Pose with Main Gate sign before it’s gone

BY

Nothing dates Canyon Lake like the Main Gate entry monument. Now that construction is scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 15 – with demolition of current structures one of the first items of business – only a few days remain to take a picture with the iconic entrance before it’s gone. Individuals or groups who get their picture with the sign are invited to send them to The Friday Flyer for publication.

This picture, taken 30 years ago after the monument was first installed, appeared on the front cover of the 1986 Canyon Lake Residential Directory. The caption for the photo stated, “The new sign welcoming property owners and visitors to Canyon Lake is yet another example of the volunteer spirit in the community. Conceived and spearheaded by the Lions Club, the sign is also the result of the time, labor, material and financial donations of many businesses, clubs and individuals . . . Lion Ed Walker, a retired industrial designer, spearheaded the community effort that made this sign possible.”

1986 caption identified those in the picture: “A grouping of young community athletes has been used to depict this young, private recreational community. A golfer (Troy Wilson), a water skier (Tammy Martin), a tennis player (Tracy Smith) and a bathing beauty (Heather Ryan) are shown.”

The 30-year-old sign now is scheduled for removal. Previous plans to start the Main Gate project were delayed in February due to permitting issues; however, the Association says final construction permits have been secured and construction is ready to begin.

The project is expected to take approximately 60 to 90 days to complete. Here are some traffic tips:

During construction, the goal is to keep at least one entrance lane and one exit lane maintained at all times. Residents are advised to use other gates when possible to avoid delays. Construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic lights on Railroad Canyon and Goetz Roads will be on timers during peak construction hours.

Say goodbye to the old guard booths. Photo by Donna Kupke.

Temporary pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. School buses and regular traffic will be able to go through the Main Gate but should expect delays. Commercial vehicles are required to use the East and North Gates.

At the Main Gate, keep in mind that a temporary guard booth will be set up with one guard who will be able to verify residents and guests and administer guest passes via an iPad. Temporary guest passes will be issued to visitors, though they will not be printed passes.

To accommodate the heavier traffic, East Gate entry lanes will be temporarily modified: left lane for visitors, center lane for returning guests and decals, and right lane for commercial vehicles and decals.

Senior Center parking and access from Canyon Lake Drive South will be limited throughout the duration of this project. The back gate will be open for access from Burning Tree Dr. during Senior Center hours.

Entering the Towne Center will remain the same; however, exiting the Towne Center will change during construction. Because backups are expected at the Main Gate, the City of Canyon Lake is requiring that traffic from the Towne Center be diverted to exit through the eastern traffic light (except golf carts which are okay to go through).

Here are the Main Gate Project stages:

Stage 1

During this stage, the west lanes will be closed. One lane in and one lane out will be open on the east side. The following work will be done:
• Demolition will occur to existing structures.

• Foundation will be laid for electrical/bathroom building.
• Electrical and irrigation lines will be installed.

Stage 2

• Major construction will take place during this stage. Entrance and exist lanes may change to accommodate the following work:
• Guard booths will be framed and constructed.
• Electrical/bathroom building will be framed and constructed.

Stage 3

Major construction on the east side will take place during this stage. Entrance and exit lanes likely will be moved to the west side.

• More accessible pedestrian entrance will be created.
• Electrical and irrigation lines will be installed.
• Base pavement and final capping will be added around the center median.

Stage 4

This is the final stage of construction. Entrance and exit lanes may vary during this stage for the following work:

• Landscaping and planters will be installed.
• Final cap paving and loops will be completed.
• Final striping and signage will be placed.