Being in Banking previously, I often tell the story of my very first Annual General Meeting at a Sectional Title Scheme in Gresswold, after joining a managing agency:
There were certain owners with small children and other owners with small dogs and the children would tease the dogs who would in turn bite the kids!
I had the privilege of witnessing a fistfight between owners at my very first AGM! That evening, I went home and cried to my spouse: ”What exactly did I get myself into?!”
Yet, 20 years later, I’m still part of a Property Management Team that must resolve similar disputes amongst residents in Community Schemes managed by us.
We offer Estate Management Services to almost 50 schemes already and on occasion had situations where the Estate Managers were left with the added responsibility of being the Lifeguards around the pool when minor children would be sent to have a swim, carrying only their towels – with no other adult nearby!
We also over the years received complaints of children scratching, bumping, or damaging cars whilst riding on their bicycles or kids leaving their skateboards lying around. This may appear trivial until someone gets hurt.
I recently received a video of a very serious altercation between two residents in a Community scheme regarding the behaviour of some of the children and the language used in the video would leave many a sailor red-faced!
The point is that this is an emotive issue as children have every right to reside in a Community scheme, like anyone else however, children, especially younger children, should be supervised by their parents and not left to the Security guards or even the Estate Managers to take care of.
Newer, bigger Developments quite often offer jungle gyms or play areas and even padel courts and skate parks where children can play without the risk of damaging any common or personal property but unfortunately, some of the older, hi-rise developments only have staircases and lifts which would serve as a “play area”, which is obviously not ideal.
When considering a restaurant, parents would look for a restaurant with a kids’ play area, so a child-friendly environment is definitely a “must have” when considering a place to stay. So, the very best advice I can give to parents (I am one myself) is to consider whether a Community Scheme has a specific play area for children, or whether the pool area is secured by a fence before deciding to purchase or move in.
Community-scheme living certainly has many advantages, especially in terms of Security and shared expenses but the design, style, facilities and lay-out should certainly be considered, especially when being a parent.
So, join us in celebrating Youth-month in June by enjoying Community-scheme living whilst respecting each other and being considerate to one another, whether you are 8 or 80.
