Welcome to our new segment “Neighbors in the Know” where we will be sharing information that you might not know about our neighborhood. Feel free to post questions about this topic or if there are other areas of the neighborhood you are curious about. Be sure to use the following feature of this blog to be notified of additional posts.
The pond or “the lake” as we lovingly refer to it is the most popular of our common areas. It is a flood control lake which means we get to enjoy it’s beauty and benefits as well as receive a little help maintaining it from time to time. Last year, thanks to Gerald Horn’s coordination efforts, The Payne County Conservation District cleaned up the dam and emergency overflow areas at no expense to the HOC, which was a huge savings to the HOC budget.
Water is great fun but can also be naturally destructive at times. Where there is water, erosion is natural and in a limited area like ours we need to be aware of it. Gerald and I were able to meet with The PCCD and USDA for advice on ways to help preserve the banks of our lake and it’s wildlife. They provided useful information that the HOC will be reviewing over the next few years.
Algae is another naturally occurring issue with water. Algae is healthy for lakes when in balance with the lake environment but keeping the balance sometimes takes extra effort. Many years ago the HOC hired a pond service company to help keep the lake healthy and clean. There are several ways they keep our lake looking so great but one of the most noticeable ways are the circulators. There are two circulators installed in the lake to keep the water flowing during the summer months to prevent algae overgrowth. You might notice water swirling and bubbling in the areas where the circulators are. They are turned off during the cooler winter months when algae growth is inhibited which saves the homeowners on expenses. Fishing by around the circulators whether running or not is discouraged as they are expense and time consuming to repair.
This leads us to our next topic, fishing. Catch and release fishing is available to residents and homeowners of the neighborhood. Please refrain from allowing friends who do not live here to fish without being accompanied by a homeowner. Fishing isn’t the only thing to enjoy at the lake. There are many species of birds and fowl. Although hunting is not allowed bird watching is encouraged. Beautiful sunsets can also be enjoyed from the top of the dam. Please be responsible when using the lake area so that everyone gets to enjoy it by keeping things out of the lake that doesn’t belong such as trash, grass clippings, or chemicals (gasoline, oil, fertilizer, etc.).
Did you know that small boats with paddles or small electric motors with life jackets are allowed on the lake but swimming is not. When taking a boat out please do not leave unattended boats on the shore.
Enjoy the lake as you walk through the area by yourself, with a pet, or family.
Remember to follow this blog and keep up to date with your community.
University Estates HOC 