The diversity of our community, including families with children of all ages, is one of Encinitas Ranch’s greatest strengths, and protecting that community means ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

A recent inventory of basketball hoops throughout the neighborhood identified several concerns: some hoops are no longer in use, others are damaged, and a number are positioned well into the street. While the Board has historically taken a hands-off approach to basketball hoops in order to encourage children to play outside, our Architectural Standards do prohibit installations that encourage street play or adversely affect neighboring properties. More importantly, hoops placed in or near the street create genuine safety hazards and potential liability exposure for both the homeowner and the Association.

Ideally, we ask owners to consider taking the following steps:

• Remove or relocate unused or damaged hoops. Any hoop no longer in active use should be removed. Hoops that remain in use should be positioned adjacent to or within the driveway — not in the street.
• Apply luminescent tape to the base and post. Basketball hoops with black posts and backboards are extremely difficult to see at night. Reflective tape is a simple, low-cost measure that can prevent a vehicle from striking a hoop at night or in low-visibility conditions.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our streets safe for drivers, pedestrians, and children alike.