WELCOME BACK TO WELLNESS WELCOME BACK TO WELLNESS
LAKE PETIT DAM
LAKE PETIT DAM
REHABILITATION SPECIAL ISSUE
REHABILITATION SPECIAL ISSUE
SPRING EVENTS FOR THE SPRING EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WHOLE FAMILY
Renovation Closure, Schedule and Hours Membership Reminder, Now Hiring
Spectacular Seniors Pickleball, Junior Racquet Camps, Spray Tans at Racquet, Schedule and Hours
Welcome to a very special edition of Big Canoe Living, and a story long in the making. This week's magazine includes an extended and interactive overview of the Lake Petit Dam's five-year strategic plan and funding. We started the rehabilitation of Big Canoe's Category I Dam in 2020. The same year that my tenure started as your General Manager.
As an engineer, I worked with our team to complete an in-depth review of Big Canoe's infrastructure and its remaining useful life. This was followed by identifying strategies, funding, and professional partnerships to develop actionable strategic plans for every element of our infrastructure. Whether culverts, roads, bridges, or dams, my team and I were committed to identifying and planning to address every component of Big Canoe's foundational infrastructure.
Fast-forward to 2025, and you have seen rehabilitation, renovation, and enhancement of roads, culverts, trash facilities, and much more. In addition to the reopening of the renovated Wellness Center tomorrow, we are looking forward to the grand opening of the Choctaw Course next weekend and, later this summer, the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. April also brings us to the estimated completion of the second of the final three projects that will complete the rehabilitation of Lake Petit's Dam. Unlike the other projects, dams have progress that you can't always see, and it takes an incredible amount of time, planning, and funding to rehabilitate any aging dam, much less one that is 53 years old.
Over the years, much has been said about Lake Petit's Dam, but never quite like what you will experience today: the complete official story in a single interactive timeline from 2020 to the present and beyond. A comprehensive set of FAQs follows the interactive timeline. The project is not complete yet, but it is a project that not only the POA staff and Board are extremely proud of but also has the confidence of partners, who are legends in the industry of dam rehabilitation with Georgia Safe Dams beside us every step of the way.
Thank you for your continued support over the Lake Petit Dam rehabilitation timeline. For future updates, please continue to follow our Board meeting videos and the official communication channels of the Big Canoe POA.
Scott Auer, General Manager
We have five dams on POA Property within our gates, and each dam has a classification per the Georgia Safe Dams Act of 1978. The three main classifications of dams described in the Act and Rules are “Category I”, “Category II”, and “Exempt”.
The largest of our dams is Lake Petit Dam. The dam was built in the early years of Big Canoe’s development to create the Lake Petit reservoir. In the early 70’s, Lake Petit was the only source of drinking water for Big Canoe. Lake Petit dam is the only Category 1 dam we own; To be considered a Category I dam, the improper operation or failure would result in a probable loss of human life. The Georgia Safe Dams Act requires permits for operating a Category 1 dam. Dams that meet the height and/or storage criteria but would not cause probable loss of life are classified Category II.
Construction began in 1972.
IS THE BIG CANOE POA RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ALL DAMS ON THE PROPERTY?
Yes
Yes, with the support of key partners. In 1998, the Big Canoe POA identified Geosyntec, known for their expertise in dam safety, design, and construction as a consulting and engineering partner. For over 25 years, they have supported the Big Canoe POA. Geosyntec has a combined staff of 2,600 engineers, scientists, and related technical and project support personnel, serving clients from more than 130 offices in the United States and all over the world.
One of our most valued partners is Georgia Safe Dams (GSD). GSD was created in 1978 after the GA Legislature passed the Georgia Safe Dams Act, and its role is to set safety standards and streamline inspections. The POA meets with GSD on a very regular basis to seek their advice, share best practices, and submit our dam project plans to their staff for approval.
The Big Canoe POA also contracts with expert companies with extensive underwater construction and dam rehabilitation experience. One such company is J. F. Brennan Company, a marine construction firm that specializes in environmental remediation, dam construction, commercial dive, harbor management, and submarine cable services. They have worked closely with public and private owners of water-based infrastructure since 1919; Brennan operates throughout coastal and inland waterways nationwide while maintaining a large fleet of marine equipment.
Yes. In 2020, the POA asked our partner, Geosyntec, to create a strategic five-year plan to rehabilitate and enhance the dam.
Management changed, and given our GM’s engineering background, he contacted our partners and tasked them to create an actionable plan using SMART goals.
The POA has spent $2.9M on Lake Petit Dam Projects since 2020.
The POA staff and Finance Committee have analyzed our cash flow extensively. Between the normal net income from operations, the normal capital assessment portion of our Property Owner assessments, our Capital Contribution Fees from real estate closings, and approximately $3M from our $15M Wells Fargo Loan at 3.46%, we believe we have sufficient funds for all our planned Petit Dam projects.
The total estimated cost of all Petit Dam projects from 2025 through 2027 is $10.5M. The POA has added a contingency of roughly 5% to these numbers and is planning for $11.1M of work over that timeframe.
The Big Canoe POA Board and General Manager are responsible for managing the POA’s finances, and they do this work with the support of a Finance Committee made up of talented Big Canoe Property Owners. This Committee currently consists of ex-CFOs, Commercial Bankers, and experts in Risk and Audit. Our auditors, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, also support us through our annual audits.
In accordance with our Capital Procurement polices (PP152) the General Manager and staff solicit bids from qualified contractors, the finance committee witnesses the bid openings and reviews the bids, makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors, and in a public meeting the Board votes on whether to approve the capital expenditure and reward the contract.
The current timing estimate is late 2026 - early 2027.
IS IT SAFE TO STAY IN BIG CANOE WHEN WORK IS BEING DONE ON THE LAKE PETIT DAM?
Your safety is the Big Canoe POA’s top priority. Geosyntec and Brennan believe they can complete the dam's work safely, just as they have done for hundreds of communities around the world.
Our dam is inspected by engineers quarterly, and that will not change after the rehabilitation and enhancement project. This is a key performance measurement of the current GM and Board of Directors, and will continue throughout Big Canoe’s future.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE LAKE PETIT REHABILITATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECT?
Yes, there are several ways you can support this important work on one of the community's most important infrastructure elements. Stay informed by following the official communications channels of our community.
Big Canoe Living - our Bi-weekly community magazine
Big Canoe Events and Happenings - the only Official POA Big Canoe Social Media channel available on Facebook and Instagram
Stay engaged by attending or viewing one or all of the monthly Board Meetings or Town Halls and vetting and voting for Board Members annually.
Stay curious. Let us hear from you by asking questions or sending comments to Ask the POA.
Consider volunteering your time and talent to serve on the POA Board or it’s Committees.
Respect our staff, especially our Public Safety and Public Works personnel who make your safety our first priority.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
TIMELINE:
10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:10 AM 1:00 PM
EGGSTRAVAGANZA GATES OPEN EASTER BUNNY ARRIVES
EASTER EGG HUNT 0-6 YEAR OLD
EGGMAZING ACTIVITY STATIONS OPEN EVENT ENDS
Join us for this years Easter Egg Hunt. Along with the hunt for eggs, kids will be able to play games, participate in a cupcake walk, purchase some yummy treats from our food vendors, join in the dance party, visit with the Easter Bunny and much more.
Children 6 and under will have an Egg Hunt on the field and kids of all ages will participate in fun EGGmazing activities throughout the morning to win Easter Eggs. Remember to bring your own basket.
Easter Egg Hunt
Play Games and Join the Cupcake Walk
Grab Lunch from Cheez’d and Confuzed
Sweet Treats from DonutNV
Antonia’s Charcuterie Boards
The 5L’s Farm Fresh Eggs
MONDAY TUESDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:00 PILATES
9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
7:15 TAI CHI
8:00 KICKBOX/CORE
9:00 BODY BAR
10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
11:45 PT STRETCH
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
5:30 PILATES
6:45 BC THEATER
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:00 PILATES
9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO
10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
10:30 ZUMBA
2:45 EXERCISE 101
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
6:00 VOLLEYBALL
FRIDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:15 STRENGTH JAM
9:00 DANCE JAM
10:00 H2O EXERCISE
10:30 TAI CHI
12:00 BC THEATER
2:00 BALANCE & STREGTH
5:00 HATHA YOGA
9:00 BODY BAR
9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
11:45 PT STRETCH
3:00 H20 EXERCISE
5:00 PILATES
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES (MAR 22) 2:15 BC THEATER
SUNDAY
10:30 ZUMBA TONING
11:00 ZUMBA
3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE CALENDAR. *CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES. *ZOOM CLASSES ONLY.
join amenity
Membership Change
Feel the rhythm of the islands at the Outdoor Beach Club as live Steel Drum entertainment sets the perfect tropical vibe! Grab a drink, kick off your sandals, and let the music transport you to paradise.
Sunday 5/25
Catch the beats from 1 PM – 5 PM on these dates:
Sunday 6/8
Sunday 6/22 FRIday 7/4
Sunday 7/13 SUNday 8/10
SUNday 8/31
MONDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *CHICKS W/STICKS LADIES TENNIS ROUND ROBIN*
2:00 *THE COURT LEGENDS MEN’S 4.0+ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
4:00 *THE ACE CREW MEN’S 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
4:00 MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE MIXED OPEN PLAY
WEDNESDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
6:00 INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
FRIDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
SUNDAY
4:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
TUESDAY
10:00 *MASTERING SPIN SHOTS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (MAR 25)
10:00 *AGGRESSIVE NVZ PLAY:SPEED UPS (MAR 4, 18) PICKLEBALL CLINIC
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES
MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
2:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (MAR 4,18,25)
THURSDAY
10:00 *PICKLEBALL DOMINATING DOUBLES (MAR 6, 20)
10:00 *PICKLEBALL SERVING STRATEGIES CLINIC (MAR 27)
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES
MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
10:00 BOCCE BABES LADIES’ OPEN PLAY
1:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC
SATURDAY
8:00 *THE ACE CREW MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE COURT QUEEENS LADIES’ 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
* REQUIRES REGISTRATION
Get ready to glow into Easter with the perfect tan! Katie from Spray La Vie is back at the Racquet Club, bringing her expert spray tans to keep you looking sun-kissed and fabulous.
Book your tan & enjoy 20% OFF anything you purchase at the Racquet Club! EXCLUSIVE PERK!
If you’re 70 or over and would like to register for the event, call the Pro Shop at 706-268-3367. Lunch at Fuego following. Racquet members play for free, and there will be a $5.00 fee for non-members and guests. (Lunch cost is not included). We hope to see you there!
Monday, 21 April 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
LearningLadiesisdesignedtoteachthetotalgolfbeginner or the intermediate golf player who is a little rusty. We will have instruction, competitions, and games; learn the rules, course etiquette, learn shot selection, clubselection,andlearnaboutcoursemanagement.
We will keep the same format as last year by hosting four hourly clinics each Tuesday from 9-10 a.m., 10-11a.m., 11a.m.-12p.m., and 12-1p.m. Each clinic is limitedto6ladies.
Oneweek,wewillworkonthefullswing(drivingandirons)ontherange,andthe following week we will work on the Short Game (putting, chipping, and sand shots).Costforclinicsis$30.
Proper golf apparel should be worn for clinics (no jeans, no spandex or leggings unless worn under a skirt or shorts), no t-shirts or tank tops, and all sleeveless shirtsmusthaveacollar.
Ifyouarenewtogolfanddon’thaveclubs,wecansupplyclubsduringtheclinics until you decide you want to make the investment. The official e-vite will go out on Wednesday, March 26, the week before April 2, around 9:00-9:15 to sign up for the following week. Email to register. Clinics fill up fast so make sure you are looking for the email on Wednesday mornings to secure your spots. We will have a waiting list for those ladies who don’t get in the first time around. Someone alwayscancelssoletmeknowifyouwanttogetputonthewaitinglist.
Weplaytwo9-holescrambleswiththe9-holeBCWGAladies.StartinginJune,one of the clinics will start at 3:00, and we will go out on the course and play 9- holes from 25 yds out, 50 yds, and 100 yds. This will help you apply your lesson tips on thecourse.
We will send out dates in April. Clinics will run from the first week of April to the last week of Oct. Your lot will be charged after you attend the clinic. You don’t needtocheckinwiththeproshop.Justgostraighttothedesignatedspotforthe clinic that week. It will be one of three locations: the range, chipping green, or puttinggreen.
JoanDelk
JoanDelk,LPGAProfessional
$300 $300
Ages 5-15 Lunch willbe provided
8am-12pm
GOLFINSTRUCTIONPROVIDEDBY:
Mike Miller, PGA | Joan Delk, LPGA
Assistant Golf Professional Justin Luysterborg
Assistant Golf Professional Katherine Densmore
Register Today! Today!
5K
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
TROT STARTS AT 8AM
JOIN US AT THE CHOCTAW COURSE FOR A WALK/RUN ON THE 3.1-MILE CART PATH. GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. THE COURSE HAS ELEVATION CHANGES THAT MAY BE STRENUOUS.
OPEN TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS. CHILDREN, STROLLERS, AND LEASHED DOGS ARE WELCOME. FREE T-SHIRT FOR ALL WHO PREREGISTER BY MARCH 18. PRE-REGISTER
MONDAY, MARCH 31
HOLE #1 AT 9AM
COME HELP US CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF CHOCTAW AND WATCH THE CEREMONIAL FIRST TEE SHOT.
by Mark Green, POA Board Secretary
One of the key components of the Renew Big Canoe projects slated for 2024 was the Choctaw 9 Golf Course Rejuvenation. The course rejuvenation was principally an infrastructure project to replace deteriorating drainage pipes and upgrade an aging irrigation system, and to replace the golf greens, which were near the end of their useful life.
Our golf course architect Bill Bergin was also able to efficiently incorporate some playability enhancements as well by adding some new tee boxes, reshaping all of the bunkers and using selective clearing where brush had become overgrown to improve the golf experience and beautify the course.
This Rejuvenation will greatly increase the overall value of this signature amenity to the community and will provide many years of more efficient maintenance costs. The course is scheduled to re-open for play in April of 2025. Let’s have a look at photos taken of the final product in mid-November 2024 along with narrative from our architect’s own notes from the renderings presented back in 2021.
After two uphill holes, the 7th offers a welcome view down the fairway all the way to the green complex. The two small back tees will be combined as one since they are utilized by the same golfer. A new forward tee will be added to help shorter hitters get closer to the green complex in two shots. Added native area throughout the teeing area will decrease maintenance and add texture around the tees.
With its descending view, the green complex on the 7th hole could easily be one of the most picturesque on the golf course. A pair of bunkers will be cut into the ground on the right side as the putting surface rises slightly. The new green will extend into the existing back bunker and a framing bunker will be shaped off the back left collar to keep pulled balls in play. The chipping area left of the green will be reshaped with long, smooth lines and will be well drained.
From the tee, the elevated fairway bunker looked artificial, and, like the third hole, it restricted what otherwise should be an aggressive driving hole. The bunker will slide left and be supported on the cart path side, allowing the fairway to expand. Added drainage will be installed throughout the landing zone so players will get the most out of a solid tee ball. The bunkering on this hole will continue to be adjusted, reducing the total number and square footage while increasing the visibility and effectiveness of those that remain. The trio on the right will be combined as one with a strong right side ridge line added for support.
The putting surface will angle slightly to the left and selective clearing behind the green will open up an inspiring view of Lake Sconti. The bunker right of the green will be eliminated, replaced with a low lying chipping area. The swale crossing in front of the green will be enhanced and drain to a basin on the left.
Already beautiful, the final hole on Choctaw will be highly anticipated during the round, and will contend for most improved on the golf course. The cart path will be eliminated between the tees, allowing for more tee space, and will reroute along the left side of the hole, traversing over the stream before ascending up the left side of the green complex. This will provide a much more pleasant ride for players who will now be able to enjoy views up the creek to the waterfall. The new path location also services a beautiful new forward tee and makes the area around the green complex more accessible. Both sides of the hole will be cleared or underbrushed to widen the playable area and to expose all of the features this par three has to offer.
With the current green complex, if a ball misses the putting surface, players mostly find themselves in a difficult or unplayable situation. In order to add beauty and diversity to this complex, several adjustments will be made. The front left bunker will be reduced and shifted into the pocket just short of the center of the green. In this position, it actually will keep balls from falling down the steep slope and out of play. The land allows for a much larger approach to be shaped short and left of the green, providing a hopeful landing zone for those not quite able to reach the green with their first shot. Two back bunkers will be shaped to frame the green and to partially hide the cart path. Increased fairway around the green will allow for some fun recovery shots from a variety of elevations.
By Sam Harman
The Clubhouse renovation is progressing well. Exterior siding is being installed, the staircases are being wrapped in stone, and interior sheetrock is being installed. The project remains on schedule and within budget.
THE DIVE CONTRACTOR WILL BE ON SITE FROM ROUGHLY MARCH 5 - APRIL 26 AT PETIT DAM. WE ASK THAT ALL BOATERS STAY CLEAR OF THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE LAKE WHILE THE BARGE IS IN PLACE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DIVERS.
Whether you’re a resident of Big Canoe or just visiting for a while, you will appreciate that springtime in this southern tip of the Appalachians—the oldest mountains on earth, by the way—is a glorious event.
The harbingers of spring have already teased us to show that spring was on the way. The robins have returned, and bright yellow daffodils are blooming in their annual appearance in gardens and even around old homesites from many years past. And our black bears are out and active.
This is a time of warm days and cool nights, and our woods are full of innocent new life and new beginnings. It’s also a special time for the wildlife in our forest, and that certainly includes our bear families. Adult bears are leaving the passive hideaways of their winter dens, and females who mated last summer are now nurturing their brandnew cubs. Last year’s cubs—the “yearlings”—have just left Mama Bear’s protection and are now out on their own for the first time.
It's important for the safety of both humans and bears that we two-legged creatures in Big Canoe know what to do—and what not to do-in this place where bears are active:
Food is the strongest motivator and most obvious attractant for bears. Make sure that garbage and food scraps are properly disposed of. No food (including birdseed or pet food) should be left outside. Barbecue grills should stay hot for a few extra minutes to burn off food residue.
If you see or encounter a bear…
Do not approach an adult bear or cub. Back away slowly; look big by raising your arms; make noise.
Do not run! The bear may assume you are prey and chase you. A bear will win that race.
Bears and dogs do not get along. Always use a leash when walking your dog.
Pick up a Bear Talk brochure at Big Canoe entry gates or at park kiosks and trail sites.
Go to website BearWise.org for more great information about bears.
Embrace the magic of this special season in a remarkable place, where Living in Harmony with Nature is a community commitment.
WALK-INS WELCOME, NO REGISTRATION NEEDED.
SAT APRIL 12 • 9AM-3PM WILDCAT
SHOP A DIVERSE SELECTION OF PLANTS AND GARDEN ESSENTIALS FROM TOP VENDORS:
Whispering Springs Nursery – Annuals, perennials, ferns, shrubs, and trees
Green Trade Nursery – Popular Big Canoe perennials, trees, and shrubs
Del Vecchio Nursery – A stunning variety of Japanese Maples
Bird Houses by David Call – Handmade birdhouses
Willow Gate Gardens – Beautiful indoor plants
Cabin Crafts – Wooden benches and planters
Plant Life Nursery – Native perennials
All Big Canoe residents & their friends welcome. Some vendors may not take credit card, so please bring cash or checks. Wildflower Bunch members will be available to help with selections.
Wednesday, April 16 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
Joyful Noise Gospel Choir from Agnes Scott College
Friday, April 18 TENEBRAE SERVICE
A memorable experience of music and scripture reflecting on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ 7:00pm • Chapel sanctuary
Dr. Nathan Grigsby, director 7:00pm • Chapel Community-wide (special Holy Week free concert)
Sunday, April 20 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
7:00am • Big Canoe Terraces
Sunday, April 20 RESURRECTION SUNDAY CELEBRATION
Worship with Choir, brass, and timpani 9:00 and 10:30am • Chapel sanctuary
CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS
Acoustic Showcase “In The Round” will feature Sock Monkey Duo, a great vocal and guitar-based acoustic duo, consisting of Ellen Murphy and Jim Murphy.
APR
3
CANOE LODGE| APRIL 3 | 7PM - 8:30PM
Come visit all the shops: Ye Old Book Nook - rows of all kinds of books at bargain prices, Home Decor - everything you need for your home in all styles, Nearly New Boutique - treasures of gently used women's accessories, The Children's Corner - a parent or grandparent's dream come true, Puzzles - hundreds of fabulous jigsaw puzzles, Handyman Heaven - new this year, this "just for men" shop promises to be a big hit, The Black Bear Cafe - no need to go home for lunch, we got you covered with lunch served each day, and finally, the Heavenly Bakeshop - a favorite stop for those with a sweet tooth. All proceeds benefit local charities.
CHAPEL | APRIL 3-5 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us at the Canoe Lodge April 4 for a reception from 5-8 p.m. with complimentary music & wine. Join us Saturday, April 5 10 a.m.6 p.m., and Sunday, April 6 12 p.m.-4 p.m. to view the show and a live painting demonstration. For more information, contact Barbara Jensen at 352-232-0613 or barbarajensen50@aol.com
CANOE LODGE | APRIL 4-6
3-5
APRIL
4-6
Enjoy Great Food & Fellowship at the Lakeside Bistro. Call for a reservation at the WOW Table 706-268-1253
| APRIL 9 | 5:30 PM
Joyful Noise Gospel Choir from Agnes Scott College will perform in a Holy Week Concert at Big Canoe Chapel as the final program in the concert series, “Music in the Mountains.” The ensemble is directed by Dr. Nathan Grigsby, and will be accompanied by keyboard, bass guitar, and drum set. All are welcome and no charge for the concert but donations are gladly accepted at the door.
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