Frequently Asked Questions - Other Renew Big Canoe Projects

A: As metal pipe under golf fairways ages, it begins to corrode, which causes pipe failure, leading to soil erosion and pipe collapse. Also, over time 4" drainpipe beneath greens and bunkers becomes clogged with silt, necessitating their replacement. Drainage is essential to growing fine turf by providing healthy growing conditions for plant roots, as well as a better playing surface.

Likewise, an irrigation system has a life expectancy at which point the pumps wear out, the pipes leak, and valves and sprinkler heads malfunction. We are at that point on the Choctaw course.

In addition, technology has changed to introduce more sophisticated control, allowing the superintendent to conserve water and electricity, while expanding coverage and improving playability. 

A: Although almost 75% of votes cast were in favor of the Creek 9 project, most of the cost pertained to replacing aging components and would have been completed as part of an annual Capital Budget regardless of the vote result. To ignore the deteriorating infrastructure of our courses would be dereliction of duty and ultimately detrimental to property values.

Per our governing documents, the POA Board of Directors has the duty to maintain Common Property in a quality manner for the best interests of present and future Property Owners. The 2021 Voice of the Community Survey indicated that the majority of current Property Owners were in favor of maintaining and updating our existing infrastructure, and golf was one of the top priorities.

The Policy addressing when Property Owner approval is required was revised in 2021 reflecting that reality, and stipulates a vote is necessary when the enhancement portion of an existing Common Property project is greater than $1.375 million*. 

*Please see FAQ #4 Under Finances for more information on this topic

A: The estimated cost of the Choctaw rejuvenation will be $3.4 million. The line of credit that was negotiated in 2022 can be accessed to pay for expenditures not covered by existing cash on hand or projected cash flows.   

Please see the related FAQs under "Finances" 

A: Maintenance items include replacing the irrigation system and pumps, drainage pipes beneath fairways, greens, bunkers, and upgrading the greens turf and bunker sand. 

Enhancements would include things such as changing the location of a green or adding tee boxes.

A: No. A driving range enhancement and a proposed short game practice area are currently not a part of the Choctaw rejuvenation.

A: The Choctaw course is currently slated to close in early 2024, and reopen for play in the spring of 2025, a similar timeline to the Creek course.

A: Because the Cherokee course is newer than Choctaw, it is estimated to be 3-5 years until a rejuvenation of those nine holes is needed. The course will be evaluated on a regular basis and will become part of the recommended maintenance cycle when necessary.

A: A new pump house will service the Creek course as well as Choctaw and will allow an existing pump house (located by the Creek #3 greens complex) to be freed up as backup service to the Tennis facility. Thus, it is not part of the Choctaw rejuvenation and will be included in the Capital Budget as necessary maintenance.

A: The current POA Administration offices are shoe-horned into an inadequate space. Employees are often interrupted by well meaning Property Owners looking for their card game or meeting. Also, key personnel are currently spread out across several buildings.

There is very limited opportunity for employees to interact with their colleagues in a quiet and private space. This limits productivity, efficiency, and a feeling of belonging. Part of the Big Canoe Strategic Plan was to create an environment where employees would find opportunity to work more productively and simply be in a place where they would enjoy coming to work.

We also want to attract and retain excellent employees. Having an up-to-date facility will help in recruiting and retention. 

A: The existing building was severely damaged by the freeze event in December 2022,  giving us the opportunity to reimagine that space when we restore it.

A: At this point, the Chimneys project is viewed as restoration of damaged space and would not require Property Owner approval to proceed. 

Property Owner approval is required if the cost of the enhancement portion of the project exceeds the $1.375 million* threshold. Currently, that is not anticipated.

*Please see FAQ# 4 under Finances for an explanation of how this is calculated.

A: The plan is for all of the General Manager’s direct reports to have workspace in The Chimneys, as well as the accounting and IT offices which were destroyed by water damage. In addition, key support staff will be stationed there. 

A: The current design provides for 35 parking spaces in the upper level of Wolfscratch Village. This should provide adequate parking. Overflow spaces will still be available across the street near the old Postal Facility.

A: Yes. With the proposed plan, Village Station A&B would remain intact and available for use. In addition, once the POA vacates the Canoe Lodge we expect a retrofit to accommodate 4-6 new meeting rooms. This far exceeds our current aggregate capacity.

A: Parking at The Chimneys is inadequate for a truly usable event space. In addition,  POA Administration  needs a dedicated home where people can work productively and comfortably.

This has always been a part of the Renew Big Canoe roadmap, it has just moved to the forefront with the damage at The Chimneys in the 2022 freeze.

And lastly, dedicating the POA Lodge to the community for full-time use is a wonderful benefit to our residents.

A: A key outcome of Renew Big Canoe is to dedicate one of our most historic buildings to full time Property Owner use. The Canoe Lodge is located in a serene and beautiful lakeside area in Big Canoe with existing ample, flat parking. 

The renovation will increase meeting space for our many clubs and organizations, and provide wonderful event space for private parties, while at the same time helping to preserve this treasure for years to come.

A: Besides the open meeting / social space that exists in the large main room with the fireplace, the area currently occupied by the POA Administration will be converted to 4-6 meeting rooms of various sizes.

The Canoe Lodge will be returned for full time use by Property Owners for social events as well.

A: There are currently 50 parking spaces available at the Canoe Lodge, which is adequate for most activities that might be held there. 

A: It is desired that the Platt Museum will continue to be a part of the Canoe Lodge. Additional code review must be conducted to determine if the second floor meets all handicap and existing code requirements. 

All steps necessary will be taken to preserve this history.

A: Covering the outdoor patio is being considered for a future phase of the Canoe Lodge project. 

A: The Wellness Center ranked lower on the Voice of the Community’s list of priorities. The Long Range Planning Committee agrees that it needs upgrading and expanding, and anticipates  it will be a future project.

It was recommended that a complete study be done by an expert in fitness facilities. 

A: The Beach Club was not high on the Voice of the Community’s list of priorities. The Long Range Planning Committee also agrees that it needs upgrading and anticipates it will be a future project, possibly in combination with upgrading and expanding the Wellness Center. 

A: Plans for a safer, more level and user-friendly Marina Parking Lot are currently being considered but are not yet complete at this time.

A: We are currently nearing a rollout of a comprehensive Forest Management Program to help in the preservation of our natural surroundings and the diversity of wildlife we treasure.

A: Recent upgrades at the Trash Facility and an improved service contract appear to have addressed most of the issues and Property Owner complaints are down dramatically. Therefore, any additional upgrades are not considered necessary at this time.