FAQ's 

What's available on Dobson Ranch?

Dobson Ranch has three major recreation facilities: La Casita Community Center, Los Altos Recreation Center and Saratoga Recreation Center. The centers feature swimming pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, meeting rooms and many other amenities that are available to residents. Other tennis courts and play areas are located in various parts of the Ranch. Throughout the Ranch's common areas there are beautiful lakes, scenic lakeside pathways and tree-lined parks. Amenities for the enjoyment of residents include boat docks, shade ramadas, playground equipment, picnic tables, barbecue grills and bench seats. For block parties or large family get-togethers, there is a party trailer available from the Association. The trailer is fully equipped for such events and even includes a popcorn machine! Pet owners will appreciate the several 'Pet Pick-up' stations located throughout the common areas that are stocked with waste disposal bags and trash containers. Dobson Ranch residents and their guests are welcome to use the recreational facilities and common areas. For access to the recreation facilities, keys are issued to all new homeowners for a small fee.

When can I put out my blue and black barrels?

In Dobson Ranch, blue barrel pick-up day is Monday and black barrel pick-up is Thursday. Trash containers may be put out 6:00 pm the night before pick-up and must be brought in by 6:00 pm on pick-up day. So you may put out your blue barrel on Sunday after 6:00 pm and it must be put away by 6:00 pm on Monday. You may put out your black barrel after 6:00 pm on Wednesday and it must be put away by 6:00 pm on Thursday. (This is in adherence to the City of Mesa code: Solid Waste, Article I section 8-3-5). There’s a new spot to place your City of Mesa recycling and trash containers.The City is requesting that the barrels be rolled off the edge of the sidewalk and placed next to the curb. This will allow walkers access to neighborhood sidewalks. For information on recycling, click here.

Can I let my dog run in the Dobson Ranch parks without a leash?

All Ranch dogs must be on leashes at all times. No running loose for even one minute in any park or pathway or common area. It's the law. Both the Mesa City Code and the Arizona Revised Statute require leashes. If your dog is running loose, be prepared to pay a fine. That fine may be up to $2,500. To help identify unleashed dogs, the Association is beginning a photo file. Any dog caught unleashed in Ranch common areas will be photographed. The file will be available to help enforce the leash law. Don’t allow your dog to make the file! Put on the leash. It’s the law.

Pet owners are also responsible for 'clean-up' after their pets. Pet clean-up stations are located around the Ranch for your convenience.

Is there an emergency response number?

Can we feed the ducks?

The lakes are home to many resident and migratory ducks, geese and other wildfowl.  To discourage an overpopulation of these birds please don't feed them.  Their droppings are a major contributor to high nitrogen levels in the lakes, which promotes algae growth and harms the fish by lowering the level of oxygen in the water.

Why are there dead fish in the lake?

This is taken from a report from the Arizona Game and Fish Department:

The dead fish are Tilapia. Tilapia is a warm water fish, native to Africa. They cannot tolerate cold water temperatures below 55 degrees. When lake temperatures fall below 55 degrees F, then Tilapia will die. There is nothing wrong with the lake water; the death of Tilapia is due to cold water temperatures only. Dying Tilapia are commonly found covered with a cottony fungus that other healthy fish can resist. We recommend NOT keeping and eating any Tilapia during this stress period. The fungus found on dead Tilapia CANNOT be spread to humans. The other fish such as trout, bass, bluegill and catfish are not affected and are fully capable of adjusting to seasonal changes in water temperatures.

Why are the lakes blue-ish green?

We are having issues with algae growing on the bottom of several lakes.  We are going to have to treat the water which will dye the water a dark blue-ish green. The weed control that will be used will be applied by Aquatic Consulting and Testing, Dr. Amalfie.  The chemical is non toxic and has EPA approval.  The chemical actually absorbs the light radiation that allows the algae to grow.  Bottom line….we are treating the lakes for algae. 

Can I backwash my swimming pool into the street?

Backwashing swimming pools into the streets is against city code if it is flooding the street or obstructing traffic. It is not a CC&R violation. The Association cannot do anything about it, but as a homeowner you can call Code Compliance and they can investigate the issue, 480-644-2061. There is $150 fine that can be assessed. If the water is just running along the curb it is not against the code

Do I have to trim my palm trees?

All dead and brown palm fronds must be removed from palms in front and rear yards as stipulated in the Architectural Guidelines. Arborists recommend palms be trimmed between June and December.

Our CC&Rs do not address barking dogs or feral cats; they only limit the number a homeowner can have at their residence. According to our governing documents, the total number of cats and dogs a homeowner can have is three. The best suggestion for barking dogs is to call the non-emergency police number at 480-644-2211.