Can I store my boat in my backyard?

No. OFL Covenants (Article IX – Parking) require boats to be stored in a garage or other suitable shelter. The idea behind this restriction is that large recreational items, such as boats, should be stored out of sight except when in use. Several OFL homeowners have canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, jon boats, and inflatable boats that they use from time-to-time on the lakes.

All types of boats/watercraft must be stored out of sight after use at the end of each day.

Can I boat on the lakes?

Yes, but only on Swan Lake (large lake).  Boating is not allowed on Fountain Lake.

  • Fountain Lake – Boating on Fountain Lake is not permitted. Getting near the fountain while it is operating, or touching the fountain that has electricity running to it, could be very dangerous.
  • Swan Lake – Paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, small jon boats and inflatable boats1 are allowed on Swan Lake. Semi-V boats, pontoon boats, sail boats, paddle boards, flotation waders, and rafts of all kinds are not allowed. No gasoline-powered motors are allowed.

1 Inflatable boats must be designed as a boat, identified as such by the manufacturer, with a fully enclosed interior, side walls, seating, and capable of being paddled or rowed. Inflatables that do not meet these standards are not allowed.

  • Passengers must remain in their boats at all times while on the water.
  • All passengers must remain seated inside the boat. Standing in or sitting on the side of the boat are prohibited.
  • No more than 4 persons or the posted capacity, whichever is smaller, may be in the boat.
  • A legal adult, 18 years of age or older, must accompany any minors, 17 years of age or younger, while on the water.
  • All State and Coast Guard regulations must be followed. There must be an approved life jacket on board for each person and all children 13 years of age and younger must wear an approved life jacket.
  • Alcohol is prohibited on the boat and no boater shall be under the influence of alcohol.
  • Boating after dark is not allowed. If someone gets in trouble on the water after dark, no one may be around to assist them. The Board feels the liability of allowing boating after dark is too great a risk.
  • Absolutely no boating when lightning can be seen and no boating for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning sighting.
  • Launching a boat from a trailer except for lake maintenance purposes is not allowed.

Can I swim in the lakes?

No. Swimming or wading is not allowed in either lake. This includes no swimming off of boats. Being around water can be dangerous. Proper behavior and safety precautions are necessary at all times.

The Board has placed several signs around the lakes clearly stating that swimming is not allowed.

Is anyone allowed in the inlet or spillway areas of Swan Lake?

No one is allowed in the inlet (large culvert pipes under Eddy Road where water flows from Wildflower Lake in Old Farms Gardens into Swan Lake) or the spillway (including the open concrete spillway enclosed in split rail fencing, the large culvert pipes under Prenzler Dr., and the natural water runoff area enclosed in chain link fencing between Prenzler Dr. and the Constitution Trail), with the exception of authorized maintenance personnel. Children playing in these areas is strictly prohibited, as the areas are inherently dangerous and present a major risk for injury. Both the spillway and the natural water runoff area have “Danger – Keep Out” signs posted on the split rail and chain link fences. If you see children or unauthorized people in these areas, please remind them that they are not supposed to be there and request that they leave immediately.

Can I Feed the Waterfowl on or Near the Lakes?

Feeding Waterfowl Prohibited on Association Property
Feeding the waterfowl on our lakes may seem like a great thing to do, but it only creates problems. Therefore, feeding waterfowl on OFLPOA property (i.e. lakes, common ground, sidewalks, berms and playground) is prohibited.

The waterfowl can become dependent on this easy source of food. This may encourage them to stay year around instead of migrating and end up starving when the food source is not available in the winter.

The ducks and geese are grazing animals. They will eat the grass down to the roots especially during winter months causing damage to our lawns.

We all know that geese produce a lot of waste. When spring arrives, this excrement dries out and can easily become airborne and cause respiratory diseases especially in children who love to play in the grassy areas around our lakes. Feeding the geese and ducks adds to existing concerns of their waste making our sidewalks around the lakes difficult, and for some impossible, to use.

Do not feed the waterfowl on association property. Any and all association members have the right and the responsibility to inform any persons that are violating this OFLPOA rule.