Welcome to Rockwood

Cold and a little bit of snow not-withstanding, Rockwood homeowners met for the annual meeting for Rockwood Homes Association on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 7:00, at Calvary Chapel Fellowship at 190 South Rock Road.

Here is just a brief summary of the evening speakers and discussions.  For specific information or a copy of the meeting handouts, please contact a member of the board or attend the next board meeting.

Larry Duntz, President, opened the meeting, with an introduction of the current board, RRF co-managers, as well as approval of the minutes from the 2022 meeting.

Larry introduced Officer Crouch who is now Rockwood's Community Policing Liason.  Officer Crouch reviewed the types and number of police reports throughout Rockwood, which were limited to primarily thefts and burglaries.  He is looking forward to working with Rockwood.

City Council Member, District 1, Brandon Johnson, spoke encouraging homeowners to contact his office with questions/ concerns or a desire to get involved in various available DAB or committees.  (Note:  As of the most recent city redistricting, Rockwood is now in District 1, not District 2.)  When questioned regarding the status of AVBO/short-term rental policies under current review, Mr. Johnson stated homeowners who have concerns how the increasing number of short-term rentals may affect their neighborhoods need to make those concerns heard with city leaders.

Bert Denny, Treasurer, reviewed the 2023 budget.  Larry further discussed RRF facility vandalism repairs and improvements.

Joe Hutchinson and Ashley Duntz will be RRF co-managers for 2023.  The pool had a great year.  There was a rise in fees for non-Rockwood homeowners for 2023.

Danika Jordan, a member of the playground committee, spoke about the need for updated equipment for our younger residents,, what research has been done to date and the current fundraising to make the biggest impact we can for our kids.

Mike Casey of HOA Management introduced himself and his role in working with Rockwood homeowners.

Madella Harrison encouraged homeowners to sign up for Rockwood emails to keep up on what is going on in the neighborhood.

The Rockwood directory is going on line.  Lee Wadsworth discussed the restricted access process, and the current status of the project.  Homeowners will soon receive a mailing asking for a review of their personal information with an opportunity to review/edit/opt-out.

The floor was opened for questions.

The last order of business was the approval of the board for 2023. 

If you would like a copy of the meeting handouts and more specific information, please contact a board member.

On the Annual Meeting Agenda is “Yes, Rockwood has an uptick in the number of strollers and minivans in the neighborhood - more kids on little bikes and trikes headed to the park – we need an updated playground for younger kids and more inclusive.”  

A group of young families have been diligent over the past several months to make this happen - visiting area parks, researching playground equipment, resources and available park space and going door to door to survey Rockwood residents (yes, upwards of 300 homes) on their families – kids and grandkids who could benefit from swings, slides, monkey bars. On their survey, several remarked, “This would be so wonderful for our Rockwood community!” And we agree. 

Attached here are the survey results and additional information on possible playground options. We are working with CS Playgrounds who can offer an extensive selection of the quality equipment from several manufacturers, including ground surfacing, and the level of experience and expertise to get us a quality system with safety at the forefront. 

The goal is for kids who are kids now to be able to play on it this summer. Review of available systems, whether to build in one year or in phases, are mostly determined by what monies will be available.  The HOA currently has set aside monies in the 2023 budget to help get a base system installed.  Dues are NOT being raised for this project. We are asking our Rockwood community to invest in their community for more playground - to help families connect, children make neighborhood friends and burn energy, and continue to make Rockwood a desirable neighborhood for future families. Donations can be sent to HOA Management 1900 East Douglas Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67214 or at the online fundraising platform set up especially for this project at HTTPS://GIVESENDGO.COM/ROCKWOOD.

More donated funds can provide a larger structure as well as additional park items for our community. Volunteers will also be an integral part in completing the playground. The scope of this project will be determined by your donations. 

An update was given at the Annual Meeting.  Several donations have already been made.  If you would like to receive periodic updates on the status of the playground, please send an email to Rockwood.

Auto larcenies remain a concern in Rockwood - they are the most often reported issue in Rockwood!  Do NOT leave anything of value in your vehicle - take it inside or lock it in the trunk.  Lock your car!  Report any suspicious people to the police - your neighbors will thank you.  

Officer Brad Crouch is our WPD community policing officer.  He or his representative attends most monthly board meetings.   His email is BCrouch@wichita.gov  for non-urgent matters.  For any questionable or urgent situations, please call 911 for immediate assistance.  For non-emergency questions or reports, please contact the Community Policing Desk at 316.350.3420. We thank WPD for its assistance to help ensure the safety of our residents

AUTO BURGLARY TIPS

• Never leave valuable items visible from outside (money (even just coins), purses, wallets, bags/backpacks, electronic equipment – computers/tablets/GPS units, cell phones, checkbooks, briefcases, sunglasses, mail/documents, guns, etc.)
• Always lock your vehicle
• Park in a WELL-LIT area,visible from a window
• Do not leave your vehicle running when unattended 

AUTO VANDALISM TIPS

• Park in a garage or, at least, in the driveway, if a garage is not available
• Ensure your garage door is closed
• Utilize good lighting to illuminate around vehicles

Whether you’re walking, biking OR driving, be aware of your surroundings, don’t assume others are paying attention or can see you.  Streetlights are dimmed by shady trees. 

With this early spring-like weather, kids are out on bikes, people out enjoying a walk through the neighborhood - Please Watch Out!  Walkers/Bikers – Please wear bright clothing, carry a flashlight after dark, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.  

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City Council District 1 Council Member, Brandon Johnson, can be reached at BJJohnson@wichita.gov, telephone number 316.303.8017, 

District 1 meets the first Monday of each month at the Atwater Recreation Center, 2755  East 19th Street North, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Residents are also able to watch the meeting on Zoom or via the District 1 Facebook page.  

Plans for a fun summer at the pool are already underway.  2023 RRF Pool Co-Managers are Joe Hutchinson and Ashley Duntz.   2023 In-Rockwood or Out-of-Rockwood applications are now available so your family doesn't miss a day.  Membership applications received prior to April 15th to get an Early Bird special of 4 guest passes!

Meanwhile, the pool may be closed, but the park, basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts are open!   For volleyball court access, please contact Larry Duntz.

Please be good neighbors and leave the park clean, including after your dogs.  Report any damage and/or vandalism to a board member so it can be properly reported and repaired.  There have been several instances of vandalism over the past two months to the RRF building and park equipment.  

New to Rockwood?  Check out the RRF page for information on pool memberships and activities, swim lessons and swim team. Visit the Recreational Facility page.  Come down to the RRF for a quick tour of the facilities.  

The entrances are the first impression of our beautiful neighborhood. It's time to start planning!  The board is looking for neighbors to "adopt" an entrance and adjacent median to help maintain and beautify these common areas.  Weeding, watering, trimming, some planting and cleanup with an occasional workday, in an organized effort, will help take these tasks from daunting to manageable, and the results reflective of the pride we have in our homes.

Whether the area is right next to your house, or just a few doors down, more help means lighter work with greater rewards.  Please contact board members Madella Harrison or Jeanne Mendoza if you would be willing to donate your time to help.

To receive the most up-to-date information on Rockwood events and community policing/safety concerns provide your email address (link below).  Email addresses are NOT shared with outside parties OR...Attend a monthly Board Meeting, 3rd Monday of every month, 7:00 p.m. at the RRF.

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Check out the Rockwood Newsletter for what's going on in the neighborhood, projects and activities, as well as Wichita Police Department tips to help increase your safety & security.