Category: Community Alert

For some time, The Thornapple Association Board has maintained active  participation on the Ohio Legislative Action Committee for residential communities.  In the last year, committee efforts have been focused on solar energy legislation.  As a result, under the direction and advice of the association attornies, The Thornapple Association Board has adopted Solar Energy System design guidelines  which are in compliance with both the Thornapple governing documents and forthcoming Ohio Solar Energy System legislation.  Please see the VAT HOA Community Handbook, p. 26.

Dear neighbor,
Over the past several months board members and other concerned homeowners have witnessed an increase in community park vandalism. The vandalism has ranged from the destruction of park signs, shelter gutters, lighting, waste containers, and play equipment to continuous littering.  The littering problem is occurring with and without the presence of waste containers.

There are two primary issues of concern.  Number one, many of the youth we have witnessed engaging in destructive behavior are 9yrs. and older and all have been unaccompanied by an adult.  Number two, while some of the youth are VAT residents, others are not.  Some youth have been dropped off from communities several miles away.

As much as we welcome visitors, it is important to remember that the community park is for the intended use of VAT residents. The association must first serve the interests of homeowners whose dues pay for the maintenance, improvements, and vandelism repairs in the community.  Visitors from other communities such as Thornapple Highlands and Thornapple Grove are welcome as guests provided that they are accompanied by a VAT resident, have adult supervision, and conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

All homeowners are encouraged to take an active role in ensuring a safe and well-maintained community park.  Please take the time to talk to your children about what is happening at our park.  Discourage dangerous and destructive behavior like climbing on walls and equipment that is sized for small children.  Your role also includes the authority to request any unsupervised child under the age of 14 years or anyone engaging in disrespectful or unsafe behavior to leave the community park.  In addition, we all love seeing the youth engaged in pickup games at the park.  Please remind your children that the properties near the park are not an extension of park property.  We must be respectful of abutting properties and their boundaries by asking permission of the homeowner before entering their property.

Thank you for your support in addressing this community matter and remember: the best deterrent to vandalism is adult supervision.

Sincerely,
The Thornapple Association, Inc.
Board of Directors

 

Attention All Village at Thornapple, Thornapple Highlands, and Thornapple Grove Residents

Due to inclement weather that is forecasted for Thursday, October 29^th, we have decided to SAVE beggars night for the kiddos of our adjoining neighborhoods.  We will be moving beggar’s night to

 Friday, October 30^th from 6pm-8pm

With the blessing of the HOA’s and the City of Columbus Division of Police Special Events, we have been able to make this adjustment for our community ONLY, but we also need YOUR help.  If you plan on participating in beggars night this year, please do-so only on FRIDAY and do not send your kids out in the rain on Thursday.  All standard beggar’s night procedures should be followed on Friday. If you wish to participate, please leave a front porch light on.  If your light is off, we will make sure to skip your house.  Also, if you would like to participate but have COVID concerns…  Please feel welcome to leave a basket of treats at the end of your drive or porch stoop and we will hold our kids accountable for taking only 1 piece.  We want everyone to feel as though they can participate in a safe manner this year in our community on FRIDAY, October 30^th from 6pm-8pm. 

 

If you have any questions or need any further clarification to the update, please contact Jennifer at (614)707-3079.

Let’s make it a VERY HAPPY HALLOWEEN for the kids of THORNAPPLE FRIDAY, October 30^th 6pm-8pm!!! 

It is wonderful seeing so many of our neighbors outdoors enjoying regular excercise with their families and pets.  Please be mindful in practicing social distancing from your neighbors and to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever possible.

By order of the City of Columbus, the Village at Thornapple Community Park will remain closed until government officials advise otherwise.  As of today, the Health Department has not established a protocol for disinfecting play equipment or population control.  Until then, all playgrounds will remain closed.  Please continue to avoid any gatherings at the park and use of the play equipment until further notice.  If you have any questions, please contact Vida Burns at (614) 402-5039 or [email protected].

In the spirit of community service during this challenging time, one of our newest neighbors has stepped up to offer their assistance to Village at Thornapple residents.  She has generously offered to run errands and deliver groceries.  If you are in need of such assistance, please contact Sarah at [email protected] or at 614-506-2219.  THANK YOU SARAH!

 

 

Unfortunately, due to growing restrictions and keeping the health and safety of our community in mind, the April 4th Easter Egg Hunt at the park has been cancelled.

Stay healthy!

Homeowners have expressed concern over the damage occurring to street trees on waste and recycling collection day.  The collection trucks can’t get to containers placed directly in front of easement trees without damaging the tree.  Please place your containers as far away from the trees as possible.