2024 has been an outstanding year for the lakes of our neighborhood. If you’re an angler, the water is in beautiful shape with the quality and quantity of fish being exceptional. While the lakes are in good shape, this year has been hard on the parks and trails. That is primarily due to the number of downed trees from our many storms. I am happy to report that the trail to Hidden Lake was recently cleared, and work begins soon on the excessive brush around our big Lake #3. As the weather gets cooler, I encourage all of you to get out and walk, fish, or paddle our lovely green areas!

As a friendly reminder, we should be looking at getting our homes and lots spruced up as well. One of the reasons our neighborhood is so attractive and such a nice place to live is because we have excellent standards. I know with the violent storms earlier, it has been difficult to get all the limbs and deadfall gathered. But now, with the nicer weather, the time has come to get outside and clean up. Firewood should be stacked neatly and brush piles regularly burned.

Our neighborhood restrictions require all lots to be mowed at least twice a year. Also, trailers, boats, and campers must be stored in a garage or placed behind the home out of view from the street. Propane tanks should be behind a wood screen or otherwise be out of sight. Fences should be maintained and animals secured.

In the spirit of the autumn season, we on the board encourage you to be good neighbors. Offer to lend a helping hand to your fellow residents and our community areas when you see a problem, and as you are able. Even if all you do is pick up a little roadside trash while taking a walk, that is something. If a neighbor has had trouble getting a lawn mowed or a tree cleared, why not render some assistance. We all could use some help once in a while.

Keep a sharp eye out for things unusual or out of place. A handful of teenagers recently were able to break into a Country Place home and reek havoc for a couple of days. Vehicles have been subject to theft nearby, and vandals have damaged items at the lakes. If you see something…say something!

Lastly, while every resident desires to live in a neighborhood that is safe and tranquil, that doesn’t happen without some effort and cost. Country Place has been an attractive and vibrant community for over 40 years because of the good will and good citizenship of the residents who have lived here. We all have a responsibility to keep it that way, and our singular trust is to pay our annual dues, whether required to or not. If for some reason you haven’t paid your dues for 2024, it is still not too late. If for some reason the nominal investment of $325 is too heavy a burden, you can contribute on a monthly basis of $27 per month. Some may not realize that unpaid dues deem you a resident “not in good standing.” As such, you would not have the liberty to use the lakes, parks, or trails — and attendance at neighborhood seasonal celebrations, picnics, and festivals is forfeited. You also lose your right to vote on important community matters. Some residents claim they don’t need to pay dues because they do not partake in those particular amenities, however, our dues provide much more than just that. As a resident of Country Place you enjoy intangible benefits that are inherent in living here.

Here are just a few hidden advantages of paying your dues. Our beautiful entrances are financed and maintained, our security cameras and lights provide a strong deterrent to illegal activity, the Country Place board has funds to efficiently administer the upkeep of dams, spillways and infrastructure. In addition, fallen trees are cleared, lakes and parks are kept clean and mowed, roads are serviced. It is clearly evident that all of these attributes are vital to Country Place and we all benefit from the security and well-being they provide. Whether it is actual participation in our regular activities or merely enjoying the increasing value to your home that our unique neighborhood offers, dues are everyone’s responsibility.

I should also mention the gratitude we should extend to the contributions made by many of our neighbors who volunteer tirelessly to keep this neighborhood at its best, at the cost of their valued time, talent and personal resources. Considering all of this, everyone should do their part, everyone should pull their weight to make Country Place the best place to live in Smith County! Thanks for your interest, and I’ll see you at the lakes!

David Mohr

Chairman, Lakes and Parks Committee