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New Member Welcome Guide

Welcome to Lake Wildwood

We are excited to welcome you to the community. This guide brings together the first things new members should know, from paperwork and gate access to guests, dues, rules, maps, decals, amenities, and construction approval.

Start Here

Lake Wildwood is a private Association community. A little setup at the beginning will make your member experience easier, especially for gate access, guest entry, decals, dues, documents, and amenity use.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Whether you are moving in full-time, visiting seasonally, preparing a lot, or getting ready to enjoy the lake, this page is designed to help you find the right information quickly.

New Membership Application Automobile RFID Tags Community Maps Fees and Fines ECC Project Approval

Complete Paperwork

Submit your deed, completed application, required fee, and any applicable Rights of First Refusal documents.

Set Up Access

RFID tags allow eligible member vehicles to use the member lane at the front gate and the Southwest Access gate.

Plan for Guests

Guests need advance authorization before entry. Members are responsible for guest actions and rule violations.

New Member First Steps

Use this simple checklist to get settled and avoid common delays.

1

Submit Membership Paperwork

Provide a copy of the recorded deed, completed New Membership Application, required new membership fee, and Rights of First Refusal documents if applicable.

2

Get Your Vehicle RFID Tags

Bring your vehicle and registration to the Association Office. The first two vehicle RFID tags are free, and additional automobile RFID tags are listed on the fee schedule.

3

Review Gate and Guest Procedures

Guests, contractors, service providers, and deliveries need proper authorization at the main gate. Temporary access passes are issued at the gate.

4

Review Rules and Common Requirements

Read the Rules and Regulations, Covenants & By-laws, dues information, citation information, and decal requirements that may apply to your vehicles, watercraft, golf cart, ATV, camping unit, or storage items.

5

Save Key Links and Maps

Keep maps, office contact information, security information, and document links handy on your phone for quick reference.

Membership Paperwork

The Association requires the following to be submitted before membership is granted.

Required Items

  • Copy of the recorded deed showing the new member as owner of the property
  • New Membership Application completed in full
  • Required new membership fee listed on the application
  • Rights of First Refusal documents, if applicable

Good to Know

Membership is connected to ownership interest in Lake Wildwood real estate and acceptance by the Association. Only one membership may be considered for any given lot.

If your property sale involved Rights of First Refusal, make sure the required documentation is included with your membership paperwork.
New Membership Application Complete this form in full before submitting to the Association. Rights of First Refusal Review the process and documentation requirements for property sales when applicable.

Member Vehicle RFID Tags

As a member of the Association, you may be able to obtain a radio-frequency identification tag for your automobile. This tag allows eligible member vehicles to enter through the member lane at the front gate and the Southwest Access gate.

Bring the Vehicle

The vehicle must be present so staff can apply the RFID tag.

Bring Registration

Provide proof of ownership in the form of vehicle registration. The vehicle must generally be registered in the member’s name.

Know the Fee

The first two vehicle RFID tags are free. Tags beyond the initial two are issued at the current cost listed on the fee schedule.

Company vehicles may be allowed one per lot with additional requirements. Contact the Association Office for details before coming in.
RFID Tag Information View tag requirements, associate member forms, company vehicle notes, and gate access details. Fees and Fines Review RFID tag fees, dues, decal costs, camping, marina, storage, and citation fees.

Unable to Make Office Hours?

Members unable to obtain an RFID tag during regular office hours may use the pre-programming process below.

1

Email Registration

Scan a copy of your vehicle registration and email it to sdixon@lake-wildwood.com. Include your name, lot number, vehicle make, and vehicle color in the email.

2

Tag Is Programmed

The vehicle and RFID tag will be programmed into the system and made available for installation at the main gate.

3

Stop at the Gate

Tell Security your name, lot number, and that you are there to receive your pre-programmed vehicle tag. The tag should work immediately at both gates.

Guests, Contractors, and Deliveries

Guests and support workers must be properly authorized before entry. This helps Security keep traffic moving and ensures guests know where they are going.

Guest Entry

Provide advance notice to Security at the gate at least 24 to 48 hours before your guest arrives, or add frequent visitors to your Frequent Guest List.

Contractors and Deliveries

Members should provide advance notice to the main gate for expected deliveries, contractors, or service personnel.

Members are responsible for the actions of their guests. If a guest violates the Rules and Regulations, the citation becomes part of the member’s record.
Frequent Guest List Helpful for guests who visit often and should not require a separate call every time. Citations and Appeals Understand citation classes, member responsibility, certified mailing, and appeal procedures.

Guest Reminders to Share

A few quick reminders can prevent the most common guest issues.

Speed Limit

Please remind guests that the speed limit is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.

Beach Parking

Beach 1 allows guests to park in the large lot directly in front of the Lodge. Beach 2 does not allow guest parking in the lot.

Follow Posted Rules

Guests must follow all posted signs, amenity rules, and Lake Wildwood Rules and Regulations while inside the Development.

Dues and Member Account Basics

Association dues are mailed out in November each year with a payment deadline of March 1. If dues are not paid in full by March 1, an initial late charge as set by the Board will be applied.

Dues Mailing

Dues are mailed in November each year.

Due Date

Payment deadline is March 1.

Late Fee

Late charges begin after the March 1 deadline.

Good Standing

Some access and privileges depend on good standing with Association charges paid.

Current Association dues, late fees, RFID tag fees, decal fees, and other charges are listed on the Fees and Fines page.

Maps and Getting Around

Lake Wildwood can feel large at first. Save the maps page on your phone so you can quickly find the full community map, campground sites, marina slips, Lake Tanglewood, and Shaw Creek Park and Trail.

Full Community Map

Best starting point for guests, new members, vendors, and general navigation.

Marina and Lake Areas

Use map resources when locating slips, beaches, launches, and lake access points.

Trails and Parks

Use the Shaw Creek Park and Trail map before heading out to explore.

Maps Page Open the main Lake Wildwood map hub. Amenities Explore community amenities and recreation areas.

Decals, Tags, and Common Registrations

Depending on what you plan to use, you may need additional decals or registrations before operating vehicles, watercraft, camping units, or recreational equipment.

Automobile RFID Tags Member vehicle access tags for eligible vehicles. Golf Cart and ATV Decal Registration and decal information for motorized land recreational vehicles. Watercraft Decal Registration, insurance, DNR, size limits, and boating document links. Camping Unit Decal Registration, insurance, ownership, and display requirements for camping units.
Do not assume a decal or registration is optional. Review the correct page or contact the Association Office before using a vehicle, watercraft, or camping unit in the community.

Construction and Property Projects

Prior to the beginning of any construction, a member must receive permission from the Environmental Control Committee. This includes many exterior projects, additions, structures, docks, sheds, retaining walls, decks, boathouses, fuel tank screens, and other improvements.

Use the Right Packet

The ECC page includes House and Outbuilding and Auxiliary Construction packets depending on the project.

Plat Required

Most submissions require a plat of survey with the proposed construction clearly drawn on the plat.

Environmental Control Committee Review the approval process, packets, submission deadline, and project guidance. ECC Fees View current ECC building fees and related deposits.

Rules, Documents, and Member Responsibility

New members should become familiar with the Association’s governing documents, rules, fee schedule, citation process, and amenity requirements. This protects you, your guests, your property, and the community.

Rules and Regulations

Review entry procedures, traffic rules, beaches, boating, fishing, camping, marina, storage, and housekeeping rules.

Covenants and By-laws

Review membership, property, ownership, restrictions, and Association governance information.

Citations

Members are responsible for guest violations. Review citation classes, costs, certified mailing, and appeal procedures.

Rules and Regulations Open the Redbook rules section. Covenants & By-laws Open the Bluebook governing documents section. Citations and Appeals Learn what happens when a rule violation is issued. Fees and Fines View current dues, fees, fines, decals, and rental amounts.

Recreation and Amenities

Lake Wildwood has many amenities and recreation opportunities. Before using an amenity, review the related rules, hours, guest procedures, decals, and any required registrations.

Pool and Beaches

Review guest procedures, posted rules, swimming safety, parking, and seasonal information.

Lake and Boating

Review watercraft registration, boating rules, flag requirements, size limits, and decal placement before launching.

Fishing and Outdoor Use

Review creel limits, fishing rules, Lake Tanglewood information, and seasonal updates.

Swimming Pool Pool information and visitor guidance. Camping Camping information, seasonal options, and related member guidance. Fishing Fishing information, lake guidance, and related resources. Think Safety Safety reminders for roads, water, beaches, boating, and common areas.

Stay Connected

New members get the most out of Lake Wildwood when they stay informed. Watch for announcements, meeting information, Sunbeam updates, events, emails, and website notices.

Sunbeam

Read Association updates, events, reminders, and community news.

Events

Watch upcoming events and seasonal activities for members and families.

Meetings

Review meeting information and Association updates.

Announcements

Check for important notices, seasonal reminders, closures, and policy updates.

News and Announcements Current Association updates and member notices. Upcoming Events See what is happening around Lake Wildwood.

Contact and Mailing Information

When you are unsure, contact the Association before taking action. It is much easier to ask first than to correct a paperwork, access, guest, or project issue later.

Association Office

Lake Wildwood Association, Inc.
1000 Lake Wildwood Drive
Varna, Illinois 61375

Email Contact

For many document and RFID questions, members may email sdixon@lake-wildwood.com.

For guests, deliveries, contractors, Security access questions, office hours, decals, dues, and project questions, use the correct Association contact method listed on the website or contact the Office for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to submit before membership is granted?
Submit a copy of the recorded deed showing the new member as owner of the property, a completed New Membership Application, the required new membership fee, and Rights of First Refusal documents if applicable.
How do I get an RFID tag for my vehicle?
Visit the Association Office with the vehicle, vehicle registration, and payment if required. The vehicle must generally be registered in the member’s name.
What if I cannot make office hours for an RFID tag?
Email a scanned copy of your vehicle registration to sdixon@lake-wildwood.com with your name, lot number, vehicle make, and vehicle color. The vehicle and tag can be programmed and made available for installation at the gate.
How do I get guests into Lake Wildwood?
Provide advance notice to Security at the gate at least 24 to 48 hours before arrival, or use the Frequent Guest List for guests who visit often.
Am I responsible if my guest breaks a rule?
Yes. Guests must follow the Rules and Regulations. If a guest receives a citation, it is reflected on the member’s lot and the member receives notice of the citation and fine.
When are Association dues due?
Dues are mailed out in November each year with a payment deadline of March 1. If dues are not paid in full by March 1, an initial late charge as set by the Board will be applied.
Do I need approval before starting construction?
Yes. Prior to the beginning of any construction, a member must receive permission from the Environmental Control Committee.
Which pages should I bookmark first?
Bookmark the New Membership Application, RFID page, Maps page, Fees and Fines page, ECC page, Rules and Regulations, and any decal pages that apply to your vehicles, watercraft, golf cart, ATV, or camping unit.