THIS PLACE CALLED HOME: Part 2

Whether you are a new or longtime resident, you know KLMHP is a special place, an

oasis of constancy and security amid our ever-changing San Diego. The original plans for

KLMHP were indefinite, yet sound investment sense prevailed these 60 years, securing its future.

Over the years the personality of Kearney Lodge has evolved through different managers maintaining the property, overseeing projects, and interacting with residents. When our current management arrived in 2008, this place looked quite different. With the trust of ownership, and help of their staff, management made quick work upgrading many things, beginning at the park entrance. The small plain KL sign was replaced with a large stone sign and the surrounding grounds greened, irrigated and lit for safety. A curved, gravel walkway and curb was designed for pedestrians, ten new parking spots added, replaced the speed bumps and installed a roundabout to slow vehicles down. On the clubhouse lawn, a signboard, lighted kiosk and park map

were installed. The front clubhouse was painted, bathrooms and kitchen renovated, added bookcases for library, shuffleboard court restored and equipment purchased. The office was redesigned by adding an ADA complaint lower counter and hidden locking files, along with a smaller back office. Both pools were replastered and decks resurfaced. Pool furniture replaced and increased seating. The old chain link pool fences were replaced with appealing ones. The laundry rooms were renovated and new machines installed.

On the eastern perimeter of the park was a dirt clearing (not intended for home spaces)

called Mllie’s Acres. This became an enclosed dog walk which added privacy, security and dog safety from activity on Hickman Field Drive. KLM prioritized the greening of the park, not only in preserving trees and plants in home spaces and common areas, but also by planting in vacant places. Spaces 35 and 36 are vacant lots on the northeast corner of the park where a quiet and serene rose garden is open to all residents.

Management has worked on functional phases of park improvement as well. The yearly

resurfacing of the streets and the installation of storm drains connecting to additional drainage and swales to direct water runoff more efficiently. The original grounds blueprints were used to create and computerize utility maps for electrical, gas, sewer and water systems. KLM also worked to get solar energy opportunities, new internet options and contracting to have fiber internet installed so residents have a reliable and faster alternative to ATT. Also revamped was the Resident and Park Emergency preparedness Manuals, the KL website and Facebook page.

We are fortunate to have an ownership and management team that is accessible and

amicable. Thanks to KLM and their “best staff ever,” our park is well-groomed and kept up to date on codes and regulations.

Sticking to the rules is a strength, not a weakness because community security and

personal safety of all residents are of utmost importance. Equally important to working behind the scenes is receptivity to residents. Previous management struggled to maintain respect and trust from the community.

Present management and staff have worked hard to regain that trust. Instilling trust has come, not merely through park upgrades and initiated events such as dumpster day, the rummage sale and holiday decorations and parties, but through the healthy exchange between Kearney Lodge Community Connection and Neighborhood Watch volunteer groups. These resident groups are invested in community pride, morale and protecting and participating in its well-being. These volunteer block captains are dedicated patrolling, reporting concerns and safeguarding the park perimeter by using the “Get It Done” app. This KLCC Neighborhood Watch-KLM partnership has yielded in collaborative efforts such as extra main street lighting, cameras in the west-side parking lot and street signs.

Although our neighborhood is about to change and get much bigger, it feels

good to depend on Kearney Lodge commitment to peace, happiness and longevity.