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We’re having a busy winter at Sea Colony. I’m pleased to send you the first quarterly update for the year.
Freeman Fitness Center: Winter activities continue to be strong with membership and activity sales exceeding expectations and topping $150k in total sales YTD. Outside, contractors are working steadily to complete improvements to the outdoor pool which is slated to reopen this summer. Putting the finishing touches on the building, an entrance canopy is scheduled to be placed at the front entrance and corrective work to the locker room shower drains is slated for March. As work continues, we’re pleased to announce the annual “Ride for Hospice” will be held on Saturday February 25 from 8 a.m. to noon. Supporters of the cycle-a-thon will pay $25 for a 45-minute ride. Proceeds from this charitable fund raiser will support the fine care and service at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, the state’s only “not-for-profit” hospice care facility.
2017-2018 Budget: The Board of Directors and management team are completing details of the 2017-18 budget. Final action is scheduled for the Board’s March 11 meeting (from 9 to noon in the Edgewater Community Room). The budget takes effect on April 1. Indications are there will not be an increase in quarterly assessments. The Fitness Center pool will be open all summer, beach patrol hours will be expanded, and year-round security efforts will be strengthened. All services and programs previously offered will continue in the coming year. Look for a full schedule of activities such as bonfires on the beach, bingo, tennis tournaments, clinics, Zumba, aerobics, spin classes, beach trolley services, round-the-clock security, enhanced landscaping and a fun filled year!
Tennis: Sea Colony’s tennis program won two prestigious awards this year AND is enjoying one of its best winter seasons in the history of the program. Camps, clinics and individual play are keeping the courts populated throughout the winter months. Also, we’re hosting several programs designed for junior tennis players to foster continued interest in the game. In response to numerous owner requests, we’ve found a way to schedule regular pickleball at the Fitness Center.
Attention Sea Colony Beach Shoppe Shoppers: The Beach Shoppe is stocking shelves with new merchandise in anticipation of another busy summer season. Stop in for an early look to see the latest arrivals in home décor, resort wear and Sea Colony merchandise. The Beach Shoppe also is preparing owner packets for distribution in May. This year we will be replacing window decals with dashboard placards for improved visibility and owner convenience. Your badge updates automatically when your assessment payments are posted. No need to add color coded stickers for the 2017 season.
Freeman Fitness Center Locker Rooms: Recently you were advised that we plan to schedule a closing of the locker rooms to correct a drainage issue. After completing construction and opening the facility, we discovered that water was not draining as efficiently as it should. Through investigation, it was determined that shower runoff impacted the enclosure at higher volumes than anticipated, especially when those using the facilities take longer than normal showers. The solution involves installing enhanced drain systems in front of the shower locations. The work is being scheduled to minimize inconvenience to our owners and guests. Most importantly, the correction will occur so as to provide the best possible outcome. It’s important to note that with any major project, adjustments may be required to correct items found during operation of the facility to be less than ideal. We appreciate your understanding and patience as the work is completed.
Beach Update & Storms: During January, Sea Colony’s beach and dune survived yet another East Coast storm with minimal damage. Just in case additional storms visit our shore, we have secured the necessary permits to complete restoration or sand replacement as needed. As our most important recreational asset, the beach and dune remain a top priority. The Board has made advance preparations, including spring planting of dune grasses, a top priority.
On-Demand Parking Pilot Program: The program will continue throughout the 2017 summer season. During the past year, we rented over 500 spaces, mostly on weekends. We’ve been researching technologies that will make the system more efficient, but for the coming year we expect to continue with the program established in 2016. Owners in East Phases, 2 & 7 will be able to offer their spots for rent during periods when they won’t be at Sea Colony. Other owners then can rent those available spaces. Look for additional information in future communications.
New addition to Swan Lake: No you’re not seeing double. There’s a new addition to Swan Lake. A second swan has taken up residence at the lake thanks to Phase 6, which secured the necessary state permits and found a companion swan, another female, to keep our original resident swan company.
We’re looking forward to another great season here at Sea Colony. In the meantime, check for regular updates on www.seacolony.com, including a live webcam of the beach. Don’t hesitate to share with me your observations and suggestions. My email is Thomas.Olson@ResortQuest.com, or direct everything to helpme@SeaColony.com.
Tom Olson, General Manager