Background:
Currently, the Lake Barcroft Watershed Improvement District (LBWID) owns and maintains a large section of the Woman’s Club Community Garden. Years ago, this parcel was acquired by eminent domain when it was believed the land would be needed for dredging operations and storage of the dredge spoils prior to transport for disposal. The LBWID''s methods for dredging and removing silt from Lake Barcroft have changed significantly in the last 25 years. Prior to 2000, LBWID used a land-based approach to dredging operations do require support equipment that is positioned on land. However, there are two locations more centralized to the Lake near Beaches 3 and 5 that are more appropriate for their operations and have been utilized by the LBWID since the year 2000.
The Woman''s Club Garden has evolved into a more park-like setting that residents of the Lake Barcroft community (which are also LBWID constituents) utilize primarily for leisure and recreational activities and community events. This area has also been utilized to promote the growth of native vegetation and natural habitat for wildlife. The Lake Barcroft Association (LBA) owns an adjoining piece of the property that provides the same recreational opportunities to its membership. Transfer of the LBWID''s portion of the Woman''s Club Garden to the LBA would more properly align the responsibilities of the two organizations with ownership of the land as well as simplify use of the land for such things as civic functions, private events, memorial developments and so on. The LBWID would maintain easements to the property, as it does on all other properties owned and managed by the LBA, so the LBWID can carry out its functions and intended duties to Lake Barcroft. There would be no cost to LBA to transfer ownership; however, there would be future expenses with ongoing maintenance and upkeep on the property, as with all other LBA properties.
Community Question:
Should the LBA acquire the full ownership of the Woman''s Club Garden by Deed of Gift from the LBWID, for community management and oversight?
We’d like to hear your opinion on this proposal.