Another year has gone by and Hide-A-Way Lake continues to make a number of positive changes and improvements. The following are some of the major improvements that were made this past fiscal year.
Several projects took place throughout the community to improve drainage. Engineer David Hattaway submitted drainage improvement plans for the areas of 1702 and 1832 East Lakeshore Drive. Both locations had drainage culverts installed to the lake including crossing underneath East Lakeshore Dr. to improve drainage on both sides of the street. I would like to personally thank the property owners in these areas for their cooperation and understanding to improve drainage in this area for their neighbors and community. $41,180 was paid to Dillard and Sons and Sunny Sod for this capital improvement project.
Equipment purchases and upgrades were a large area of focus for the community as well over this past year.
The Office server upgrade and purchase of three replacement computers were completed last month by NVI technologies. The total for this capital improvement was $7.466.72.
A replacement zero-turn mower was purchased and delivered from Underwood Outdoor Power. The total capital purchase of $12,871.03 was paid for the Lazer Series 60” mower.
The Security Camera System Upgrade at all common areas was completed, which included a better DVR and recording capabilities at night. The areas that were upgraded were at West Marina, the Lodge, the East Marina, the dam, and both Security gates. The total cost of this capital project was $5,756.60 and was paid to Fort Knox Security Systems, LLC.
An initial radar sign was installed in the 300 block of East Lakeshore Drive. After seeing the success of this sign, two additional signs were purchased and placed in the 200 and 800 block of Hide-A-Way Lane. These signs have been beneficial in showing drivers their speed and reminding them of the speed limit: 25 miles-per-hour. The total capital purchase cost for all three signs was $12,436.00 and was paid to Radar Sign, LLC.
A new Kubota L4802HST tractor has been purchased for the Maintenance Department from Lee Tractor Co. for a total capital purchase of $39,200.00.
The main pool pump/filter system was replaced by Anything Pools, Inc.. Additionally, all of the valves and pipes were replaced and the filters updated. The total capital improvement cost was $28,400.00.
A cooking oil filtration machine was purchased from Gulf Coast Equipment Care, LLC for a total capital purchase of $2,675.00. This purchase will save approximately $7,000.00 yearly in oil costs.
Many improvements took place with our water system, which is owned and operated by Hide-A-Way Lake Club, Inc.
All water service lines connected to homes in the community were inventoried and submitted to the MSDH ahead the EPA’s required deadline. Also our water system’s assets were inventoried, and we created an asset management plan to have information regarding the equipment’s age.
The Mississippi State Heath Department audited our water system’s operations, finances, testing, and compliance on August 15, 2024. HAWL received a 5 out of 5 rating for the 20th year in row! These two decades of perfect ratings are contributed to the HAWL’s water operators and well as the Maintenance and Office staffs.
Seventy-five water meters and valves were purchased as part of our replacement project. $15,696.10 was paid to Ferguson Waterworks for this capital purchase. The HAWL Maintenance Department replaced these meters throughout the community.
The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on our water system was completed. Notice was sent out on all statements informing property owners that the CCR may be reviewed on the HAWL website or in the HAWL Office.
The 2” boring missile for water service lines that goes underneath roadways was purchased from Ditchwitch Midsouth. The total capital purchase cost was $4,627.08.
Many projects took place over the past year to preserve and maintain Hide-A-Way Lake’s largest amenity, our lake.
The spillway chute was repaired as required by DEQ. The materials cost a total of $10,197.40. Concrete and riprap work, pump truck operation, and labor were completed by the HAWL Maintenance Department.
An order of coppernose bluegill, pure northern bass, and threadfin shad was delivered in March. The total cost of this capital purchase was $30,500.00.
Boat wash areas were installed near the pavilions at both marinas.
New ropes and buoys for the swimming area at the beach were installed. The total capital improvement cost was $1,299.96.
An additional fish feeder for our lake was purchased through Texas Hunter Products. The total capital purchase was $1,664.63. Feeders are located at the West Marina, the dam/walking track, and now at the Lodge/East Marina.
American Sportfish was contracted to dredge and remove sediment from four areas of the lake. I would like to personally thank the property owners in these areas for their cooperation and involvement in this improvement that will better the lake for the entire community. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Lake Quality Committee and the Board of Directors for their guidance and input to make this project a reality. A total of 7,318 cubic yards of sediment were removed from the following four locations: Mallard Cove/530 block of West Lakeshore Drive, Eagle Cove/ 900 block of East Lakeshore Drive, Mockingbird Cove/1730 block of East Lakeshore Drive, and Pelican Cove/Back area of the Horseshoe. The total cost of this capital improvement cost was $145,000.00.
Many of the common grounds areas (Lodge area parks and playgrounds, etc.) also had many needed improvements and updates this year.
The firehouse wall and roll up door that were damaged were repaired by Picayune Door Sales, Inc. The total capital improvement cost of $6,102.96 was paid by Pearl River County through an insurance claim. Additionally, two new commercial openers were installed on each firehouse roll up door for a total capital cost of $3,259.38.
The Main Gate entrance wall fence between the brick columns was installed by Randy Taylor Fence Company. The total capital cost was $1,780.00.
All new playground equipment was installed by the HAWL Maintenance Department at both playgrounds. Items installed included a playground set, spring riders, benches, and upgraded swing sets that included ADA seats. The total capital purchase amount was $42,394.00.
Waters Edge Restaurant was redecorated. The ceiling was painted, new curtains were hung, and the chairs were covered. The painting was completed by B&B Painting and Elite Hardwood Floors put down a new top coat on the Main Dining Room’s wood floor. The total capital improvement cost was $11,816.78. Another major change that happened with the restaurant was the retirement of Restaurant Manger Ginger Gautrau. Ginger retired on June 1, 2025, and were are grateful for her 15 years of service to our community. Please make plans to visit this great amenity and to meet the new Restaurant Manger Keith Crawford.
While the projects I have mentioned were all necessary, they are only a fraction of what goes on in HAWL. The community continues to grow and we, as the Board of Directors, will continue to focus on the improvements necessary to keep HAWL the wonderful place that it is. Thank you so much for taking part in your community.
