Tahoe Donner

Check your summer calendars and register early!

Summer will be here before we know it! That also means now is the time to start thinking about summer camp, swim lessons and other summer activities for you and your family. We opened up summer program registration in early March. This is two months earlier than in the past.

That’s right, due to the many requests last summer, we answered the call by beginning registration for Tahoe Donner Summer programs in March this year. The registration schedule – with dates and times – is below. Follow the links to get summer 2013 program info and links to the registration website.

Day Camps – Registration Open NOW

Our diverse camp programs for ages 3 to 14 are packed full of learning and exploration. We believe in challenging your kids through new and diverse outdoor experiences. Our programs focus on outdoor education and environmental awareness. Day campers will participate in various activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, beach outings, hiking and exploring the Tahoe National Forest. Our staff aims to give each child a great mountain experience while providing a fun and safe learning environment. For information on 2013 Day Camps, including dates and rates, see Day Camp program information or our registration information page.

Monday, March 4, 8 a.m. – Day Camp Registration opened for Tahoe Donner members
Monday, March 18, 8 a.m. – Day Camp Registration opened for guests and public

Aquatics Programs – Registration Open NOW

We offer a variety of programs from youth and adult swim lessons to lifeguard training and certification. Come join us for some fun in the sun! For information on 2013 Aquatics programs, including dates and rates, see Aquatic program information or our registration information page. 

Monday, March 11, 8 a.m. – Aquatics Program Registration opened for Tahoe Donner members
Monday, March 25, 8 a.m. – Aquatics Registration opens for guests and public

Equestrian Programs – Registration Open NOW

Come explore the Sierra Nevada mountains by horseback. Join us for our Horsemanship Day Camps, back this summer by popular demand. For information on 2013 Equestrian Camps, including dates and rates, see the Equestrian page. Links to purchase Horsemanship Day Camps will be activated on the following dates:

Thursday, March 14, 8 a.m. – Horsemanship Day Camp Registration opened for Tahoe Donner members
Thursday, March 28, 8 a.m. – Horsemanship Day Camp Registration opens for guests and public

Children must be members in order to register on these days. Members are entitled to early registration dates, so if you are planning to register your child for any of these programs, please make sure your information is current at the Member Services office. All you need to do is make a quick call to the Member Services office at (530) 587-9400 to make sure your child is listed as a current member. We suggest you check the status of your children before the registration date so any issues can be resolved in advance of the registration date.

Be on the lookout for the 2013 Summer Fun Guide, coming soon.

Questions?

Call Lisa Hussar, Recreation Manager, at (530) 587-9438 or the Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437. For Equestrian questions, call Holly Cain at (530) 587-9470. If you would like assistance with the registration process or your online profile, contact Member Services at (530) 587-9400.

HOMEOWNER PROPERTY INSPECTION PROGRAM

View the FAQ sheet for the homeowner inspection program.

Tahoe Donner Association (TDA) was established in 1971 with the construction of private homes and multiple family units beginning in the spring of that year. Forty-two years later, TDA consists of 5,791 single family homes, 114 multiple family units, 567 undeveloped lots and 7,000 acres of land. As the association ages, maintaining the high quality of our community includes communicating and working with homeowners to address appearance issues.

Currently the Architectural Standards Office (ASO) performs compliance activities through positive engagement patrols. The compliance inspector covers all 68 miles of road in Tahoe Donner on a monthly basis and identifies, on average, 75 percent of all new compliance-related violations. The other 25 percent of compliance-related violations are generated by neighbor complaints. While staff does look for obvious violations when conducting street inspections, management has not had a systematic initiative to gain access to homeowner property for inspections as allowed by the Homeowner Defensible Space Program. Recognizing the fact that the association facilities and homeowner properties are aging, goals and objectives were identified in the Strategic Plan 2010-2015 to begin addressing both.

As a part of Strategic Plan Goal 4, work began this last year in developing a proposal to bring to the board of directors which would call for inspections of existing homeowner properties over a regular schedule as well as inspections of homeowner properties as they change hands in ownership or in the family. The board of directors discussed the plan at board meetings from July 2012 through September 2012; membership comments and feedback were considered during this period. At the September 2012 board meeting the board of directors approved moving forward with the program. The focus will be on providing education to homeowners on the association’s program while identifying properties whose exteriors may be in need of improvement to keep with association standards. Emphasis will be placed on compliance, not on punitive measures.

STRATEGIC GOAL PLAN 4: Establish an engaging approach to maintaining association community, architectural, convents, and communications standards.

Homeowner Property Inspection Program

Goal
Preserve the appearance of Tahoe Donner homes so as to maintain home values in an aging community.

Inspection Details
There are two parts to the program:

Part 1: The program will be implemented on a unit-by-unit basis beginning with Unit 7. Approximately 250 homes in that unit are scheduled for exterior inspections of the view from the street. This is not new to existing operations, rather a codification of existing practices and a systematic approach to view the entire association beyond member complaints.

Part 2:  A full 360-degree exterior inspection will occur after a property transfer. This part of the initiative is new and allows the association to address any exterior compliance issues at rate of 250-500 homes per year.

Inspections will focus on the following elements:

1. Does structure have any damage?
a. Is structure in need of staining or painting?

2. Quality of roof
a. Any maintenance needed; missing shingles?
b. Does metal roof need repainting?
c. Chimney cap or flashing need maintenance?

3. Garbage Can Enclosure (GCE) or Animal Resistant Garbage Can Enclosure (ARGCE)
a. Is there an ARGCE or a wooden enclosure?
b. Maintenance issues?
c. Does structure need painting or staining?

4. Is exterior lighting compliant?
a. Are any fixtures broken or in disrepair?
b. Are flood lamps aimed downward?

5. Are all visible deck or stair brackets painted?

6. Check for any illegal structures (additions, fencing, sheds, etc).

7. Does gas meter have adequate protection from potential snow load?  If meter already has a shed for protection, is it painted to blend in with the house?

Implementation and Inspections:
Homeowners will receive a 10-day notice that their property has been scheduled for an exterior inspection. The Tahoe Donner compliance inspector will conduct inspections beginning in February 2013. Notification of inspection results will be mailed via certified mail (return receipt requested). If your home passes the initial inspection, you will be notified by postcard and no further action will be required. If your initial inspection indicates that action is needed, we will work with you to define a reasonable timeline for compliance.

Program Compliance
Enforcement of the program will be supported by existing Architectural Standards and Covenants Rules and Regulations.

Program Administration
Program administration will be assigned to the ASO along with the Architectural Standards and Covenants Committees, and is scheduled for launch in February of 2013.

Call the ASO office at (530) 587-9406 or email Tahoe Donner’s compliance inspector, Roy Richner, at rrichner@tahoedonner.com with questions or to obtain more information.

A copy of Tahoe Donner’s Covenants Rules and Regulations can be downloaded online.

Now is a great time to set new fitness goals and begin a brand new year with a clean slate. Trout Creek Recreation Center has two new programs that are sure to motivate and help you achieve your goals!

2013 Weight Loss Challenge

The 2013 Trout Creek Weight Loss Challenge is a free opportunity to join others in a friendly competition to reach your weight loss goals. The program begins on Friday, February 1, and last for 12 weeks. Trout Creek Recreation Center will host a kick-off party at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30. Participants can sign up for the program, weigh-in and have their photo taken. There will also be a guest lecture on the 12-Steps of Weight Loss Success and a brief introduction about how services at Trout Creek Recreation Center can help contribute to your success. Don’t worry, if you can’t make the kick-off party you can still join the challenge by signing up at the front desk any time before February 1. Throughout the 12 weeks, we will provide special educational opportunities (nominal fees will apply) for challengers to gain knowledge, motivation, and resources to overcome plateaus and maintain their weight loss. Weekly weigh-ins will be available to track progress. At the culmination of the 12 week challenge, prizes will be awarded to the participant who has lost the greatest number of pounds and the participant who has lost the greatest percentage of body weight. Every participant that loses 10 percent of their body weight will receive a Trout Creek Weight Loss Challenge t-shirt.

Century Club Challenge

If you’re a frequent user of Trout Creek Recreation Center, you should consider joining the Century Club Challenge. Visit Trout Creek 100 times by September 30, 2013, and you will become an honorary member of the Trout Creek Century Club and receive a Trout Creek Century Club t-shirt. We will celebrate our Centurions with a Century Club Celebration in October and unveil the Century Club Hall of Fame. We will also reward our Super Centurions (150 visits), Mega Centurions (200 visits), and of course, the Centurion who has the greatest number of visits to Trout Creek. Throughout the period we will be offering mini-challenges to keep our Centurions motivated and committed. How many laps can you swim in a month? How many miles can you log on a treadmill? How many fitness classes can you attend? Mini-challenge winners will also be recognized at our Century Club Celebration. To join the challenge, you may sign up at the front desk anytime or email us at troutcreek@tahoedonner.com.

Get out and play! Here are some enjoyable Tahoe Donner activities paired perfectly for winter.

Cross Country Night Skiing and Race Series
Every Wednesday through February 27 enjoy skiing 5 kilometers of trails under the lights from 5 – 7 p.m. In addition, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center hosts night race series for those looking for a little competition. For more information on ticket pricing and dates of the race series visit Tahoe Donner cross country events or call (530) 587-9484.

Condition your Body at Trout Creek  
Conditioning the body for winter sports will help increase performance and prevent injury. Trout Creek Recreation Center offers a Core Strength and Balance Training class and Yoga for Skiing. For more information on program times and classes offered visit Tahoe Donner fitness classes or call (530) 587-9437.

Full Moon Snowshoe
Count the stars and experience the solitude of winter evenings by joining us for a full moon snowshoe. For a complete list of full moon snowshoe dates and pricing visit Tahoe Donner Recreation or call (530) 587-9437.

Bingo Night at Pizza on the Hill
Pizza on the Hill introduces Bingo night during the winter on Saturdays from 6 – 8 p.m. The summer Bingo nights are immensely popular, so we’re trying out winter Bingo. Join in the fun, win great prizes and snack on tasty pizza and sandwiches from the new menu. Pizza on the Hill also returns to regular operating hours of 5 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday – Sunday.

Winter is here and Snowplay is the first Tahoe Donner winter ammenity to open for the season!

View 2012-13 rates

Special Holiday Hours

Snowplay will be open daily from December 17 – January 6 for the Christmas holiday.

December 17 – 24
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
* Night sledding until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21

December 25
12 – 4:30 p.m.

December 26 – 31
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

January 1
12 – 4:30 p.m.

January 2 – 6
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.