The Residents’ Council, or RC, of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida was established by the residents under the authority of Section 651.081 of the Florida Statutes. Its 12 members are elected by the residents – six each year for two-year renewable terms. Its officers are a president, vice-president and secretary, elected annually by the 12 RC members. Currently, nine RC committees work closely with the relevant departments. The RC plays an advisory role vis-à-vis Oak Hammock management and the board of directors. It is frequently asked by management to provide advice or to assist in developing policies that affect the residents as individuals. It also takes the initiative in such matters as organizing social occasions, raising funds for the Oak Hammock Employee Appreciation and other funds, and developing projects to be considered by management. In addition, it manages the process of proposing resident members of the Oak Hammock Board of Directors when an opening exists.
The RC has existed in some form since Oak Hammock opened in 2003. From 2003 to 2015, it was called the Partnership Council of Advisors, or PCA. There has been considerable committee continuity: such as committees on finance, dining, buildings and grounds, health and wellbeing, strategic planning and social events. Since Oak Hammock’s inception, many residents have been very active in contributing to making Oak Hammock a great place to live.
Over time, RC committees have evolved and played important roles in Oak Hammock’s evolution. For example, the growth and renovation committee has played a critical role both in keeping residents fully informed about construction and renovation plans, and in providing residents with opportunities to actively contribute their ideas. The charitable giving committee was recently formed to collaborate with the board to enhance Oak Hammock residents’ contributions to the various funds aimed at supporting the community and the team members.
In 2025, the technology and communication services committee supported management to upgrade and modernize the fitness center equipment and to launch ICON, a new internal website. ICON is now co-managed with management to enhance communication and transparency in all its notifications.
A resident subcommittee carried out extensive research and developed a detailed proposal for Oak Hammock to invest in solar energy. Its proposals were accepted by the board and Oak Hammock was the first Life Plan Community in Florida to go solar.
More recently, through the landscape and grounds committee and the garden subcommittee, residents and management collaborated to raise funds and upgrade all the community gardens and an under-used courtyard adjacent to the fitness center, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. It is now called “Central Park.”
In 2025, the RC and management developed a new agreement to strengthen their collaboration, while also clarifying roles and responsibilities. The RC normally meets once a month, and its meetings are well attended; the CEO and at least one board member also attend. The RC committees also normally meet once a month and are open to all residents. Appropriate management team members also participate; for example, the vice president for plant operations and facilities management or his designee always attends the buildings and infrastructure and landscape committee meetings.
We are proud of the many contributions residents have made to Oak Hammock’s numerous amenities and quality of life through the RC. We plan to continue this active involvement and encourage residents to become involved in an area of interest.