Hidden Lakes Community Association

For Ohioans considering community living, particularly within a campground or recreational property association, understanding the nuances of such arrangements is crucial. Hidden Lakes Community Association, located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, is one such entity that has garnered attention from its property owners regarding various aspects of community life. While the concept of owning a piece of a recreational haven sounds appealing, it's important to be fully informed about the realities of shared ownership and community governance.

This article is specifically designed for residents of Ohio who are either current property owners within Hidden Lakes Community Association or are considering acquiring property there. We aim to provide a factual and objective overview, drawing directly from available public information and common concerns expressed by members. Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities and make informed decisions regarding your involvement with this community.

The Hidden Lakes Community Association appears to operate as a unique model where individuals own lots within a larger recreational area, rather than a traditional campground offering temporary stays. This distinction is significant, as it implies a different set of responsibilities and rights for its members, often managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or similar body. The history of such communities in Ohio often stems from the development of recreational land into subdivided lots, allowing individuals to have a private space within a larger, shared amenity area. This model usually involves annual assessments or fees paid by property owners to cover the maintenance of common areas, roads, and shared facilities like lakes or community centers. When issues arise, they often revolve around the management of these common resources, the enforcement of community rules, and the transparency of governance. The challenges faced by Hidden Lakes Community Association, as reflected in various public discussions, highlight the complexities inherent in managing a community where individual property rights intersect with collective responsibilities and the need for unified maintenance efforts.

Hidden Lakes Community Association is located at 5248 Township Rd 108, Mt Gilead, OH 43338, USA. Mt. Gilead, situated in Morrow County, Ohio, offers a rural setting characteristic of Central Ohio. The address indicates a location within a township, suggesting a quieter, less urbanized environment, which is often appealing to those seeking a retreat from city life.

As a community association, accessibility extends beyond mere road access to the internal management of the property. Public discussions indicate that Hidden Lakes is a "gated community," implying controlled access for security. However, issues regarding gate access, particularly for property owners who may be in dispute over assessment fees, have been raised, with some claiming difficulties in gaining entry if their gate cards are deactivated. While a security guard may be present or callable via radio, concerns about excessive wait times have been noted.

For property owners in Ohio, understanding both the physical access to their lot via Township Road 108 and the operational aspects of gaining entry through the community's gate system is crucial. This layered accessibility speaks to the nature of a private community with its own set of rules and management practices.

As a community association, Hidden Lakes is responsible for maintaining common areas and services that benefit its property owners. However, based on available public information, there are ongoing concerns about the consistent provision and quality of some of these services.

• Road Maintenance: The association is responsible for maintaining internal roads. However, there have been complaints regarding the condition of these roads, with mentions of "potholes everywhere" and a general need for "serious attention."
• Water Services: Property owners reportedly pay an assessment that includes water services. However, there have been instances where water service was allegedly shut off in the winter or restricted without additional charges, leading to disputes.
• Shared Recreational Facilities: There are mentions of facilities such as a clubhouse, a pool, and potentially lakes. However, concerns have been raised about the consistent availability and maintenance of these amenities, with reports of the pool being "closed half the time" and a bridge in need of repairs.
• Security Services: As a gated community, security is an implied service. While there are gate cards for paid members and a security guard system, issues regarding gate access for those with deactivated cards and the responsiveness of security patrols have been noted.
• Trash Services: Some discussions imply that general maintenance and waste disposal are part of the association's responsibility, but there's a strong emphasis on a "pack it in, pack it out" ethic for personal trash, suggesting limited on-site waste management.

Given the nature of the provided information, the "features" and "highlights" of Hidden Lakes Community Association are largely defined by the experiences of its property owners and the ongoing operational challenges.

• Inexpensive Place to Live (for owners): One review highlights that "If you can secure your property, it is a very inexpensive place to live." This suggests that for property owners who navigate the community's challenges, the cost of ownership, including assessments, might be relatively low compared to other options.
• Private Land Ownership: The core feature is the ability to own a private lot within a larger recreational area. This appeals to individuals who desire their own dedicated space for a camper or potentially a small dwelling.
• Community Governance Structure: As a community association, it features a Board of Directors, bylaws, and policies that govern the community. This structure is intended to provide a framework for shared living, though its effectiveness has been a point of contention among members.
• Gate-Controlled Access: The gated nature of the community is a feature intended to provide security and exclusivity, allowing paid members controlled entry.
• Potential for Recreational Use: The presence of lakes (Hidden Lakes implies more than one) suggests opportunities for fishing or other water-based activities, and the overall setting in Mt. Gilead points to a natural environment for relaxation.

It's crucial to acknowledge that while these are "features," they are often discussed in the context of problems or challenges related to their consistent and equitable delivery or management.

As a community association for property owners, Hidden Lakes Community Association does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense of a campground renting sites. Instead, its financial structure revolves around property assessments paid by lot owners.

• Annual Assessments: Property owners are subject to annual assessments to cover the costs of maintaining common areas and services. Historical discussions mention assessments around $515 per lot per year, though this figure can change.
• Payment Disputes and Consequences: A significant point of discussion has been the consequences of non-payment of these assessments, including the deactivation of gate cards and potential legal action to collect fees.
• Cost-Effectiveness (when issues are managed): The "inexpensive place to live" comment suggests that for owners willing to navigate the association's complexities, the overall cost of maintaining their property and access to the community might be seen as economical.

There are no indications of discounts for new members, seasonal deals, or other typical commercial campground promotions. The financial considerations are rooted in property ownership and association fees.

For direct inquiries regarding Hidden Lakes Community Association, particularly for current or prospective property owners, the provided contact information is crucial. It's important to direct questions related to property assessments, bylaws, community management, or any specific concerns to the appropriate channels.

Address: 5248 Township Rd 108, Mt Gilead, OH 43338, USA

Phone: (419) 946-7050

Mobile Phone: +1 419-946-7050

When contacting, it would be beneficial to clearly state the nature of your inquiry (e.g., prospective property owner, existing property owner with a specific question) to ensure you are directed to the relevant department or individual within the association's management. Given some of the historical issues, written communication or documentation of discussions might also be advisable.

For Ohio locals considering property ownership within a recreational community, Hidden Lakes Community Association presents a unique proposition. Its suitability hinges on an individual's priorities and willingness to engage with the realities of community association living.

On one hand, the concept of owning a private piece of land within a gated community in the serene Mt. Gilead area holds undeniable appeal. For those who prioritize having a consistent, personal spot for their camper or a small retreat, and find the annual assessments to be "very inexpensive" compared to other options, it could be a viable choice. The potential for lake access and a natural setting offers opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, aligning with the desires of many Ohioans seeking a rural escape.

On the other hand, it is imperative for prospective or current owners to be fully aware of the publicly documented challenges. Concerns raised by residents regarding safety ("unsafe not family friendly, only people there are drunks who want to fight, drug addicts and thieves, dogs running loose"), maintenance ("roads and road identification sign posts need serious attention," "rampant theft," "problems that need to be addressed"), and governance ("dysfunctional board," "no election in several years," "locking out gate cards") are significant and must be carefully weighed. The sentiment that one "would not do it unless I can bring my gun only way I would feel safe" is a strong indicator of perceived safety issues.

Therefore, while the idea of an "inexpensive place to live" with personal property in a natural setting is attractive, locals must approach Hidden Lakes Community Association with thorough due diligence. This includes understanding the association's bylaws, clarifying the current state of amenities and security, and speaking with existing property owners to gain a comprehensive and realistic perspective. It is suitable for Ohioans who are prepared for the potential complexities of community governance and are willing to actively participate in addressing these challenges to safeguard their investment and ensure a desirable living environment. For those seeking a turn-key, worry-free recreational property, a different type of campground or community might be more appropriate.

Hidden Lakes Community Association

5248 Township Rd 108, Mt Gilead, OH 43338, USA