.00 of which the Jammers have raised $1200.00. Our recommended amount will cover the difference along with any incidentals. As this appears to be an immediate need perhaps the Park can cover their shortfall for now in hopes of a positive vote in 2009. (A good example of how #2 above would  be of value).
 4.     An undetermined amount up to $10,000.00 towards re-furbishing the Activity Center. This could include building a proper entertainment center and storage shelves around the Television; replacing the sofa chairs with matching, stackable, comfortable seating; adding ceiling hung retractable privacy walls for a better defined exercise area and replacing those exercise pieces that are out dated with one or two modern versatile machines.
 5.     An undetermined amount (we estimate no more than $6500.00) towards developing a double Pickle Ball court. Pickle Ball is the fastest growing seniors sport in North America, is now available in most modern RV parks in the south. This added feature would also enhance rental usage of our 25 Lots, with revenue from potential Tournaments etc. (Palm Creeks recent tournament drew participants from all over southern USA).

Future consideration:

6.     We understand future budgeted items may include expanding the kitchen area, and Park Party funds could be used for upgrading or adding equipment as needed.
7.      Other worth while projects as suggested by a survey of Park residents?

I would be pleased to attend a CLOSED Board Meeting next fall to discuss this further if needed. I can also be reached by email over the summer at terdon@telus.net if need be. As 2008 will be my last year as Park Party Chair, I would like to formally thank my Chairs, the Board, our Park Manager and Activity Director for their tremendous support these past two seasons.