The modest mission of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)—"To advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people"—"belies the complexity of the organization itsel…

One irony of modern life is that being in close proximity to your neighbors doesn't necessarily make you closer to your neighbors. At best, people might know just a handful of neighbors in their community. Many of us lead hectic lives, a…

Back when most of us were little kids, playground equipment largely consisted of a swing-set here, some teeter-totters there, a merry-go-round, a metal slide (which was often scorching hot—and unusable—in the summer sun), some monkey bars, …

You don't have to be the parent of a young child to notice that playgrounds aren't what they used to be. Swings may still be a staple, but jungle gyms, teeter-totters and clay or gravel surfaces have gone the way of The Brady Bunch and meta…

A good amenity gives a condo community its flash, its panache. It's the all-important detail that sets one community apart from another, and turns a set of structures into a set of homes. Over time, though, even the best amenity, the one…

In many New Jersey homeowners associations and condos, amenities are an integral part of a community, offering improved quality of life, recreational enjoyment and convenience. Popular amenities such as clubhouses or pools can creat…

In many New Jersey homeowners associations and condos, amenities are an integral part of a community, offering improved quality of life, recreational enjoyment and convenience. Popular amenities such as clubhouses or pools can create a s…

Q My client has children and lives next to their HOA’s swimming pool, which the whole family enjoys very much. In fact, they purchased the home specifically because it was next to the pool. Their association has since been turned over f…

Q I live in a 100 percent owner-occupied condominium. Our bylaws and house rules very clearly state that unit owners may have no more than two pets, only one of which may be a dog. One of the unit owners (who is also a board member!) ke…

Q A couple of our association members are complaining of noisy neighbors. There is an issue of some residents not adhering to the association’s rule that 80 percent of apartment floors must be carpeted. As a result, the board voted that…