One way for community associations, especially homeowner’s associations (HOAs), to distinguish themselves is through amenities. The most common community amenities are pools, gyms, and clubhouses. However, your community may also offer golf courses, lake access, and additional amenities.
Without clear policies in place governing the use and maintenance of your community amenities, many of their advantages can be lost. Thus, a well-defined amenity access policy helps prevent conflicts, keeps facilities in good condition, and ensures all residents can enjoy the shared spaces.
Do you need to know how to create fair policies for your pools, gyms, and other common facilities?
Keep reading. The rest of this article has all of the answers you need.
Establishing Fair Amenity Access
Managing amenity access can only be done by the establishment of fair policies. Fair and transparent policies will ensure all residents can enjoy shared spaces without conflict. A well-structured amenity policy not only helps prevent overcrowding and misuse but also fosters a sense of fairness and community engagement.
The following best practices will help your Board develop and enforce clear, equitable policies for pools, gyms, and other common areas.
1) Define who has access.
Clearly outlining who is eligible to use community amenities helps prevent disputes. Most communities allow some access to the following groups. However, there may be restrictions on the way certain groups can utilize the amenities.
- Homeowners in good standing.
- Tenants, if there are rentals in the community.
- Family members of homeowners or tenants.
- Guests: Usually, the Board limits the number of guests per household.
2) Enforce usage rules and operating hours.
Your amenity rules should include hours of operation and usage rules for each amenity. Ensure that these policies are clearly outlined and fairly enforced.
The following amenities policies are common.
- Pools are only open during specific hours.
- Pool safety rules include no diving and the requirement that children be supervised.
- Gym etiquette, such as wiping down equipment and adhering to time limits on machines.
- Clubhouse reservations for private events.
3) Implement a secure access system.
One way to enforce amenity hours and prevent unauthorized access is to implement a secure access system. This system could take many forms. The most common include key fobs and a resident sign-in system.
4) Create usage limits.
Demand for access to the amenities may be high in your community. If this is the case, ensure that policies are in place to limit the use of amenities. These policies may include time limits on gym equipment during peak hours, pool occupancy limits, and reservation systems for busy facilities.
Fair and well-enforced amenity access is essential for a desirable community in suburban Maryland. To ensure your community association maximizes the benefits of its amenity policies, contact D.H. Bader Management. We provide the best professional HOA management services in Maryland. Let us help you create a thriving community.