One of the most commonly cited reasons homeowners choose a homeowner’s association (HOA) is the shared amenities. These shared spaces allow residents to relax and get to know their neighbors in a neutral location. Plus, they provide a great place for the HOA to hold community-wide events.
By investing in and promoting shared amenities, your Board will enhance the overall appeal of your community and increase resident satisfaction. Here is everything you need to know to get the most out of your community association’s shared amenities.
The Most Common Shared Amenities
Every HOA and community association has its own unique features. However, some shared amenities are more common than others. The following are the most common.
- Swimming pools
- Clubhouses and community centers
- Fitness centers
- Parks and green spaces
- Walking and biking trails
- Playgrounds
- Tennis, pickleball, or basketball courts
- Dog parks
- Picnic and barbecue areas
- Community gardens
All of these amenities can provide many benefits to the community. These benefits include the following.
- They encourage connections between neighbors.
- They enhance property values.
- Promote community pride.
- They improve quality of life for residents.
However, to receive these benefits, the shared amenities must receive regular maintenance and long-term investment from the Board.
Tips for Building Community Spirit Using Shared Amenities
Simply having amenities is not enough; your Board must use them strategically to ensure they are providing the most value possible. The following tips can help.
- Host community events in shared spaces.
Residents may not congregate on their own. It is much better to use planned events to foster community spirit. Some ideas for community events in shared spaces include:
- Holiday celebrations
- Food truck nights
- Outdoor movie nights
- Community picnics
- Seasonal festivals
- Fitness classes
- Pool parties
- Neighborhood volunteer events
- Keep the shared amenities well maintained.
No one wants to use amenities that are unclean or falling apart. Instead, your Board needs to ensure that shared amenities receive proper regular maintenance, including:
- Landscaping
- Cleaning
- Safety inspections
- Equipment repairs
- Preventative maintenance
- Lighting improvements
- Communicate about amenities with residents.
New homeowners may not be aware of all of the community’s available amenities. That is why communication is so essential. Use a variety of communication channels to provide amenity updates. You can use these communications to highlight the amenity locations, their hours, any reservation procedures, and upcoming events.
- Plan for long-term improvements.
Regular maintenance will keep your amenities in good condition now, but long-term planning will ensure your shared amenities remain usable well into the future.
Incorporate amenity maintenance and future improvements into both your annual budget and reserve planning. Doing so will ensure the association has sufficient funds to replace equipment and make any necessary updates to keep these community assets functioning properly.
- Partner with a professional community association management company.
A professional community association management company, such as Community Property Management (CPM), can provide valuable support for amenities. Our team will help your Board:
- Coordinate with vendors.
- Develop maintenance schedules.
- Assist with budgeting.
- Support reserve planning.
- Communicate with homeowners.
- Organize community events.
Contact CPM today and get started maximizing the potential of your shared amenities to bring your community together.