As Labor Day approaches and primary boating season slows down, I hope that all of you have enjoyed another great season at our beautiful lake! After the usual, hectic run-up to July 4th, we’ve seen a nice moderation to the level of boating activity each succeeding weekend. Our weed treatment seems to have been successful, and with a bit of luck, we can re-stabilize the lake environment to gradually reduce the need for future efforts of this type. Most of our fishermen tell me they’re catching plenty, and our fishing tournaments have been very well attended events.
While recreational boating slows, our fall line-up of activities will likely be started or very near ready to begin, post-holiday. The Association has let the bid for construction of the connector road between the Trails End and Hillsdale South subdivisions. This is an important safety addition to our community (never mind the convenience it will offer) to those of you wanting to visit the clubhouse, golf, play paddleball, or just tour our development. Many of you use your ATV’s, UTV’s, or other ‘fun’ vehicles at the lake. Along with a generally safe boating season, we’ve also had a safe season of non-standard vehicle use. Thanks to all of you for continuing to focus on this while you’re here at Sun Valley and doing the fun things that create great family memories.
As in past years, SVILA will be preparing to do some annual fall road maintenance. Keeping our roads cleaned, well-maintained, and usable for all is a never-ending effort. I am particularly appreciative of our Facilities and Infrastructure team! While most members are out playing, these dedicated employees work every day to make sure road holes are patched, grass is mowed, the beach is cleaned, and our equipment is kept ready and available. Their efforts help all of us enjoy the ‘top tier’ experience Sun Valley has to offer.
Also high on my thank-you list are our volunteer committee members. Many in this group spend several hours each week, working to keep our facilities attractive, welcoming new members, reviewing permits, setting fish structure, and many other important tasks. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to those that willingly give up their personal time without pay, for the betterment of our facilities and the advancement of our community environment.
So, as lake season 2024 starts to wind down, please continue to keep safety in mind while you look forward to those great, cooler, enjoyable days and evenings that fall will bring. Some of the best times at our lake occur during the ‘shoulder’ seasons. We hope all our members have enjoyed 2024 at the lake (so far) and will find many more days this fall to round out another good season at the lake.
Gene Smith
SVILA Manager LakeManager@sunvalleylake.com