Palm Desert Greens

Quorum Article - August 1998

Construction on this 400 acre subdivision was begun by AVCO in 1971. Palm Desert Greens (PDG) now comprises 1885 of a planned total of 1922 units laid out on 13 miles of private road. These are mobile or manufactured homes at prices ranging from $60,000 to $200,000. 

Facilities include a 4,000 yard 18 hole executive golf course, club house, full service pro shop, restaurant, fitness center, tennis courts and swimming pools & spas, 12 bocce ball courts, indoor shuffleboard center and much more. There is also a RV storage lot. PDG is a 55 and older community. The average age of a PDG resident is 70. 

PDG is characterized by the high level of activity of association members. PDG seems almost to have been a template for the highly structured organization of activity associated with the Del Web Sun City developments. There is a club for every activity. These include bocce ball, shuffleboard, billiards, cards, drama and acquaerobics. As one would expect, golf is the dominant activity. The Men's Golf Club has more than 500 members and the Women's Golf Club more than 300 members. Many events are organized around golf, with bands and parades and any excuse for a party. At the same time PDG is very generous with the use of its golf course donated for charitable functions. Each year the club allows a charitable organization to hold a tournament. PDG also hosts Junior Golf. The PDG golf course accommodates approximately 60,000 rounds annually! 

The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well at PDG and is a natural offshoot of the high involvement of its members with association activities. You can find a volunteer for practically anything at PDG. Volunteers even help with the distribution of the highly distinctive Palm Desert Greens News Bulletin. Many members volunteer at Eisenhower Hospital and are trained on the defibrillators owned by the association. A striking example of PDG's volunteerism is that the in-house professional security staff is regularly supplemented by the efforts of volunteer COPS (Citizens On Patrol) furnished by association members. COPS volunteers will frequently man one of the three security vehicles or ride with a patrol officer. 

The evidently upbeat and active life enjoyed by PDG homeowners within the community is underpinned by close attention to the needs of security and the enforcement of the CC&Rs and association rules. Two security vehicles are on constant patrol and radar speed warnings help with traffic regulation. All security staff are trained in CPR and defibrillation, since they receive a fair number of medical assist calls. A comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is in place.

PDG is structured on a planned unit development as opposed to condominium basis, meaning that the association is responsible for the management and maintenance of the common areas, club facilities, streets and perimeter walls but not the individual units. PDG is operated by a seven member board of directors. Board President is Rich Amoroso and HOA General Manager is Frank Melon.

Frank has plenty to do! All operations, including food & beverage and golf course maintenance are carried out in-house. There are 50 plus employees depending on seasonal requirements. The operating budget is $4.3 million and the reserves are well funded. Homeowner monthly assessments are only $140 per month. These dues cover access to all facilities, including the golf course. This is exceptionally good value for the Coachella Valley.

No matter how well established an association may be, there are always new challenges. PDG is in the second year of a seven year program to refurbish its streets. The association is considering the pros and cons of annexation to the City of Palm Desert; it is also considering a 5,000 square foot extension to its club house.

All told, belying the generally advanced years of its members, PDG is an exciting and well-run community. PDG? Pretty Darned Good!