Message from the Community Manager

As we move closer to spring and look ahead to the warmer months, I would like to take a moment to share several positive updates about our community, including planned projects for 2026, improvements currently underway, and some of the many recreational activities available to our residents.

Penn Estates continues to grow and evolve, and that progress is made possible through the careful planning of the Board of Directors, the work of our staff, and the continued support and engagement of our members. Each year, the Board and management team work together to develop a budget that prioritizes maintaining our infrastructure, enhancing community amenities, and ensuring that Penn Estates remains a place residents are proud to call home.

Below is an overview of several projects and initiatives currently planned or underway. While this list highlights many of the larger projects, it is not exhaustive and does not include the full scope of routine maintenance and operational work performed throughout the year. Residents interested in learning more are encouraged to attend board meetings, participate in budget work sessions, or contact me directly at PhyllisHaase@pepoa.org.

Community Infrastructure Projects:

Road Maintenance Program
Maintaining the integrity of our road system remains one of the association’s most important responsibilities. Each year, roads are evaluated and prioritized for maintenance based on condition, usage, and long-term infrastructure planning.

The following roads have been proposed for maintenance during the 2026 season. Final selections will be confirmed following inspections and the formal bid process:

• Belaire
• Brentwood
• Edgeview
• Fernwood
• Summit
• Cedar Crest
• Wales
• Sycamore
• Riverbend
• Harmony
• Brewood
• Foxdale

Regular maintenance of our roadways helps extend their lifespan, improves safety for residents and emergency services, and ensures continued accessibility throughout the community.

Amenity Improvements
Penn Estates offers a variety of recreational spaces for residents to enjoy, and we are continually looking for opportunities to improve and expand these amenities.

Walking Path Enhancements
Last year, the community completed installation of the new walking path—an amenity requested by many residents seeking a safe and accessible area for exercise and leisure walking.

This year, additional improvements will be made to enhance the experience along the path. Benches will be installed to provide resting areas, and an outdoor fitness station will be added adjacent to the path. These improvements will allow residents to incorporate light exercise into their walks while enjoying the natural surroundings of the community. Most importantly, the path provides a designated space where residents can exercise without concerns related to vehicle traffic on community roads.

Community Center Lighting
Lighting within the Community Center will be upgraded this year to create a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere. The new lighting will improve visibility for events, meetings, and recreational programs while enhancing the overall appearance of the facility.

Entrance Signage
The signage located at both community gateways will be replaced. Updated signage will provide a refreshed appearance while continuing to clearly identify and welcome residents and visitors to Penn Estates.

Vegetation Management
Maintaining the health and safety of our wooded community is an ongoing priority. Dead, diseased, and hazardous trees will continue to be identified and addressed throughout the community as part of our vegetation maintenance program. These efforts not only improve the appearance of the community but also help reduce potential safety hazards.

Sports Complex Improvement Project
During the 2026 budget presentations, members were introduced to plans for significant improvements to the sports complex. Following the bidding process, the Board of Directors approved the project at the March board meeting.
This project represents a major investment in recreational opportunities for our residents and will include:

• Full restoration of the existing half basketball courts with drainage
• Full restoration of the tennis and pickleball courts with drainage
• Full restoration of the full basketball court with drainage

During discussions about the project, the Board also received requests from residents for a handball court. In response to this interest, a handball court has been incorporated into the project design for the enjoyment of members.

As part of the redesign, the half basketball courts will be relocated to the side of the complex overlooking the full basketball court. This adjustment will allow for expansion and improved layout of the courts.

Currently, the hybrid tennis and pickleball courts are striped in an east–west orientation. When the courts are resurfaced and restriped as part of this project, the layout will be corrected to a north–south orientation. This alignment is the recommended configuration for tennis courts because it reduces sun glare and improves playability throughout the day.

Construction is scheduled to begin next week, and the anticipated completion date is June 15. Once completed, the improved sports complex will provide residents with a modern recreational space designed to serve a variety of athletic interests.

Recreation Programs and Community Events
One of the things that makes Penn Estates special is the wide variety of social and recreational opportunities available to residents. Our Recreation Department has expanded the 2026 calendar with several new activities designed to bring neighbors together and provide something for residents of all ages.

Dinner dances, karaoke nights, and children’s events continue to be among the most popular activities in the community. In addition, several new programs have been introduced this year, including:

• Cardio fitness classes
• Gardening group
• Arts and Crafts Club
• Chair Yoga

These programs provide residents with opportunities to stay active, explore new hobbies, and connect with neighbors.

Annual Election
The association’s annual election is an important part of the governance process and provides members with the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the community.
This year, there are three open seats on the Board of Directors, each with a three-year term.
The candidates for this year’s election are:

1. Eileen Arroyo
2. Chuck Fariello
3. Chris Hoffman
4. Richard Infante

The Meet the Candidates forum will be held via Zoom on March 12 at 6:30 p.m.Members in good standing are encouraged to attend and learn more about the candidates.

Annual Meeting
The association’s Annual Meeting will take place on May 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the Oak Room. During the meeting, election results will be announced and members will receive updates on community operations and initiatives.

Penn Estates continues to be a vibrant and active community because of the involvement and commitment of its residents. Whether participating in community events, attending meetings, or volunteering on committees, member engagement plays a vital role in shaping the future of the association.

I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events as we move into another productive year for our community.

As always, I wish you and your family health and happiness in the coming year.

Phyllis Haase
Community Manager