Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:10:06 -0600EditMySiteSun, 14 Jun 2026 18:54:30 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/june-14th-2026Please help keep our neighborhood roadways safe for everyone by signaling as you enter and exit Pine Creek traffic circles (roundabouts) to ensure road safety within our neighborhoods.  

Per the Colorado Driver Handbook:
 - p. 20 - Rotary Island/Roundabout Lane: Yield to traffic already within the rotary island. Drive to the right and watch for directional signs and signals.
- p. 22 - Signaling: Before making any turn, whether the turn is into another roadway, a parking lot, another traffic lane, or leaving a parked position, it is extremely important that you signal. Your signal lets other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know your intentions. In urban or metropolitan areas, you must signal continuously for 100 ft. before making a turn or lane change. On four-lane highways where the posted speed limit is more than 40 m.p.h. you must signal for 200 ft.Failing to signal is a traffic violation.

Read more about Signaling and Rotary Island/Roundabout/Traffic Circle Driving at 
www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/DriverHandbook.pdf and 
www.drivesmartcolorado.com/programs/buckle/street-signage-pavement-markings/#roundabout]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:02:26 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/where-is-a-dog-park-for-unleashed-playFor our furry friends who like to romp and play, the Pikes Peak Region offers a variety of off-leash areas where they can play to their heart’s content.
https://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/get-outdoors/dog-park/]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:08 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/why-does-pcva-have-native-grass-areasIn an effort to reduce management inputs (water, mowing, fertilization, pest management) and labor, HOAs often consider the replacement of mowed, irrigated turf (bluegrass, fescues) with grass species (usually referred to as “native grasses”) that should require fewer inputs (less/no water, infrequent mowing, no fertilizer, few pesticides). These areas are often referred to as “native grass” areas because their unmowed (or less frequently mowed) appearance sometimes looks like that of an unmanaged, native prairie. Read more detail in the article you can download below 

Key complaints  heard about the native grass are:

1. They are weeds that look unkempt
2. It needs to be mowed more frequently
3. It harbors weeds and bugs
4. Conventional, mowed turf is better

Key benefits to the native grasses are:

1. It requires FAR less water than conventional turf. It also requires less effort in general, in the way of maintenance, as this grass naturally thrives in this region.
2. The native is a planned part of the Pine Creek Village landscape design aesthetic; to mimic the look of a river/creek bed landscape.
3. It (in theory) reseeds itself.​

Learn more at https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/native_grass_info_for_pcva.pdf]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:57:33 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/how-do-we-live-with-wildlifeWildlife can be found in and around the urban areas of Colorado’s fast-growing Front Range. As Colorado Springs and its neighboring communities continue to grow and expand, subdivision development impacts wildlife habitat and wild animals are often displaced. Some species continue to live in open space areas, parks, undeveloped parcels of land, river bottoms, and on or near bodies of water. Others have adapted well to urban living; skunks and raccoons, in particular, appear to thrive around urban environments. In most circumstances, people and wildlife can coexist but the key is to remember that wildlife are not pets; they are wild animals. Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters with wildlife occur because people fail to leave the animals alone.

Preventing wildlife encounters
-Do not feed wildlife.
-Keep pet food inside.
-Cover window wells with grates, wire, or plastic covers.
-Fill gaps or holes around the foundation of your residence to eliminate a place for animals to live.
-Seal all cracks and holes larger than ¼ inch in diameter to keep rats, mice, bats, and snakes out of a structure.
-Screen fireplace chimneys, and furnace, attic and dryer vents, and keep dampers closed to prevent wildlife entry.
-Bury wire mesh one to two feet deep to prevent animals from burrowing in unwanted areas.
-Store garbage in metal or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, inside a garage or shed.
-Mark windows with strips of white tape or with raptor silhouettes to help prevent birds from flying into windows.
-Fence gardens and pick fruit from trees before it ripens and clean up fallen fruit.
-Keep bird feeders out of reach.
-Burn food off grills and clean after each use.
-Keep windows and doors closed and locked, including residence, garage, and vehicle doors.
-Do not leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners, or anything that smells in your vehicle.

Resources
Learn more at coloradosprings.gov/office-emergency-management/page/living-wildlife
More information at Colorado Parks and Wildlife page cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx
Learn about individual animal species https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SpeciesProfiles.aspx
Colorado Parks & Wildlife website https://cpw.state.co.us/ 
Nuisance Wildlife Laws in Colorado        https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/NuisanceWildlife.pdf]]>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:10:34 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/january-14th-20254814894“Marry the house, date the rate” is a common phrase in the housing industry, especially since mortgage rates have risen throughout 2023. But it’s not just a phrase; it’s a strategy too.

It’s simple: Focus on finding your dream home — the one you want to live in for the long haul — and treat today’s higher rates as a temporary path to get there. Then, you can commit to refinancing once interest rates drop.

While this is a logical approach for some homebuyers, it’s not the right move for everyone. Consider these pros and cons before using the strategy.

Pros
Typically, the biggest advantage of the “marry the house, date the rate” approach is that you get to buy the home you want now instead of waiting months or even years for rates to drop. If you’re ready to settle down, this might be the only goal that matters.

You may also see less competition from other buyers (due to higher interest rates), and becoming a homeowner sooner will help you start building equity in the home.

Cons
One of the main downsides is that you don’t know when rates will drop, so you could be stuck with your higher rate (and payment) for a while.

​And refinancing isn’t free. The average cost to refinance is about $2,375 plus taxes — usually 2% to 5% of the loan principal, like closing costs. If there’s any chance you may not stay in the home long term, it might not feel worth it.]]>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:08:46 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/january-14th-2025Your home isn’t just where you eat your meals or lay your head down at night. It should be a place that enriches your life, making you happier, healthier and more fulfilled. 

Does your home do those things? If not, you can make some careful additions to change that.

That’s right: Your home could improve your overall health and well-being with these five popular home wellness features.

1. Air Purifiers: Having a couple of air purifiers in your home can help reduce allergens, promote better sleep and stave off bacteria and viruses. How many you need and where they’re placed will depend on your house’s layout and square footage.
2. Indoor Gardens: Plants can bring a sense of calm to a space, and some can improve air quality as well. Having a countertop herb or vegetable garden can also make cooking delicious (and nutritious) meals a little easier.
3. Antibacterial and Touchless Surfaces: You probably want to avoid picking up and spreading germs around the house. Good news: Many materials come in antibacterial, antimicrobial and touchless versions these days, including countertops, doorknobs and faucets.
4. Calm Zones: Life can get hectic at times. Adding a calm zone — a peaceful retreat with room for reading, meditating or listening to music — could help your household deal with stress in a healthy manner. You could include a cozy chair or beanbag chair, blankets, a bookshelf and headphones in the space.
5. Organization Systems: Too much clutter can make it harder to find things and add stress to your life. Try installing smart organization systems throughout your home in cabinets, closets or anywhere else you might need them.

]]>Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/my-exterior-lamp-lighting-fixture-broke-where-can-i-get-a-replacementHomeowners are responsible for maintaining yard lights on their lot in like-new condition.  Damaged fixtures must be replaced with the identical type and color fixture (bronze/dark).  Refer to Section 4.16.1 of the Community Guidelines.

You can get the HOA approved yard light fixture (https://shop.peak-lighting.com/424069) at Peak Lighting, 4315 Sinton Road, Colorado Springs, CO  80907. The SKU number for this fixture is SKU 424069. Contact Peak Lighting if you need a replacement light at 719-531-5200 ]]>Sun, 26 May 2024 14:42:28 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/may-26th-2024Pine Creek Residents - is your street light improperly working or not working at all?  Did you know that CSU Utilities will fix broken street lights for FREE when notified?  Springs Utilities typically services around 4500 streetlights per year from customer requests.
 
CSU Utilities has an easy online form to submit a street light maintenance request.  The completed online request will be forwarded to the Street Maintenance Department for action.  To help CSU Utilities address your request, please provide as much information as possible when completing the online form.  For example, each street light has it's own unique identifying number on the pole.  In addition, giving a cross street address also speeds up the location and work.  Lastly, you can also make a report by calling 385-ROAD.
 
Visit Colorado Springs Utilities Street Maintenance Web Site
https://coloradosprings.gov/public-works-operations-maintenance-division/webform/street-maintenance
 
Let's keep our neighborhoods safe and properly lit.]]>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:57:27 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/peak-alerts-for-el-paso-and-teller-countiesPeak Alerts are notifications sent through a software called Everbridge by public safety agencies in El Paso and Teller Counties.  Peak Alerts notify you of emergency situations that are a threat to life or property and are deemed dangerous by public safety officials.  Examples of emergency situations may include but is not limited to, natural or man-made disasters, hazardous materials incidents, missing persons, law enforcement activity impacting the public, evacuation notices, and more.

Peak Alerts notify you of emergencies that happen near your registered address(es) or current location (if you are using the Everbridge app).  To sign-up for these alerts, you must create an account with your contact information to include your address and at least one contact method.  The information you provide is protected and will not be used for any other purpose.  You choose how you want to receive these messages.  Messages can be sent via text, phone call, email, mobile app, fax, and more. When you confirm receipt of a message, the system will stop attempting to contact you. If you do not confirm the message, the system will continue to attempt to reach your other registered contact methods.

It is important to note that during an emergency, you should use as many forms of communication as possible to stay informed.  Stay tuned to news broadcasts, radio stations, social media, websites, weather radios, etc. It is recommended that you signup as an individual rather than a household as notifications will stop once a user confirms receipt of the message. If at any time you feel you are in danger, you should take whatever action you feel is necessary to get yourself to safety.

Sign up online at https://member.everbridge.net/index/1772417038942752?fbclid=IwAR3dnF2z9_qpMLsbTneHxDW-7DM2jlySQNXR2UOvw4O-13JLlvOJzOus5fo#/signup

​Receive push-alerts to your mobile device anytime you travel into an area of an active incident. You can download the Everbridge app here:  https://www.everbridge.com/app/]]>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:51:57 GMThttps://www.pcva.org/pcva-faqs/april-24th-2024Please do not forget to paint fence repairs to keep the neighborhood looking good.
There are two types of fencing in Pine Creek - the dark green metal "view" fence, and the brown wood plank fence. To paint your own fence - the correct paint / stain colors are:
     Green View Fence: To purchase the correct green paint (Olympic Pine; Pine Creek Green) homeowners must go to the Sherwin Williams store near Powers and Dublin (6345 Source Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, (719) 260-1767).  The paint is an oil based Alkyd Enamel, #N8-809.  Use the number, and if they cannot find the formula, tell them it is under the Rainbow Paint company mixtures. (Updated December 12, 2019)
     Brown Wood Plank Fence: Homeowners now can purchase the PCVA approved wood fence color at either Lowe's or Home Depot. Ask for Lowe's "Pine Creek Picket" Valspar exterior solid stain OR  Home Depot's "Pine Creek Brown Fence" Behr solid wood stain.  ​]]>