BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
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The Buildings & Grounds Team (B&G) performs a fundamental and wide-ranging role in managing and maintaining the physical grounds of Sand River. Whether the need is portal sealing, stucco repair, regrading the drive, or installing security lighting, B&G is at the helm — not only ensuring the structural integrity of our physical systems but also contributing to the functionality and safety of Sand River.
B&G PROJECTS 2024Of the projects undertaken by the Buildings & Grounds Team in 2024, three are highlighted here. The first — clearing clogged culverts and overgrown detention ponds — is periodic maintenance related to our permaculture drainage system. While permaculture design allows us to maximize the use of our precious water while managing the potentially destructive impact of heavy water flow, it does require cyclical maintenance to function effectively. In June, B&G point Marvel, with the assistance of our groundskeeper Jimmy, cleared debris from the culverts and trimmed grasses in the detention ponds in the green space below our residential area. While grasses play a key role in the permaculture strategy of slow – spread – sink, they need to be cut back seasonally for fire control and reseeding. The cuttings are then deposited in an onsite brush pile.
In July, because the common house flat roof had developed a leak, the B&G and Common House Teams collaborated in determining its location and taking measures to remedy. Upon approval by the Finance Committee, a local roofing contractor was engaged to repair the leak and resurface the roof. Lastly, Elaine, Kathy, Marvel, Susie, and Thom cleared the steps leading into the garden and orchard in preparation for a handrail, which was subsequently constructed and installed by a local metal artisan. (slideshow photos by Marvel) |
PORTAL SEALING 2023B&G took on, with the help of several members of the community, the task of sealing 28 residential portals and the common house portal. The team investigated low-VOC options before making a decision about which product would best serve both the interests of wood protection as well as environmental safety. The project was executed over a period of 4 weeks in April. With appreciation to team members Carol F (point), George, Frank, and Thom — as well as residents Carla, Kathy, Joanie, John, Karen, Marvel, and Rose — for a job well done. And thanks to team members Ginger and Kitty for providing treats for the work crew as well as moral support.
STORM DRAIN INSTALLATION 2022This is perhaps the first project of this scale that B&G has handled internally as a team with the help of a few Sand River residents, rather than hiring a contractor. The work took place over the course of four days. While temperatures were crisp, participants were blessed with sunny days. Many thanks to team members Carol F (point person), Frank (foreman for the project), George, Ginger, Nancy, and Thom — as well as residents Elaine, Joany, Karen, Marvel, Rita, and Summer — for the creative synergy that made possible a successful outcome.
Kitty supervising at the drain installation site (photo by Nancy Clark)
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