In late July, the Garden Club hosted an engaging presentation exploring the plants used in brewing beer and the fascinating history of the ingredients that have shaped one of the world's oldest beverages. The evening concluded with a clubhouse-sponsored Hawaiian-themed barbecue on the patio, where members enjoyed live music, scenic views, and thoughtfully paired beer selections.

The event was followed by the Garden Club's popular Beach Bash, another reminder that the Clubhouse and beach are more than gathering places—they are the heart of the community. Surrounded by colorful gardens, mature trees, and the sparkling lake, it is easy to appreciate the beauty that makes Lake Quivira so special. What is less obvious is the extraordinary effort required to keep it that way.

Perhaps you've noticed another familiar sight has returned. After a two-year hiatus, the three-tiered fountain between the Q Inc. and Pro Shop buildings is once again bubbling to life. Golf Course Superintendent Chad Manning and his maintenance team undertook the painstaking restoration, draining years of accumulated silt and debris, repairing the liner, and replacing the pumps. The result is the soothing sound of cascading water welcoming members as they arrive at the Clubhouse once again.

A walk around the Clubhouse reveals countless other details that often go unnoticed. Four stately urns grace the front entrance, framed by more than 40-year-old Annabelle hydrangeas that have transitioned from their brilliant early 

summer white to soft shades of lime green. Behind the Clubhouse, four additional concrete urns and 29 vibrant flower containers create a stunning backdrop overlooking the beach.

Those colorful displays require daily attention. While the flowers appreciate the water they receive each morning, they are considerably less fond of discarded cups, food scraps, cigars, diapers, and dishes. A little extra care from all of us helps preserve the beauty everyone enjoys.

Looking toward the beach, another morning ritual unfolds before most members have had their first cup of coffee. Each day, the sand is groomed with a Sand Pro, a specialized machine designed to rake the beach while filling holes left behind by energetic sandcastle builders and beachgoers. The result is the pristine beach that greets members each morning.

More often than not, the person behind the wheel is Mario Lara.

A four-year member of the maintenance team, Mario moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles, where he owned a residential landscape company. His artistic touch is evident in the carefully groomed patterns he leaves in the sand—sometimes straight lines, sometimes crosshatches, diagonals, circles, or other creative designs inspired by his mood that day.

But Mario's greatest contribution extends far beyond perfectly groomed sand.

His coworkers describe him as the heart of the crew. Known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering optimism, he is often the first to encourage new employees and support teammates, regardless of the challenges he may be facing personally. Chad Manning sums it up simply: "I would take a hundred Marios."

Mario begins most mornings at 5 a.m., proudly wearing his Lake Quivira shirt and hat, and says his happiness is a choice he makes every day. At 66 years old, he is the senior member of the crew, yet his work ethic sets the standard for everyone around him. After grooming the beach, he continues his day cleaning the golf course restrooms, the Nature Center, and the Sailing Center, which will soon reopen. He ends each day with a 90-minute hike, a habit he adopted after his doctor encouraged him to improve his cholesterol.

Mario is just one member of a dedicated team led by Chad Manning. Assisting him are Jonathan Moul, who oversees day-to-day operations, Assistant Superintendent Jason Puente, and Assistant Superintendent-in-Training Andrew Walczak. Together with a seasonal staff that can reach 20 employees during the busiest months, they care not only for the Clubhouse grounds and beach but also the entire golf course and countless landscaped areas throughout the community.

Their responsibilities are extensive: watering and maintaining dozens of flower containers, mowing and caring for the golf course, collecting trash, cleaning facilities, maintaining the beach, and preserving the beauty members enjoy every day.

Even keeping the landscape green requires remarkable infrastructure. A pump station behind the Sailing Center draws water from an intake pipe extending approximately 150 feet into Lake Quivira, supplying nearly 1,500 gallons of water per minute to irrigate the community's landscapes during the hottest months of summer.

While much of Lake Quivira's beauty is naturally occurring, the landscape members treasure is also the product of countless hours of work and generosity. The Garden Club's volunteers, donations from members, and fundraising events such as Beach Bash and the upcoming Holiday Bazaar all contribute to enhancing our shared spaces. Combined with the dedication of the maintenance staff and the support of so many members, these efforts ensure that Lake Quivira remains not just a beautiful place to visit, but a place we are proud to call home—and our home away from home.

The next time you admire the flowers, hear the fountain, or sink your toes into perfectly groomed sand, take a moment to appreciate the people whose work begins long before sunrise. Their quiet dedication is woven into every beautiful corner of Lake Quivira.