Revised Phase 1, Landscape Master Plan
Dear University Park Homeowners,
The Landscape Master Plan Team’s (LMP) overall purpose is to define, for the coming years, the community’s stewardship of the landscaping on our common land. The Team is not seeking to redefine, nor reinvent, our Park’s landscaping that has been created over the last 30+ years. In particular, they are committed to maintaining the existing trees, tree lines and canopies that are fundamental to the “old Florida” look of our Park.
As part of the LMP, the landscaping along University Parkway and from the entrance up to the gatehouse is being refreshed as Phase 1. In March, we sent you a presentation of the LMP, Phase 1 plans and asked for feedback. With 130 emails, and many comments during two ZOOM presentations and other various meetings, you certainly gave us clear and strong feedback! Many said that the plans were not in keeping with the University Park “old Florida” look, and others said it was too colorful and too “Benderson.” There were also many who misunderstood the renderings and thought our wonderful trees were being removed – absolutely not! Those trees make us unique and are staying!
The LMP Team, and our landscape designer, listened to all of the comments and went back to the drawing board. They also met with a small group of residents who had given significant feedback, to look at revised plans. Based on this feedback, the plans have now been scaled back and simplified, with less color and a more natural feel.
The expected cost for Phase 1 is $180,000 – $220,000 depending on the options chosen, as mentioned below. Our reserve funds include full provision for this project’s costs, which is subject to this board’s approval. Homeowners have been paying assessments towards landscaping reserves for several years and landscape reserve accruals will continue to be assessed going forward. No homeowner special assessment will be required to pay for Phase 1.
These revised plans can now be viewed on the association’s website by clicking on the following link, https://upcai-fl.com/landscape-master-plan/. In addition, an in-person (only) presentation will be held in the Lakeside Room on Monday, May 2nd from 2:00-4:00pm. A ZOOM (only) presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 4th from 10:00am – 12:00pm. An email will be sent out separately with presentation details as well as the ZOOM link.
Please note that there are two possibilities for the gatehouse area, on pages 36 (option 1) and 37 (option 2). We would like to hear from everyone which option they prefer. In addition, we are open to any comments on “Optional Package A” (along the sides of The Park Boulevard) and “Optional Package B” (median areas of The Park Boulevard).
Please email your comments to [email protected] by Tuesday, May 10th.
Thank you,
Your Board of Directors
University Park Community Association Inc.
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