September/October 2020
COMMUNITY VOICE HOW THIS 33-FOOT-TALL RED OAK MADE IT TO THE TOP OF HILLTOP PARK Earlier this year, we proudly shared the news that the installation of the 33-foot-tall Shumard Red Oak tree that now crowns Hilltop Park had won an Excellence in Landscaping award from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.
With fall arriving in Texas, and with our famous Red Oak to (hopefully) put on a beautiful display of color, we wanted to show the story of how Austin’s ECOSystems Landscape Services tackled the daunting challenge of raising this 22,000-pound tree to its new home. They began by excavating a hole that was 12 feet in diameter and five feet deep. This provided room for the installation of soils and for the large root ball, which was eight feet square and three feet deep. For drainage, they installed a French drain that ran from the bottom of the hole and released on the side of the hill, to protect the tree from overwatering and potential root rot. Once the tree arrived, they used skid steers, lifts and eventually a front-end loader to truck the tree to the top of the hill. With the dramatic slope and extreme weight of the tree, it was paramount to use spotters and safety coordinators at every step. After the slow climb to the top, they confirmed the final planting height in relation to the final grade. They used a structural soil and planting mix for drainage, proper compaction and stability. Several checks with a level ensured that the hole was prepared properly. Another safety briefing took place before ECOSystems began to lower the tree into position. Once the tree was in place, they began to backfill the hole, compacting and wetting the soils as they went. The final steps included installing hardwood mulch, along with four stream bubblers on their own irrigation zone. They anchored the rootball with specially constructed rebar anchors and framework to protect against high winds. Today, this award-winning tree at Hilltop Park is a beautiful place for residents to gather throughout the year, to relax amid the circle of
INSIDE
lounge chairs and enjoy inspiring views of the surrounding Hill Country. The park was seeded with wildflowers, which will hopefully debut with their first blooms next spring. Native grasses and cacti offer beauty and interest all year round. And this fall, we hope that it will display the dramatic color that Shumard Red Oaks are known for. Hilltop Park is located in the Madrone Ridge neighborhood.
News from Newland: Sweetwater’s New Home Sales are Up 21% in 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Around Town: Things to Do
Community Voice September/October 2020 | 1
News from Newland
Frequently
ASKED QUESTIONS 1
Can we rent the Amenities?
2
How many guests can we have at the Amenities?
Not until the Governors Order allow.
Normally four per household, but due to the COVID Capacity Restrictions, no guests are allowed at this time.
SWEETWATER’S NEW HOME SALES UP 21% SO FAR IN 2020! New-home sales in Sweetwater increased 21 percent for the first eightand-a-half months of 2020, just before this newsletter went to print.
Most recently, Chesmar, Perry and Westin opened new model homes in Llano Terrace, offering scenic Hill Country view homesites.
Sales have been so strong, Sweetwater is on track to surpass the number of homes sold for the entire year of 2019 by the end of August. At the very least, we will have come very close.
Historically low interest rates have motivated homebuyers in Sweetwater and everywhere. By mid August, rates had dropped to under 3 percent.
Nearly one-third of Sweetwater’s new residents so far this year are new to the area, coming from places as far away as Washington, and from as nearby as Lakeway and Bee Cave. Other new residents have recently arrived from New York, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana and California.
Are we allowed to have parties at the pools?
So far this year, real estate agents have participated in 89 percent of new-home sales at Sweetwater. Thank you, agents, for your support!
Due to COVID Stage 3 guidelines no gathering of more than 10 people is still in place.
New model homes and neighborhoods have helped Sweetwater appeal to more homebuyers this year.
3
4
Is alcohol allowed at any of the pools?
Alcohol is prohibited at the pools.
In late 2019, Madrone Ridge opened, with new low-maintenance model homes from Village Builders and a lifestyle centered around the new Overlook Club (open to all Sweetwater residents).
Austin’s phenomenal growth has also been a factor. In July, the City of Austin announced that our population has passed the 1 million mark. The Capital City is now home to 1,003,615 residents, to be exact, with more arriving each day. Austin is now the 11th largest U.S. city, but that won’t last long. Thanks to Austin’s growth rate, the second-highest in the nation, we’re on track to pass San Jose to claim the No. 10 spot sometime in 2021. Data suggests that people moving to Austin are relocating from expensive cities like Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco. According to Redfin, San Francisco is the largest source of out-of-staters searching for Austin homes online. Wherever you’ve come from, welcome to Sweetwater!
Community Sponsors
5
Is overnight parking allowed in Sweetwater?
Overnight parking is considered from sundown to sunrise and no street parking is allowed during that time.
serasana.com/locations/ serasana-beecave
heartandsoldaustin.com
SWEETWATERLIFE.COM provides additional information in regards to Sweetwater.
#STAYSAFE #INTHISTOGETHER
austinregionalclinic.com/ clinics/arc-bee-cave
campgladiator.com
campbowwow.com
merrymaids.com
Sponsorship Has its Perks: • Business information/flyer displayed on SweetwaterLife.com website, and Sweetwater Residence Life Facebook page* • Display business information within the Sweetwater Clubhouse* • Logo and contact information rotated in Sweetwater Community Voice newsletter* • Promote your business in our ‘Welcome to Sweetwater’ Bags provided at new resident orientation • Opportunities to promote your business at Community Association events. Also, an opportunity to offer an exclusive activity to the residents in the Sweetwater Clubhouse (approved by the Community Association)* *Business must provide logo / info / flyer
2 | Community Voice July/August 2020
Contact Shelly Livingston, Lifestyle Coordinator, at 737.717.0305, or sweetwaterlifestyle@goodwintx.com for details.
FACES OF SWEETWATER | RESIDENT PROFILE Cyrus and Maria Gavriel
Q: Where are you from originally? A: We are originally from and just moved here from NY, but have lived in other great places in Europe and the US. Q: How did you come to live at Sweetwater? A: As entrepreneurs we knew we could live anywhere and thought...if we could live anywhere for the next few years, where would it be? That led us to exploring different places that were
most aligned with our values and our vision. We discovered the area and it reminded us of living in Greece, California and even parts of France mixed in with a warmer climate, good food and friendly people. We also began to feel even more pulled in when we realized Texas upholds fundamental freedoms and before we knew it we started searching for our home.
8th grader that loves basketball and football. Our daughter’s a 6th grader that loves gymnastics and time with friends. We all love our new little pup Mellow whose officially joined our adventures! We all enjoy creating a life we love and making dreams possible it’s one of the most fun and expansive ways to live our life (and help others do the same).
Q: What are your favorite things about the community?
Q: Favorite local place to go out on a date?
A: The lake, the lifestyle and the friendly neighbors.
A: Hoping to find one soon!
Q: Tell us about your family.
Q: Can you share something very few people know about you?
A: We’re all pretty adventurous, and enjoy all kinds of travel, culture, food and meeting people. Our son is an
A: Hmmm...that’s a tough one. I’m an open book and answer pretty much any question you ask me!
AROUND TOWN | THINGS TO DO Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour
Austin Mural Tour
Best of Texas Hill Country Wine, Beer & BBQ Tour
This whistle-stop style tour is the most comprehensive overview tour of Austin’s rich culture and history, with a little bit of that famous Central Texas Hill Country as well. The tour covers 30 miles, 50+ points of interest, in 90 minutes. We give you the big picture, while still leaving you with plenty of time to go back on your own to explore the places that interests you most. Gratuities are not included in ticket price, but we encourage tipping your guide.
Explore Austin’s street art scene on this tour that takes you to several of the city’s most popular works of art. Some of the murals on the tour include: You’re My Butter Half, the Historic 6th Street Mural, Greetings From Austin, I Love You So Much and Hi, How Are You. You’ll also have free time to shop at the Austin Visitor Center.
Beer, barbecue, and beautiful scenery combine to create a near-perfect Texas Hill Country experience on this half-day outing from Austin. You can escape the city into the rolling hills to start your adventure, where you’re whisked to a family winery, stop at a brewery, and break for a meal at a famous barbecue eatery where you can sample some of the famous local cuisine, at your own expense.
www.viator.com/tours/Austin/Small-GroupTour-of-Austin-and-Texas-Hill-Country/ d5021-5718CITY?mcid=56757
www.viator.com/tours/Austin/Austin-SelfieTour/d5021-90519P1?mcid=56757
www.viator.com/tours/Austin/DrippingSprings-Wine-and-BBQ-Tour/d5021199613P1?mcid=56757 Community Voice September/October 2020 | 3
AROUND TOWN | THINGS TO DO Weird Austin City Tour
How did Austin get its “weird” reputation? Why is Willie Nelson worshipped like a god king? What’s the deal with all the bats? Why are locals getting into bar fights over the best breakfast taco? Find out all these answers and more. Your Twisted guide will show you the best of everything Austin has to offer with chances to sample local foods, have a sweet treat (on us!), buy local craft beers, and snap cool photos of local street art and the downtown skyline. www.viator.com/tours/Austin/Weird-AustinCity-Tour/d5021-19328P6
Hill Country Wine Tour of Dripping Springs and Wimberley
This semi-private tour is great for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups living in or visiting Dripping Springs and Wimberley, Texas. This Texas Tipsy Tours’ experience includes wine tastings (cost included!) at top Texas Hill Country wineries, a stop at iconic Salt Lick BBQ and Cellars, plus time for shopping, dining and/ or drinks in two charming hill country towns. www.viator.com/tours/Austin/ Hill-Country-Wine-Tour-DrippingSprings-and-Wimberley-Texas/d5021199613P4?mcid=56757
24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line Pass in Austin
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Austin aboard our luxurious double-decker buses. Learn all about Austin’s rich history as we guide you through some of the most sought-after locations the city has to offer. Read more about 24-Hour Hop-On HopOff Blue Line Pass in Austin 2020 - www. viator.com/tours/Austin/Hop-On-Hop-OffBlue-Line-City-Tour-24-Hour-Pass/d5021251967P1?mcid=56757
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 COMMUNITY EVENT CALENDAR
Due to Covid-19 Events have been Canceled.
Go to Facebook posts at Sweetwater Residents Live for Yoga and workout videos.
Association Contact Tom O’Grady, Community Manager 17921 Sweetwater Club Circle Austin, TX 78738 Cell: 737-717-0305.
Watch for updates on upcoming events, community association news, new builder information and more. Between e-newsletters, stay connected to our community by visiting www.SweetwaterLife.com.
Office Hours
Please send weekly requests to sweetwatermanager@goodwintx.com
M-F:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
