In addition to all the benefits of being part of a homeowners association, an HOA’s recreational amenities attract residents to a particular community as well. But while major amenities like community swimming pools have their advantages…
Many of us, whether we like to admit it or not, have certain images or ideas pop into our heads when we hear the term “senior citizen.” Some are quaint—slow-motion shuffleboard tournaments, for example, or spirited rounds of Bingo. Other…
All parents crave space for their kids, a place for them to play and romp and run. That’s why more and more families are intent on finding condo communities that offer something for the whole family, from playgrounds to swimming pools to…
For most people, after a long winter, warm weather cannot come soon enough. But, if you are a trustee in a community association or a property manager, spring means more than barbecues and patio furniture—it means tough decisions and exp…
Although it is something that is relatively new in the state of New Jersey, a new trend that is occurring within condo and townhouse communities (as well as popular vacation-area resorts) around the country is fractional ownership, where…
It seems that the residents of one large New Jersey HOA don’t want to come out and play. The association’s management cancelled their scheduled Easter egg hunt this past March because only a handful of their 700-plus families wanted to p…
Every community has certain amenities or assets that residents value highly. In some communities, those features are extra parking areas, bike paths or "tot lots." In others, golf courses and restaurants are the way communities identify …
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, …