2024 IHCA Annual Report: Landscape & Maintenance Updates

IHCA crews recently replaced the play structure at Wisteria Park.

Maintenance Report

Maintenance Projects Full Steam Ahead

As the seasons shift and our daily routines continue, it’s hard to believe that another year has already passed. Let’s reflect on what has been achieved during the 2023–2024 year:

This year has focused on planning for various playground and park rehabilitations. We are almost finished with installation of the new playground at Wisteria Park. The old structure has been removed and we are getting ready to begin installation putting the finishing touches on the new one.
The new play structures at Kirk Park have been ordered and will be scheduled for replacement in late summer or early fall.
The basketball courts at Firehouse Park will be getting new hoops.
We are working on Ashland Park playground and plaza re-designs. We are working with the IHCA Playground Improvement Committee, made up of homeowners, and we truly appreciate their valuable feedback.

The Sport Court is another reserve project that was completed recently. We added a net to the pickleball court on the Sport Court, which has turned out to be a popular amenity in the community. It’s great to see a new purpose for this play structure and we love watching families get outside to enjoy time together. This court cannot be reserved, and it’s available on a first come, first served basis.

Reflecting on the past year, we have much to be thankful for. Our daily tasks, work orders and responsibilities continue to expand as our community grows and ages. This year, we welcome a new crew member to the maintenance department, Israel. It’s an honor to be part of a community that really cares. Thank you to IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey, as well as the IHCA Board of Directors and committees, as we move into the new year.

Landscape Report

Landscaping Tips to Beautify Your Outdoor Space

Maintaining a well-kept yard doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple strategies, you can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space and protect your landscaping. Here are some tips to make caring for your yard easier…

Just like any other aspect of life, consistency is key. Set up a weekly task list to tackle essential yard chores such as mowing, weeding and pruning during the spring and summer months. By sticking to a regular maintenance routine, you will find that caring for your yard becomes enjoyable rather than a hassle.

Major pruning should be done in fall or early spring to avoid putting undue stress on the plants. Plants and trees need to be pruned off structures, fences and patios to prevent damage to these items. Wood rot, paint damage and rodent access can occur if plants are too close to structures.

Once all your plants have been pruned, look around the foundation of your home to ensure no soil is touching any wood products attached to your home. While you are looking over the foundation of your home, inspect your downspouts for damage. Keep an eye out for tree roots against your home as they will disturb your foundation and drainage. If any of these items exist, they need to be addressed before any harm is done. Once you get into a routine, maintenance will be easier and more enjoyable.

As the temperatures rise, proper irrigation becomes crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard. While the weather remains cool, irrigation isn’t necessary. However, this will change as the heat sets in. When the temperature consistently reaches the 70s and there’s no rain, water your yard once a week. Once it reaches 80-90 degrees, watering may be needed daily on some plant material.

Your lawn should be watered daily in hotter temperatures to keep it lush and green. Meanwhile, plants need water 1–2 times per week depending on plant variety. Be sure to monitor new plants and water accordingly.

To save on irrigation and water, you could consider adding more planter beds to your yard and less lawn/turf. There are several drought-tolerant plant varieties to choose from as well. Every plant is different; keep an eye on them and they will tell you what they want. Please get approval from the IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) prior to making large yard modifications.

Annual Tasks & Goals

The IHCA crew members, along with our third-party landscape contractors Bear Creek and Landcare, have accomplished a lot over the fall and winter months.

Most of our parks, trails and tree pits have been refreshed with new bark, and crews have also improved landscaping in the supplemental neighborhoods. Additionally, the team completed planting work on a portion of our streetscapes as well as park improvements.

Over the next several years, crews will replace aging landscaping to ensure that our outdoor spaces remain beautiful and inviting. Some areas have no irrigation or heavy foot traffic, which is extremely difficult to beautify.

As always, there is more work to be done on the 2,000 acres that encompass the Issaquah Highlands boundaries.

New Faces Join the IHCA Team

Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) has welcomed some new faces to its landscaping and maintenance teams, bringing fresh energy. At the same time, we parted ways with a longtime crew member.

For the past 10 years, Tony Gaytan was a valued employee at IHCA as a landscaping and maintenance crew member as well as an irrigation technician. This year, Tony has decided to branch out with his own landscaping service company in the Kent area. We wish Tony and his family nothing but the best on their new adventures.

We are excited to add three new crew members to the IHCA landscaping and maintenance teams. Kevin Tavera Badillo, stepping into the role of irrigation technician, and Marvin Reyes Tavara, taking on the duties of groundskeeper, have recently been added to the landscaping team. In addition, Israel Galvaz Espindola joined as a maintenance technician.

If you see them out and about, feel free to welcome them to the community!