Play Policy
Q: I manage a townhouse association where the children feel the parking lot is their personal playground. They have no adult supervision. How would you handle this issue?—Davidson, N.C.
A: Aside from residents worried about the children's safety, you also probably have drivers who are concerned they could accidentally hurt a child with their vehicle. In addition, the board probably is nervous about liability issues. After everyone has lost sleep over those issues, then they fret about the possibility of accidental damage to vehicles or other property caused by children skateboarding or throwing baseballs. That's a lot of anxiety!
To ease your stress, the board should draft a resolution with the help of the association's attorney and insurance agent. The resolution should clearly define that the roads are for vehicles only and that children under the age of 12 (or whatever age the board deems appropriate) must be supervised on all common areas. Once approved, it should be mailed to each resident and included in the association's book of resolutions.
To further alleviate this problem, the board should consider delineating a child-friendly area that will draw kids away from the streets. With relatively little funding, the board can create a play area away from traffic and free of hazards, such as holes, boulders and fire ant mounds. Add some mulch, and you may find fewer children wanting to play in the street.
Speak to nearby residents first to learn of any potential problems with the site. Form a committee to advise the board on the recommended hours of use and other safety rules.
The association can host a children's social in the new play area to get residents excited about the new amenity. By taking a proactive approach, the board can assuage fears, and more importantly, help ensure the safety of children while also limiting the association's liability.
Crystal Whittenton is a community manager with PPM Inc., AAMC, in Raleigh, N.C.
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