Snow and rain fell from heaven this year and refilled a very shallow lake to full pool. The residents found out during the winter months that there was "seepage" under the spillway and this was offered as the reason the lake had gotten so low. I'm not sure this seepage has been addressed as of this writing because the lake has receded back down about two feet since spring even though we've had ample rain this year. Of course, it's August and summer heat has finally found us without bringing us more rain in the mix. Still, Lakewood living thrives! Docks are being repaired and so are the marinas. Yesterday was simply a gorgeous day to be out on the lake and several people were. As I was floating around on my raft I could see bikers, joggers, walkers, pontoon tie-ups, kayakers, fishers, and I thought to myself what a wonderful life, and I gave thanks to my Creator. The garden club installed three new decorative wind turbines at the dam that were lazily turning in the soft summer breeze, and the lake temperature was so perfect, it was hard to make myself get out. This year people have truly used the lake and I believe yesterday's users were trying to grab it for all it's worth, knowing that fall isn't too far away. School has started and the pools will be closing this holiday weekend, but there is so much to do in Lakewood the homeowners will be able to continue lake living to the fullest. The Book Club will still suggest books to read before each meeting, the Garden Club will have guest lecturers and gardening tips, the Activity Committee will be planning activities for homeowners throughout the winter, the workout room will still be available to those who like to workout, joggers will still be jogging, bikers will still be biking -- and even though the lake will get too cold to swim, the die-hard fishermen will still be out fishing! Lakewood is a great place to call home. You should try it.

A Long Hot Summer

I always lament "Where has summer gone?" This year it has gone by way of the desert! Days on end have been filled with sunshine, extreme heat, and absolutely no rain. Our beautiful lake is down about six feet and looks so sad -- especially back in the coves where there is no water. These coves are now filling with weeds which always seem to thrive in dire conditions. Some homeowners have hydrated their yards while the majority have let their grass go dormant. The trees are very stressed and dropping their leaves in an effort to save themselves. It is obvious that some trees are past saving themselves. On a positive note, having a lower lake level allows the Lakewood Association and the Lakewood community to do some cleaning around the shoreline. Docks are being repaired and some homeowners have put in new seawalls in anticipation of the lake refilling. The swimming pools have been open every day with no rainouts and residents have put them to good use. The main clubhouse pool area has been remodeled with several fountains for kids to play in, and a new super waterslide that I must admit I've enjoyed using as much as the kids. Despite the heat, runners are still running, bikers are still biking, and lake life seems to be going on non-stop. My son and I have used the lake nearly every day to swim, float and relax, all the while thanking God for the priviledge of living in such a great community.

Spring didn't just come quietly to Lakewood this year -- it came bursting on the scene with a riot of colors dancing through early spring flowers in February, glorious pastels waving through flowering trees and shrubs in March, extremely warm southerly breezes wafting through April, and now spring showers nourishing May.  Spring has certainly been glorious in Lakewood. 

Because we experienced a very hot summer last year and very little moisture during the winter months, our lake is still down several feet from full pool.  Has that stopped the boat owners from firing up their motors and taking a cruise around this nice lake we call home?  No way!  This is a no-wake lake and unlike other lakes in this area, Lakewood has regulations that forbid individual ownership of docks along the shoreline.  Instead, we have two marinas with rental dock space for larger boats and rental boat racks in various locations along the shoreline for smaller craft.  The placement of these docks keeps the shoreline from looking cluttered and only enhances the beauty and size of the lake itself.  The no-wake regulation keeps the lake serene.  Also spaced at intervals along the shoreline are "pleasure docks" for the pleasure of all homeowners and their guests to use for swimming, sunning, or fishing.  No boat?  No problem -- just go down to one of the docks and still enjoy the lake.  Not a lake person?  Well, Lakewood offers a variety of outdoor pools from Memorial Day through Labor Day -- all with certified lifeguards.  Don't know how to swim?  Swimming lessons for all ages are available during the summer months.

Not a water person?  Again, no problem.  Lakewood offers tennis courts, sand lot volleyball, a ball field, a pickle ball court, and large play areas with picnic facilities.  A clubhouse with work-out equipment is also available for a small fee.  There are also many clubs and organizations in Lakewood.  Homeowners are kept aprised of these through a monthly newsletter called "The Ripple."  Lakewood is a great place to call home!