RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Although the 2026 budget and its impact on member dues were the primary focus of the Rancho Murieta Association Board meeting on Oct. 14, directors also reviewed progress on current and completed projects, dampened hopes for additional pickleball courts and approved a report confirming the association’s strong reserve position.

(See the separate story about the budget and the dues increase.)

Projects

As is typical at the annual budget workshop, General Manager Rod Hart reviewed a list of current and completed projects throughout Rancho Murieta.

Hart said the maintenance team is installing post-and-cable barriers at the Stonehouse softball field to prevent unauthorized access. Upcoming work includes replacing the shade structure at the Lake Clementia playground and repairing sections of the concrete pathway.

The major renovation of the Rancho Murieta South entrance and water feature is also moving forward, with bids now under review. (See the budget story for more details.)

Several other projects are scheduled to begin soon, including the replacement of the Stonehouse Park restroom and a contractor-led inspection of the community’s wooden bridge. Installation of a new shade structure at the spray park is expected in the spring.

Completed projects include roof replacements at the gazebo and restroom at Gazebo Park and new scoreboards at Stonehouse Park. Both dog parks received new shade structures, and a new concrete pad was added at the north dog park.

Hart noted that the maintenance crew recently wrapped up a tree mitigation effort that saw 128 new trees planted, many near Lake Clementia and in the areas separating Stonehouse Park from the maintenance yard and the new Residences subdivision.

The annual concrete and asphalt repairs to community streets were also finished, along with the installation of new street and stop signs, additional LIDAR cameras and extra posts to allow for camera relocation as needed.

At Laguna Joaquin, the old block retaining wall has been replaced with a stronger concrete structure. The pump station there has also been upgraded with new controls and pumps to ensure reliable service throughout the community.

Pickleball

During public comments, Bob Kauffman, president of the Pickleball Club of Rancho Murieta, asked for an update on the club’s proposal to add three courts. He noted that members had already raised $100,000 toward the project.

Hart and the board responded that the expansion would be costly and could not be considered for at least two or three years because of higher-priority projects now underway.

Reserve Study

In other business, the board approved the updated reserve study for 2026. Because the association’s reserves remain in strong condition, directors voted not to increase the monthly contribution, which will stay at $69,000 next year.

The report indicates the association’s infrastructure is 84 percent funded.