Services
Ranch Maintenance
May 2010
Ranch Maintenance
by Dave Grover
The maintenance department started the year off trying to complete as many projects as possible before mowing and asphalt weather arrived. Just looking around, I’d say the crew did a great job. Here is an overview of some of the jobs we have completed so far this year.
The lodge desperately needed a new septic system, and the crew helped the contractor as much as possible so that the lodge would not be without bathrooms any longer than necessary.
I’m sure all of you remember the beautiful snow we had in the beginning of February. Even though it was a nice short change, the cold and snow is hard on infrastructure. We had some frozen, broken lines we needed to repair as well as many pot holes that needed filling. All of the broken lines have been repaired, and most of the pot holes have been filled.
As was obvious, the split rail fence at the West Entrance was in poor condition and needed to be replaced. It’s amazing how much the new fence enhanced the drive up appeal at the West Entrance. From there we moved on to the beach and retaining wall on Holly Lake. Delbert, who has been on the maintenance crew for 18+ years said the first project he worked on when he first started, was building that retaining wall with David. (21 years on the crew.) After 18 years the wood in the wall was fairly well rotted. We completely rebuilt the wall and steps down to the beach. We also put 100 tons of clean sand on the beach and worked it in. The sign for general safety rules on the beach was also deteriorating and was replaced with a new sign. While we were at it, the boards on the fishing dock and board walk were in poor condition. To keep the area safe, we rebuilt that area on the water front for all to enjoy. This area was refurbished for you, so stop by and fish or swim, just don’t go fishing for swimmers.
Moving on to other projects, the guard shack in section three has not been used and has been falling apart for many years. It was a safety concern. We installed a large water tight box for the electrical near the old building. After moving the electrical out of the old building, we took it down, saving any material that was worth saving, and that wasn’t much. Also in section three we put a new roof on the bulletin board and put a picnic table under the roof at the old mailbox area.
A few other small projects that we have completed so far this year are as follows. We repaired the handrail damage on the bridge on the Waterfall Trail, we installed a new water fountain in the fitness center, and we have mulched the leaves in the park areas.
The pools will open up for a trial run the weekend before Memorial Day, and then open for the season beginning on the Memorial Day weekend. By the time you read this, we will be mowing, weed eating and asphalting. Get out and enjoy the amenities and activities around the ranch, and maybe our paths will cross. ”May you be blessed with a bountiful harvest from the seeds that you sow”.
Maintenance Supervisor
David Grover
903-769-9503
Thought to ponder
People are just as happy as they
make up their minds to be.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
