Like others around Hillsborough County, parents of school age children in Moss Landing are working to adjust to a new normal that includes online schooling and limited opportunities for their children to exercise.  Due to social distancing, children don't even receive the benefit of playing with their friends. While you are able to see the occasional child riding a bicycle, most children have opted to remain indoors.  A study by the Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT concluded that "exercise is especially important for kids during the COVID-19 pandemic because it can reduce stress, prevent weight gain, and boost the immune system."

In order to provide children with a safe way to exercise, I propose amending the HOA rules to allow for residents to permanently install basketball goals in their driveways. Many of the children are to small to safely move, erect and take down a basketball goal. Each time they attempt to move the goal increases the risk of them getting hurt. So why a permanent goal? A strong gust of wind blew a weighted goal over and struck my son in the head. Prior to that, my young neighbor broke his arm while trying to erect a mobile goal. Permanently installed goals are safer. Additionally, mobile goals require assistance from parents who are likely not home during the day.

For those who would say that basketball goals would have a negative affect on property value, their are neighboring communities such as Forest Glen on McMullen Rd where the homes are pricier and they permit permanent installation of basketball goals. Their homes continue to sell and children can be seen active in front of their homes.