Northridge Parkway Homeowners Association

P.O. Box 642, Ames, Iowa 50010

Northridge Projects

Listing of Northridge Projects

Walking Trail Bridge Cleanup – June 2025

Roseman Bridge Cleanup

The Roseman bridge mildew was cleaned, and appearance was greatly improved. Currently we are in discussion about a water sealing stain to be applied to preserve this wood bridge along the very north walking trail.

Roseman Bridge Sign
Before Cleaning
After Cleaning
After Cleaning

Buck Bridge Cleanup

The Buck bridge mildew was cleaned, and appearance was greatly improved.

Before Cleaning
Before Cleaning
During Cleaning
During Cleaning

Almond Road Trail Waterway Cleanup – June 2025

Late March, a flyer was put one in each mailbox of each resident who backed up to the Almond trail waterway. It notified that this cleanup was going to occur in April or May, but it ended up being the first week of June due to rains.  This will help in keeping our natural drainage open.

Work was completed last week, and a preliminary inspection was done.  Distinctive Landscapes did get it almost completed with some small piles of debris that they plan to pick up this week. They will also be cutting down and removing small trees around the far east pond and also addressing the small tree that was broken off.  They do not go into the pond for weed control.  Overall, this looks so much better! The residences were very pleased it was cleaned up.

Homeowner Notice
Map of affected Area
Before and After Pictures

HOA Board Reserve Study and Recommendations – January 2025

Northridge HOA always had a reserve account set up and contributed to it.  However, in the last few years the reserve account has been decreased due to unexpected events such as the Derecho. Based on this, the Northridge HOA board determined the need to reallocate a specified amount of money as reserves and provide a precedent for appropriate levels and management of the reserve fund going forward. The Board has implemented a plan going forward to review expenses on needed projects and yearly maintenance costs to fulfill the reserve goal.

Link to the report here – Northridge HOA Board Reserve Funds Study and Recommendations.pdf

Pedestrian improvements at the intersection of GW Carver & Aspen Road – October 2024 to 2025

The city will be installing two new lighted crosswalks at both Northridge Parkway and Aspen Road. These will help provide a safe crossing of George Washington Carver over to Summerset and back. The first crosswalk to be installed will be at the intersection of Northridge Parkway (south entrance into Northridge) closest to the curve very soon. The second lighted crosswalk flashers are being ordered and pending delivery and weather will either be installed late this fall or in the spring.

The first phase of improvements will be modifying the center median on Aspen Road near the intersection w. GW Carver to provide a straight crossing for the path. This work will be performed by City of Ames crews and will involve pulling the nose of the median back to the west side of the crossing and installing new pavement where the median was. It is anticipated that this work will begin either the week of September 30, or the week of October 7. Distinctive Landscapes will relocate all these plantings and rock and will have them plant them in the new area at the end of the new island, so it looks the same just pulled back aways.  Everything that can be, will be reused in this space. The small trees will need to be removed and that is where the lilies will be planted. It will be decided later if new tress will be planted in this area.

Cul-de-Sac Maintenance – Appreciation Note November 3, 2024

Northridge Families,

I want to thank all the volunteers who helped the HOA Board last Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.  When we started, we had ten volunteers and at mid-way we were up to thirteen volunteers.  As a volunteer group we trimmed, edged, and cleaned up these five cul-de-sacs:  Redbud Circle, Cypress Circle, Park Vista Circle, Northridge Circle and Rosewood Circle.

We cut and collected three large trailer loads of brush and two pickup loads of leaves and other debris.  The three trailer loads were unloaded and piled up for removal by Emma Joe’s Tree Service.  The two pickup loads of leaves were hauled to Steenhoek Environmental.

I plan to coordinate another volunteer day soon, assuming weather is good, to address the final cul-de-sac. With another group of volunteers, I believe we could easily complete the remaining one yet this fall. 

We tried to get a picture of the volunteers in each cul-de-sac before moving on to the next one.  I especially enjoyed meeting some of the wonderful neighbors who contributed their time to help keep our HOA beautiful. 

I also do want to acknowledge our entire HOA Volunteer Board members who provide their time to support improvements to our development – one we can all be proud of.

Sincerely, Ron Frantzen, Volunteer Board President

Cul-de-Sac Landscaping 2024

Hemlock Circle Cul-de-Sac Landscaping May 2024

The Hemlock Circle Cul-de-Sac was rated as next in line needing attention. It was scheduled for landscaping and the work was completed.

Maplewood Circle Cul-de-Sac Landscaping May 2024

The Maplewood Circle Cul-de-Sac was rated as next in line for needing attention. It was scheduled for landscaping and the work was completed.

Valleyview Waterway Cleanup Dec 2023

As the subdivision as aged invasive trees and plants have filled the stream bed that flows south at 3423 Valleyview road, to the storybook bridge and west to cattail pond. Erosion at the street outlet has also caused a hazard. The board has decided to have Distinctive Landscapes grubbed and remove vegetation in the drainage area and also around cattail pond.

After cleaning and removal –

Cattail Pond cleaning –

Water Valve Maintenance Fall 2023 to 2024

The City of Ames has been working throughout the city for the last 5 years replacing bolts on water valves installed in the early 1990’s.
There are many of those valves installed in the Northridge area. Some of which will be in yards or at the fire hydrants in the islands of the circles.
The city will restore all areas (except trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses if within 5 feet of hydrants or in utility easements) where the work takes place. This project is projected to last approximately up to 2 years.

The City of Ames has been working throughout the city for the last 5 years replacing bolts on water valves installed in the early 1990’s. There are many of those valves installed in the Northridge area. Some of which will be in yards or at the fire hydrants in the islands of the circles. The city began work last summer (2023) and has started again this summer. Each repair will require about a 5-to-6-foot hole down to the fire hydrant riser connecting point to the city main water service to replace old steel bolts with new stainless bolts. (some locations could be deeper).  The city will reseed the area once completed as stated on the City of Ames Notice flyer. The city will restore all areas (except trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses if within 5 feet of hydrants or in utility easements) where the work takes place. This project is projected to last approximately up to 2 years. (map of bolt replacement)

Winter 2024 Update

The City of Ames is pleased to report that we have successfully replaced the faulty bolts in the valves in the Northridge area. All street and sidewalk surfaces have been fully restored, and the final patches of grass will be addressed in the spring.

Overall, the project went smoothly, with minimal feedback from residents—only three negative comments. We would like to extend our gratitude to the residents for their patience and understanding throughout the work. Their cooperation greatly contributed to the efficiency of the project.

If you have any questions or if there are areas that may require additional attention next spring, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll ensure that everything is fully restored.

City of Ames Utility Maintenance – 515-239-5554 office – www.CityofAmes.org

Cypress Circle trail maintenance

A maintenance problem is being addressed with a low-lying trail section that holds rain and irrigation water in this area that making this area muddy and very slippery for walkers and bikers. The board has contracted to have the asphalt trial approximately 20’ long x 8’ wide raised to eliminate this problem. Elevations will be set to maintain storm water flow across the trail from the east to west. Estimated time to complete this in early October.

Plan of reconstruction

Tree removal and stump grinding October 2023

First phase of tree removal has been completed by Emma Joe’s Tree Service from Story City. In phase two, Emma Joes Tree Service has been contracted to remove approximately 40 trees and grind out the stumps in Oct/Nov time frame.

Cul-de-Sac Landscaping 2023

Magnolia Circle Cul-de-Sac Landscaping October 2023

The Magnolia Circle Cul-de-Sac was rated as next in line needing attention. Funds were still available, and it was scheduled for landscaping. Work Completed

Bayberry Circle Cul-de-Sac Landscaping September 2023

The Bayberry Circle Cul-de-Sac was rated as next in line for needing attention. Funds were still available, and it was scheduled for landscaping. Work Completed

Sumac Circle Cul-de-Sac Landscaping August 2023

Due to deteriorating conditions of the cu-de-sacs the Board determined in conversations with the City of Ames, that the cul-de-sacs were the responsibility of the Board. Sumac Circle was rated as needing the most attention and was scheduled for landscaping. Other cul-de-sacs will be prioritized and put in the projects list as the budget will allow.

Before cleaning and replanting –

Midway cleaning –

After cleaning and adding gravel –

Cul-de-Sac Maintenance

Our subdivision is now over 30 years old. Our previous volunteer boards have done a good job of maintaining our HOA. But a derecho has hit our city causing much damage to our trees, and the ash borer affected many of our trees. This resulted in the additional removal of trees and grinding of stumps along with the general maintenance that needs to continue. Over 30 years, the HOA had raised the dues minimally, but we were in need of much cleanup with the derecho and the ash borer, therefore, the dues were increased. Much to our delight, most of the development was in favor of this increase.

Three years ago, the cul-de-sac maintenance became a concern to the Board. For years, the cul-de-sac responsibility had been placed on the residents who lived on the circles to maintain them. The President of the Board questioned this and called the city of Ames to find out why the city was not maintaining them. The answer was that the cul-de-sacs were the responsibility of our HOA and not the city of Ames. That is when the 32-year-old signed document by the developer was given to the current Board. The Board was now aware of the maintenance obligation and as a team we needed to figure out how to manage and pay for these unexpected HOA expenses. We as a board have worked very hard since uncovering this information.

Moving ahead:

The volunteer board split up into small groups and evaluate each of the 22 cul-de-sacs in the Northridge Development. They used a grading sheet that was developed detailing overall conditions of each cul-de-sac. Grading went from “A” being the best condition to “F” failing. Many were graded “F’s” and “D’s”, so the Board put together a plan to begin addressing the worst condition ones and have continued to work on the list. We have completed refurbishing a total of three in 2023 for a total expenditure of over $18,000. In 2024, we plan on doing three additional ones with a plan on spending another $18,000. We have on our schedule to complete the third cul-de-sac at Valley View Circle, that was graded a “C”, for this fall.

The following four cul-de-sacs that were rated a “C” that will be scheduled to be addressed in 2025.

Cypress Circle
Redbud Circle
Park Vista Circle 
Northridge Circle

The annual budgeting process will be prepared and submitted to the HOA board in December 2024. Final approval of our operating budget will be at the January 2025 board meeting. Assuming the budget is passed we will make plans to schedule these four cul-de-sacs to be staggered out monthly to help our cash flow. That will leave us the remainder 12 cul-de-sacs that were rated a “B” and “A” to complete over the next couple years. So, in just two years we will be almost half completed.

If resources were unlimited and we had an overabundance of cash in our HOA account, we wouldn’t have a problem spending money where needed, however, we need to maintain a cash budget to stay within our revenue income we have for expenses. We cannot overextend our revenue for this as we must keep a cash reserve for any kind of windstorms or ice winter cleanup of trees.

In closing, the Board has taken this very seriously and are working hard to stay ahead of the needs from the wants in the HOA. In the future, if you have questions about anything regarding the HOA, we encourage you to reach out with questions.

Tree Removal & Coneflower Garden Landscaping July 2023

Coneflower Garden landscaping work was done by David Farrell, Ron Frantzen, and Andrew Frantzen (Ron’s son) as well as HOA resident Dan Culhane. All time was donated for this project with the exception of Andrew Frantzen who was paid $35 hr.

Charlie Weber, Simon Timmerman, and Ron Frantzen tagged north side of HOA with yellow caution tape bands on trees to be removed. 21 trees identified to be removed because they are dead. Contractor has been hired waiting arrive to remove trees and stumps. Numerous other emails on dead trees in HOA have been received. We will be coordinating to have these reviewed for removal.

Entrance landscaping and Signage  2021 – 2022

The board moved forward with obtaining bids for updating landscaping for the two GW Carver entrances.  Scope of the project includes power washing the entrance monuments, putting down a weed barrier, and replacing shrubs with new plantings at the Northridge and Aspen entrances.

Work to update/paint the round Northridge signs at possibly all four entrances will be scheduled later.  May include new graphics for the signs.

Entrance Plan Documents

Before cleaning and replanting –

Branch Dumping 2022

People are dumping personal tree branches, leaves, and other potted plants in HOA greenspace areas in piles. The three corner patch and hosta glen areas are examples. Most of the debris in those areas is from homeowner trees and not from our greenspace trees. It is one of those things that homeowners have done for some time and it has become the norm.

Since we no longer have a dedicated volunteer grounds person, it’s just an added cost when we have to hire a chipper or haul it away.  The Board has purchased signs and installed them in problem areas to alert home owners.  This project was completed in May 2022.

No Dumping Sign

Mitt Mutt Stations 2022

The board receives many complaints about pets poop/waste left in the development along the trails and personal yards. Board member Ron Frantzen contacted the City of Ames Parks Department to better understand their process for pet waste stations in the city parks and has helped to control this problem. Since the feedback was positive from the City of Ames Parks Department the HOA Board then agreed to purchase and install sixteen Mutt Mitt stations in our 18 Additions.

Ron and his son Andrew Frantzen drilled the sixteen holes on Friday May 20. Saturday May 21, They continued working with Board member David Farrell mixing concrete and filling each hole with concrete installing the support poles for the future Mutt Mitt Stations. On Sunday May 22, Ron and his wife Laura completed the installation of the Mutt Mitt stations project.

A clever technology was developed and added to each of the Mutt Mitt stations with a unique QR code. When scanned by a user cell phone, it displays on your phone a question – Is this Mutt Mitt station empty? If you click yes, it sends a text to the HOA Board person managing these 16 stations that this specific station # 1-16 is out of bags, allowing them to respond quickly to refill the station. The person who scanned the QR code also gets a Thank you from our website letting them know we received this maintenance task.

If you’re interested in where these Mutt Mitt stations are located in our development, please go under Maps and click on Mutt Mitt Locations to find them. or click on the link: Northridge Maps

Installation of Mutt Mitt Stations –

North Forty Storm Drain Grate Issue 2022

We have had several Board discussions concerning this problem the past two years. The Board president talked to Dave Cole – Public Works Director.  He agreed that he would have a City of Ames crew come out and cut off the section of grate so leaves and debris would no longer be stopping water flow. (Apparently the guys doing the work did not feel like removing the leaves completely.) At least now they will be washed away on the next rain event.  The project was completed April 21, 2022.

Before and after pictures  –  

Northern Natural Gas Odorizer station 2021-2022

History:  Currently this main gas line is located at the corner of Aspen and George Washington Carver and it did not have any Odorizer on this high pressure line feeding through Northridge north up to Gilbert area. The Federal Government has requirement North Natural Gas company to install a Natural Gas Odorizer system as a life safety measure. This system will injects a smelly gas into the natural gas line which is currently odorless that feeds through our Northridge development up to Gilbert affect many homes and business..

Action:  The board had an in-depth discussion with residents Swanson and the Wyatts regarding the placement of a natural gas odorizer on property within the neighborhood. The Swansons and Wyatts have been approached by a representative from Northern Natural Gas about placing the odorizer on one of their properties. Frantzen stated that he would reach out to the Northern Natural Gas representative for more details and would schedule a follow up meeting with the residents and board to ask additional questions and gather more information about the structure, its impacts, safety concerns, alternate locations, etc.

Agreement:  Northern Natural Gas Ozonator Installation Arrangement: Frantzen has worked with Northern Natural Gas to reach a fair resolution regarding the ozonator. An amount of $xxx.xx total will be received for a permanent easement of the area identified by Northern Natural Gas, in greenspace behind the entrance sign at the Aspen neighborhood entrance. These funds have been designated for use in long overdue maintenance work on the trails, ponds and bridges in the neighborhood.

Agreed to Location:  The new substation will be built just off the corner of Aspen and George Washington Carver beginning May 2022 and to be completed by September 2022.

Final landscaping design:  This is a follow up message from Jennifer Sweney from North Natural Gas company with the final landscaping plan for the new “Gilbert” Odorizer. Please note landscaping plan and varieties submitted as these all appear acceptable.

  • No trees were added to the north side of the station due to the fact that the existing tree line meets the north fence line of the station.
  • The gate on the north side of the station has been marked, “for emergency use only” as per your request and I have confirmed there will be no parking on Aspen.
  • We were able to adjust the tree planting plan to add another Bur Oak on the south side of the station.

NNG Odorizer Documents

Walking Path Maintenance and repairs 2020-ongoing

Background of the Northridge Trails

The Northridge Parkway subdivision was built with 22.5 acres of green spaces and 4.4 miles of walking paths.  Most of the homes in Northridge are now well over 20 years old, and some of the HOA facilities are beginning to show some age.  For example, the walking paths are showing some age with weather, tree roots (planted too close to trails), and even rodents burrowing under them.  In the past, the greenspace manager ground down the bumps and the HOA replaced some of the damaged asphalt with concrete.   An inspection of the paths in 2020 revealed that ~30,000 square feet of path required repair.  These repairs are beyond the ability of the greenspace manager to address, and will require outside contractors.  With these facts in mind, the HOA board has approved some preventative maintenance and repair for the most damaged parts of the walkways.

Scope of Work for Northridge Trails

MidIowa Enterprises LLC was hired to do the path maintenance.  This contractor has repaired root damage through asphalt grinding and cutting the tree roots on both sides of the trails to reduce future damage.  After the grinding they sealed the cracks in the asphalt to prevent further vegetation and water damage.  This process was more economical than concrete replacement of all the damaged areas.  This reduced the amount of square footage of concrete that will need replacing. The board allowed a maximum of $10,000 for asphalt grinding/sealing and root cutting which has been completed in June. Next, Ames Concrete will begin replacing sections of asphalt with concrete within the development that are the highest priority.  This is a similar approach to what was done about 10 years ago.  The HOA Board has identified areas that need replacement first and work will begin soon and hopefully will be completed by fall.  The HOA Board has approved $50,000 for this part of the project.

Asphalt cutting, Grinding, and sealing was completed on 06/2021

Concrete replacement of damage trail at NE pond was completed on 07/2022.  Before and after photos.

Northridge Trails Documents

Before path repairs –

Insert picts here

After path repairs –

Other minor surveyed damaged trails will be replaced as funding allows.

Ash Bore and Dericho Tree Cleanup report 2020-2022

Work in progress 

Derecho Storm hit central Iowa in August 2020 that caused extensive tree damage in the state. As a HOA we still have not totally recovered and a second wind event hit in 2021.