April 2026 Update
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend this year’s annual meeting—we truly appreciate your involvement and engagement in the community. For those who weren’t able to make it, we wanted to share a summary of what was discussed, along with a look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Looking Back at 2025
As we reflect on 2025, it was a year defined by steady progress and meaningful improvements across the community. While it may not have been filled with flashy projects, it was a year where we focused on the things that matter most—maintaining our standards, strengthening our financial position, and continuing to improve the overall experience of living in Bridgewater.
One of the biggest positives this year was the addition of two new board members: Eric Woody and Susan Miller. Their involvement has helped distribute responsibilities more effectively and brought fresh perspectives as our community continues to grow and evolve.
Financially, we were able to keep dues flat with no increase, while still completing important projects and maintaining the neighborhood. That balance is something we’re very intentional about—making smart decisions today so we can avoid surprises down the road (and avoid those emails none of us enjoy receiving).
One of the more significant efforts this year took place behind the scenes with the retention pond on Grand River Lane. This project involved repairing a sinkhole and coordinating the removal of a beaver and its dam. While not the most glamorous undertaking, it was critical for long-term drainage and property protection. Fortunately, everything was resolved successfully, and the project was completed slightly under budget.
Enhancing Our Shared Spaces
At the pool, several upgrades were made to improve both safety and overall enjoyment. We replaced aging furniture, installed a new handrail, and completed a filtration system overhaul at the end of the season. Connectivity was also improved with the addition of Frontier fiber, along with another security camera to enhance monitoring.
We also transitioned to a new pool management company, Clarity Pool Systems, who delivered a smooth and well-managed season. The facility remained clean, operations ran efficiently, and inspections went exactly as we hoped. Based on that performance, we secured a two-year agreement through 2027 at our current rate—something that positions us well as costs continue to rise elsewhere.
Beyond the pool, attention was given to the smaller details that collectively make a big impact. Street sign posts were repainted, and we continued clearing debris left behind from Hurricane Helene. Around the pool entrance in particular, what had started to resemble a collection of leftover tree stumps has now been cleaned up significantly, improving both safety and curb appeal.
Strengthening the Foundation
From a financial standpoint, one of our most important accomplishments was restoring a portion of our reserve funds after the pool resurfacing project in 2024. This progress puts the community in a stronger position moving forward and helps ensure we’re prepared for future repairs and larger projects without placing unnecessary strain on homeowners.
We also made strides in improving communication and accessibility for residents. The Bridgewater website now includes online ARC request submissions and a violation reporting page, making it easier to submit and track requests.
One of the more unique additions this year was the installation of a community library box at the pool. Thanks to Grayson for taking on the hard work of installing it—and to Jon Albright for securing the box at no cost to the neighborhood. It’s already seen a great deal of use and has quickly become a favorite feature for many residents.
We also saw strong engagement with the Bridgewater Community Market last fall. A big thank you to Susan Miller and Maddie Mullaney for helping bring that event to life. It highlighted just how creative and engaged our neighbors are, and we’re excited to build on that success this year.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we turn the page to 2026, we have several projects and priorities already underway. This will be a mulch year for the community, an important part of our maintenance cycle that plays a key role in keeping the neighborhood looking its best. We’ll also be addressing the remaining tree stumps in the front entrance greenspace, continuing our efforts to keep common areas clean, safe, and visually appealing.
At the pool, the focus will shift toward maintenance and longevity. We’ll be working on leveling sections of the pool deck that have drawn attention during inspections, as well as repairing the pool gate—so we can officially retire the ever-reliable (but not exactly permanent) bungee cord solution.
Additional repairs are planned for the retention pond gates to improve both safety and appearance, and we’ll continue enhancing security with the addition of another camera in a key area.
One of the most exciting additions planned for this year is the installation of a playground in the greenspace. This has been a frequent request from residents, and we’re looking forward to creating a space where families and children can gather, play, and maybe burn off just enough energy to make bedtime a little easier. And yes—we promise this one is happening this spring.
We’re also continuing to improve the Bridgewater website with the development of a community-driven vendor database. The goal is to provide residents with a trusted list of local service providers—hopefully making it easier to find reliable help without having to ask the same questions repeatedly online.
A Final Word
As always, our goal remains consistent: to maintain the quality of our neighborhood, invest wisely in improvements, and make decisions that benefit the community as a whole.
We understand that not every decision impacts everyone the same way, but we are committed to approaching each one with fairness, transparency, and long-term value in mind.
Most importantly, we want to thank those of you who stay engaged—whether by attending meetings, sharing feedback, volunteering your time, or simply helping look out for the neighborhood. That involvement truly makes a difference.
Bridgewater is a great community because of the people in it—and we’re proud to serve.
