The Infrastructure Department of the Wintergreen Property Owners Association has three primary divisions: roads, landscaping, and facilities. All divisions operate out of the maintenance facility located on Wintergreen Drive.
The physical assets this WPOA department maintains includes Tuckahoe Clubhouse, 53 miles of roads, two pavilions, two swimming pools, parks, 11 lakes, a trout stream, overlooks, walking & biking paths, and acres of forested open space.
Several members of this department are highly-skilled specialists such as carpenters, painters, mechanics, and operators of over 20 pieces of sophisticated heavy equipment WPOA deploys such as backhoes, articulated mowers, front-end loaders, tractors, excavators, road sweepers, and snowplows.
The entire staff in this WPOA section are actively cross-utilized. For example, the entire infrastructure team will push snow in the winter and after severe thunderstorms in the summer most everyone is participating in the cleanups. The director of the department is Mitchell Barker, email: mbarker@wtgpoa.org, phone: 434-325-8532, who also oversees ARB compliance. Road maintenance supervisor is David Thomas, email: dthomas@wtgpoa.org, phone: 434-325-8528
Open Spaces
There are some 4,000 privately-owned acres of open space belonging to WPOA maintained for the enjoyment of Wintergreen property owners and guests. Open space areas include many of the roads, parks, community buildings, ponds, tracks of undeveloped property.
Wintergreen’s hiking and walking path networks are made possible because of these long-established open space areas.
Smaller areas of open space exist in and among the developed areas. Most of these smaller tracts can be found behind and between lots and help provide an undeveloped buffer between homes, as well as corridors that connect developed areas to one another.
There should be no cutting of vegetation, creation of pathways or other alterations to open space areas without prior approval from WPOA’s Architectural Review Board. (Note: The ARB must approve any exterior work, including any landscaping, on all properties within Wintergreen, including property owners’ properties.)
WPOA collaborates with the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen in managing its open spaces. Working with community groups such as the Wintergreen Sporting Club, WPOA has seen some of the open spaces used to the benefit of the entire community.
WPOA provides property owners & their guests with amenities such as two swimming pools. outdoor pavilions, a tennis court, archery range and more.
Located in Stoney Creek, Tuckahoe clubhouse is one of WPOA's most popular amenities with property owners. See why here.
In the valley WPOA offers an active trout steam and a dozen small lakes for the use of Wintergreen property owners and their guests. Details here.
Signage
The design and maintenance of the vast majority of signage within Wintergreen is the job of WPOA. The responsibility is taken seriously because the signage speaks to the community’s overall design standards.
Landscaping
WPOA does extensive landscaping at the entrances of both the valley and mountain communities as well as around all WPOA facilities. Seasonal flowers, weeding, mulching, and leaf removal are all handled by this dedicated crew. Grass cutting at facilities, on the roads and on some open spaces goes on every day in the spring, summer and fall.
Wintergreen is a planned community with specific design standards. WPOA has the legal responsibility for architectural review. This responsibility, managed within the Infrastructure Department, includes the responsibility for maintaining records, conducting inspections, and conducting the administrative tasks associated with the review process. Learn more here.
While water, sewer, power, internet, telephone, & cable TV services, and trash services for mountain and valley are not provided by WPOA, the infrastructure department oversees easements and often helps coordinates efforts of the various service providers.
Road Maintenance
Over 50 miles of valley and mountain roads belong to the property owners.
Wintergreen’s road system is more than just the driving surface; it also includes the culverts that move the stormwater off the mountains as well as the grass, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that line the roadways. WPOA maintains its 12-foot right-of-way from the edge of most roadways.
About 25 to 30 percent of WPOA’s annual budget goes to upkeep of Wintergreen’s roads. The budget number is as predictable as the weather from year-to-year because WPOA is conscientious in keeping the roads clear of snow and ice during the winter.
In 2005 WPOA created a road paving reserve account which accumulates funds from the property owners’ annual dues. This avoids the need for a special paving assessment every 10 years.
A dedicated staff using more than 15 pieces of specialized equipment work to keep Wintergreen's roads clear of snow and ice. When bad winter weather hits, WPOA crews will work 24/7 until road surfaces are clear.
As the snow falls, some property owners will see snow bermed at the entrance of their driveways. After the roads are cleared, WPOA then works to clear entrances and exits.
Property owners should be ready either to clear snow from their driveways themselves or pre-arrange for a private contractor to clear it.
No matter the weather or road conditions, do not hesitate to call 911 for medical or other emergencies. Plows and rescue squads stand ready to direct all its resources for a timely response to time-critical situations.
Snowfall in the Blue Ridge is truly beautiful. Those who best know how to enjoy it are prepared and patient. Learn more
WPOA works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to manage the bears and deer populations. Read more