Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District FAQ page is designed to give property owners, residents, and visitors a clear and convenient place to find answers to common questions about the District. It explains the District’s purpose, services, public records, meetings, and contact information in plain language, while also helping people understand the difference between the SID and the City of Cherokee Village.
The page is also intended to grow over time as new questions come up and more information becomes available. By keeping the FAQ updated, the District can make important information easier to find, support transparency, and provide a simple, helpful resource for the community.
In addition, our AI chat (the red button at the bottom right of the screen) is an interactive assistant designed to provide you with instant, accurate answers and easy navigation through all our content and services. She acts as your 24/7 digital guide, delivering an incredibly smart, fast, and conversational experience to help you find exactly what you need in seconds. Give it a try.
Also, please find our CVSID Regulations & Charges For Use Of Facilities Brochure for the current year
1. What is Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District?
Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (CVSID) is the local district that helps fund, manage, and maintain key community amenities and infrastructure in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. Its website describes the district’s role in overseeing parks, lakes, golf courses, and other improvements that support community life.
2. Is CVSID the same as the City of Cherokee Village?
No. CVSID is a suburban improvement district, while Cherokee Village is also served by a city government with its own officials, departments, and services. The city handles many municipal functions such as police, fire, streets and roads, while the SID focuses on district improvements and amenities.
3. What does a suburban improvement district do?
In Arkansas, a suburban improvement district may be organized to support and maintain improvements such as waterworks, sewage systems, roads, sidewalks, and recreational facilities like parks and golf courses. CVSID’s work centers on amenities and infrastructure that benefit property owners in the district.
4. What amenities does CVSID help oversee?
CVSID oversees several major amenities and areas of responsibility, including seven lakes, two golf courses, parks, green spaces, playgrounds, buildings, sporting facilities, and related community improvements. The district also highlights lake management and golf course management as part of its ongoing stewardship.
5. Who does CVSID serve?
CVSID serves property owners within the district boundary.
6. How can I contact CVSID?
CVSID’s public contact information lists telephone number 870-257-2468, email info@cvsid.org, and physical address 20 Omaha Circle, Cherokee Village, Arkansas 72529. The mailing address shown on the site is P.O. Box 840, Cherokee Village, Arkansas 72525.
7. What are CVSID office hours?
CVSID’s contact page lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the office closed Saturday and Sunday.
8. Where can I find board meeting agendas?
CVSID maintains an Agendas page as a public reference point for upcoming and past board meeting agendas. The page is organized by year and date, and it includes regular meetings, special meetings, and working meetings.
9. Where can I find meeting minutes, budgets, and other records?
CVSID’s Transparency and Public Records page is the central location for many public documents, including meeting minutes, agendas, meeting videos, the Code of Regulations, budgets, financials, transparency reports, plat maps, bills of assurance, and other documents.
10. How do I request public records?
Official public-records requests should be directed to Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District at 20 Omaha Circle, Cherokee Village, AR 72529, by phone at 870-257-2468 or by email at info@cvsid.org.
11. Are the website documents the official record?
No. CVSID states that if there is any difference between a webpage posting and an official record, approved document, or governing instrument, the official record controls.
12. What should I do if I have a question about a meeting agenda or board document?
Questions about agendas, meeting information, or records can be directed to CVSID at 870-257-2468 or info@cvsid.org.
13. What are the pool hours for Thunderbird Pool?
The pool hours for Summer 2026 are Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 1pm to 7pm. The pool phone is 870-257-2517 for more information.
14. Who is allowed to use the SID amenities in Cherokee Village?
As a general rule of thumb, the amenities in Cherokee Village—including the lakes, golf courses, swimming pools, the beach at Lake Sequoyah, and recreation centers—are reserved exclusively for property owners and their guests.
15. Can i live in my RV on my lot in Cherokee Village?
The short answer is no, you cannot legally live in your RV full-time on a standard lot in Cherokee Village. Please contact us for more information.
16. Do you have spaces to host events, receptions, & meetings?
Yes! Here is everything you need to know about renting one of our beautiful community spaces for your next gathering. See 17, 18, 19, and 20 below for all of the answers.
17. How do the rental rates and hours work for hosting an event?
You can host your festivities between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. To make planning easy, our pricing is designed to be highly flexible depending on how long your party lasts. Each rental starts with a base rate that covers your first 3 hours. If you need a little extra time, you will just pay a simple hourly rate for hours 4 through 8. Planning an all-day bash? Any event accumulating 8 or more hours enjoys a convenient, flat full-day rate! To secure your date, all rental fees must be paid comfortably in advance, which includes a $100 nonrefundable deposit, an $85 cleaning fee to ensure the space is sparkling for your arrival, and an optional $85 set-up/tear-down fee.
18. What are the specific rates for each available facility?
Depending on the size and style of your gathering, you can choose from several wonderful locations (note that quotes do not include applicable taxes or fees): Omaha Center (Room): $60.00 base (3 hrs) | $12.50 hourly rate | $150.00 full day Omaha Center Auditorium: $125.00 base (3 hrs) | $30.00 hourly rate | $350.00 full day Thunderbird Lower Building: $200.00 base (3 hrs) | $30.00 hourly rate | $575.00 full day North Recreation Center: $250.00 base (3 hrs) | $40.00 hourly rate | $600.00 full day
19. Who is allowed to rent the spaces, and what are the rules?
Our spaces are primarily dedicated to our property owners (and their guests) who have a current ID card and are up-to-date on their S.I.D. assessments. We happily welcome non-property owners to enjoy certain amenities too, though different rates or restrictions may apply. Booking your spot is a breeze—simply fill out an official S.I.D. Facility Rental Form and submit it to the S.I.D. office ahead of time to receive your written confirmation.
20. Can local clubs or commercial groups rent these facilities?
Absolutely! We love supporting our local community groups. In fact, your club or organization might qualify to use a facility entirely free of charge! To qualify for free use, your organization must be open to all property owners, keep dues minimal, charge no admission fees, have property owners serving as your officers, and submit a quick copy of your bylaws and officer list to the S.I.D. office for approval. For commercial events, expos, or shows that feature display booths, concessions, or financial gain, organizations will pay the standard daily base rate for the facility. If your group charges an admission fee or sub-rents booth spaces to vendors, the S.I.D. team will simply work with you to apply an additional fee.
21. Do I need to book a tee time in advance for either golf course?
No, you do not need to reserve a tee time. Because our golf courses are uncrowded, we don't require advance bookings. However, you are always welcome to give us a quick call beforehand if you'd like to check current play conditions just to be safe. Contact the South Course Golf Shop at 870-257-2555 or the North Course Golf Shop at 870-257-3430.
22. When are the regular monthly meetings and where are they held?
Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 4:00 PM CST at the North Golf Course. All meetings strictly comply with Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) public notice requirements: Regular Meetings: Public notice (along with the current agenda) is provided at least 3 days in advance to anyone who has requested notification, including local media, and posted on official digital channels. Special Meetings: Because special or emergency meetings address time-sensitive matters, state law allows a shorter notice timeframe—requiring public and media notification at least 2 hours in advance.
23. In which Arkansas counties does the city of Cherokee Village reside?
Cherokee Village, Arkansas falls within the borders of two counties: Fulton County and Sharp County.
REGULATIONS & CHARGES FOR USE OF FACILITIES
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)
JANUARY 1, 2026 REVISED
SUBURBAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Cherokee Village, located in the beautiful Ozark foothills of northern Arkansas, comprises more than 13,000 acres extending into both Sharp and Fulton counties. Conceived in 1954, it was developed by Cooper Communities, Inc. as a vacation-retirement area. There are more than 22,000 lots originally purchased by individuals for home sites, for investment, or for enjoyment of the amenities in the Village.
Upon substantial completion of Cherokee Village, Cooper Communities deeded all the amenities to the Suburban Improvement Districts. The amenities now include two golf courses, seven lakes, recreation centers, a campground, and a number of parks and other facilities.
Five elected Commissioners are responsible for the operation of the District. The Commissioners have the authority and the duty to act in the best interest of all property owners. They are responsible for the custody, maintenance and physical operation of the facilities owned by the District.
To carry out their mandate, the Commissioners have authority to levy assessments and to establish user fees to raise needed funds. The levy, voted by the Commissioners each year is applied to a professional assessment of the benefits of the various amenities as they apply to each lot. The levy is included as a separately identified item on the respective county tax bills.
REGULATIONS GOVERNING USE OF IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FACILITIES
USE BY INDIVIDUALS
Use of recreational and meeting facilities is restricted to property owners and their guests, and others at the discretion of S.I.D. Management. A non-property owner may be permitted to use certain S.I.D. amenities, however, such use may be restricted and at a different fee.
Any property owner is permitted entry and use of S.I.D. facilities during scheduled hours of operation of the respective facilities upon showing his current property owner's card. A fee is charged for certain recreational facilities as outlined elsewhere in these regulations.
Membership privileges will be automatically revoked if the property owner is not current on their S.I.D. assessments.
Permission for the reservation and use of any S.I.D. facility by an individual must be made to the S.I.D. office and authorization will be given in writing. The fee(s) must be paid in advance.
A Facility Rental Form supplied by S.I.D. must be completed by the user and submitted to the S.I.D. office before each meeting or event.
USE BY ORGANIZATIONS
Any organization wishing to use a S.I.D. facility free of charge, must be approved by S.I.D. and must file a list of its officers and a copy of its constitution and by-laws, outlining the purpose of the organization at the S.I.D. office.
a. Organizations must be open to all property owners.
b. Dues must be minimal and no admission fee charged.
c. Officers of the organization must be property owners.
Certain large groups organized within the Village whose officers and directors are property owners, whose attendance is not necessarily limited to property owners and whose service is for the benefit of all property owners, may use a facility if approved by the S.I.D. Commissioners. Any organization whose entire Board of Directors are property owners has rights over an organization whose Board of Directors consist of one or more non-property owners. The same applies to organizations whose membership is entirely property owners as opposed to one whose membership includes non-property owners.
For any groups or organizations that promote shows with display booths and/or concessions, and charge admission and/or sell merchandise for financial gain scheduled at any S.I.D. facility, said group/organization shall pay a base rate as required for the facility per day. If admission is charged or booth space at such shows is sub-rented, there shall be an additional fee charged by S.I.D.
Permission for the reservation and use of any S.I.D. facility by an organization must be made to the S.I.D. office and authorization will be made in writing.
A Facility Rental Form supplied by S.I.D. must be prepared by the organization before each meeting or event and submitted to the S.I.D. office.
GENERAL RULES AND FEES
MEETINGS, SPECIAL GROUPS, PARTIES AND EVENTS
USER RENTAL FEE (Usage Hours - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.)
ALL FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE (Fees quoted do not include applicable tax or fees)
Facility
Min. Base Rate (3 Hrs)
Hourly Rate (4-8 Hours)
Over 8 Hours
Omaha Center (Auditorium rental limited hours and approved groups)
$125.00
$30.00
$350.00
Thunderbird Lower Building
$60.00
$12.50
$150.00
North Recreation Center
$200.00
$30.00
$575.00
Set-up and/or tear-down fee: $85
Cleaning fee for any event: $85
Nonrefundable Deposit: $100
Each facility renter will be charged a base rate per day for 3 hours. Each additional hour over 3 hours will be paid by the hour up to 8 hours a day. A full day rental will be a total accumulation of 8 hours or more per day and charged a full rental day.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
GOLF COURSES
Detailed rules and regulations governing play on the golf courses are available at either of the golf shops.
Green Fees (#Fees include cart rental)
a. Property Owner, Dependents, & Grandchildren under 21: 9 Holes: $25.00 | 18 Holes: $45.00 | 36 Holes: $65.00
b. Property Owner Guest: 9 Holes: $35.00 | 18 Holes: $55.00 | 36 Holes: $75.00
c. Youth (17 & Under): 9 Holes: $12.00 | 18 Holes: $24.00 | 36 Holes: $36.00
d. Golf Punch Card (5 rounds of play - Property Owners only): Property Owner & Dependent: $50.00 (+Tax) | Guest: $100.00 (+Tax)
Golf Cart Rental (One round of play)
a. Carts (per player): 9 Holes: $8.00 | 18 Holes: $15.00 | 36 Holes: $23.00
b. Daily trail fee (unlimited play): $10.00 per day
Annual Dues (plus tax)
a. Property Owner: $900.00
b. Property Owner Couples: $1300.00
c. Dependents (18 and under): $200.00
Late payments on annual dues after April 1st each year are subject to a 10% penalty.
Yearly Cart Rental Usage: $600.00
Privately owned golf carts
Annual trail dues per cart: $150.00
Annual battery charging dues: $150.00
Annual cart storage dues: $150.00
Driving Range (South Course only)
Charge per bucket: Small: $5.00 | Large: $8.00
SWIMMING RATES
NO LIFEGUARDS PROVIDED
Hours: 10am - 7pm Weekday | 10am - 7pm Friday and Saturday | 12pm - 6pm Sunday
Note: Pools and beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT AND HAVE PROPERTY OWNER CARD WITH THEM.
SWIM PASSES (Available for property owners and PO Guests. Can be purchased at the S.I.D. Office.)
Property Owner/Dependent Individual: $45.00 Each
Property Owner Guests Individual: $75.00
Gitche Gumee Beach: Free for Property Owners (Property owners must accompany guest and have PO card with them. No Lifeguard Provided at Gitche Gumee Beach.)
OMAHA HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB AND PICKLE BALL
Property Owner Annual Dues: $125.00 per person
Daily Use: Property Owner: $3.00 | Guest per person: $5.00
FITNESS CENTER FOR AGES 18 & OLDER
TENNIS COURTS
The tennis courts are located at the North Recreation Center. Other times are first come, first serve.
The tennis courts are temporarily closed for 2026 due to a flood and the re-opening date is TBD.
BOAT SLIP RENTALS
(Fees quoted do not include applicable tax or fees)
Thunderbird Marina: $650.00 (covered) / $540.00 (uncovered)
Lake Sequoyah: $500.00 (uncovered)
Lake Omaha: $400.00 (uncovered)
CAMPGROUNDS (BY RESERVATION ONLY)
PROPERTY OWNERS (per night - Must Have Valid Property Owner Card): RV's and Camper Trailers: $25.00 / Tents: $7.00
PROPERTY OWNER GUEST (per night): RV's and Camper Trailers: $35.00 / Tents: $15.00 (Fees quoted do not include applicable tax)
Tent Camping does not include electricity or water.
For campground information call: 870-257-2468
Please observe quiet hours 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. All pets must be on a leash.
SCHEDULE FOR LAKE PERMITS
All powered watercraft with motors 10 H.P. and above:
Property Owner Annual Permit (Jan 1 through April 30): $50.00
Property Owner Annual Permit (May 1 through Dec 31): $65.00
Property Owners and their Guests (14 Consecutive Days): $50.00
Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddle Boats: $15.00
All other watercraft under 10 H.P.:
Property Owners: $35.00
Property Owner and their Guests (14 Consecutive Days): $20.00
Exemptions: Tubes or any similar flotation devices.
Boat permits must be secured at the S.I.D. General Office, and must be attached to boat. They are due and available on January 1 of each year. When securing a permit please bring the following: State Boat Registration Certificate, proof of Liability Insurance for motors exceeding 50 H.P. (AR State Law effective 7/1/99), and S.I.D. Property Owner card.
LAKE RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District encourages all authorized watercraft operators to enjoy the recreational activities offered on the lakes of Cherokee Village. However, like driving an automobile, operating a watercraft on the lakes of Cherokee Village is a privilege and not a right. In order to ensure that persons and property are protected, watercraft operators on the lakes of Cherokee Village must comply with all Arkansas laws and the rules and regulations of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, the following regulations apply specifically to the lakes of Cherokee Village.
1. DEFINITIONS
a. "Watercraft" means any vessel operating upon the lakes of Cherokee Village and includes but is not limited to motorboats, sailboats, pontoons, paddle boats, stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks.
b. "Personal Watercraft" means a motor powered vessel which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. Personal watercraft include but are not limited to Jet Skis, Water Bikes, Seadoos, Wave Runners and Hydro Planes.
c. "Operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a watercraft.
d. "Operator" means a person who is controlling the speed and direction of a watercraft.
e. "Water Sport Activity" means any activity that involves a person being towed behind a watercraft whether by tie line or by wave action and includes but is not limited to skiing, tubing, knee boarding, wake boarding, or wake surfing.
f. "Water Sport Activity Area" means the interior portion of a lake bounded by buoys.
g. "Wake Boat Activity Area" means that area on Lake Thunderbird bounded by solid red buoys.
h. "Wake" means the wave created by the movement of any watercraft.
i. "Wake Boat" means a boat designed and intended to create an enlarged wake with a filled ballast.
j. "No Wake Area" means all areas outside the water sport activity area on Lake Thunderbird and Lake Omaha and lakes specifically designated as no wake lakes. Lakes Aztec, Chanute, Cherokee, Navajo, and Sequoyah are no wake lakes.
k. "White Cap" means a wave which rolls over creating a visible white crest.
2. LIMITATIONS ON OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT ON THE LAKES OF CHEROKEE VILLAGE
NO PERSON:
a. Shall operate any watercraft or conduct any water sport activity in a manner that endangers the life, limb or property of any person.
b. Shall operate a personal watercraft on any lake in Cherokee Village.
c. Shall operate any wake boat in any area other than the area set on Lake Thunderbird by red buoys. Wake boats must operate only in the center of the designated area and must travel in a straight line. Wake boats may not make 180 degree turns with a person being towed and must stop the boat, turn the boat, and return in the same straight line. Wake boats may not have ballasts filled in any part of the lake other than the wake boat activity area, including approaching and departing the wake boat activity area. Wake boats may operate on any lake with empty ballast as long as they are in compliance with all regulations.
d. Shall operate any watercraft in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour in the water sports activity areas on lakes Thunderbird and Omaha. Lakes Aztec, Chanute, Cherokee, Navajo, and Sequoyah are no wake lakes.
e. Shall operate any watercraft in a clockwise manner. All watercraft must operate in a counterclockwise manner.
f. Shall operate a watercraft in such a manner as to create a wake that causes other watercraft to take on water.
g. Shall operate a watercraft in such a manner as to create a wake sufficient to toss occupants of other watercraft about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury.
h. Shall operate a watercraft in such a manner as to create a wake sufficient to toss persons in the lake or on a dock about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury.
i. Shall operate a watercraft within one hundred (100) feet of a buoy, dock, pier, raft, float, anchored boat, dam, or other watercraft when engaged in a water sport activity.
j. Shall engage in a watersport activity such as skiing, tubing, or wake boarding outside the water sport activity area. All watersport activities must be inside the water sport activity areas.
k. Shall engage in a water sport activity unless there is in the watercraft a person twelve (12) years of age or older in addition to the operator in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or has a watercraft equipped with a wide angle mirror.
l. Shall operate a watercraft of ten (10) horsepower or more unless the operator is fifteen (15) years of age or older.
m. Shall engage in a water sport activity at any time before 9:00 a.m. or at any time after sunset.
n. Shall swim inside the water sport activity area unless attributed to engaging in the water sport.
o. Shall swim within one hundred (100) feet of the Suburban Improvement District marina or dock, any launch ramp, or any spillway.
p. Shall operate a watercraft unless properly lighted as prescribed by Arkansas law.
q. Shall operate any watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or medication which impairs the operator's ability to safely operate the watercraft.
r. Shall load any watercraft with passengers beyond its safe carrying capacity as indicated on the manufacturer's capacity plate.
s. Shall engage in a water sport activity unless one U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is on board for each person on board.
t. Shall engage in a water sport activity unless wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device.
u. Shall move the buoys marking the water sport activity area. The Suburban Improvement District shall accurately measure the location of the water sport activity area and ensure that buoys remain in their current positions. The Suburban Improvement District may move buoys closer to the interior of the lake to decrease the area of the water sport activity area but shall not move buoys closer to the shore.
v. Shall operate any watercraft in such a manner as to create a white cap beyond the buoys establishing the water sport activity area.
w. Shall operate any watercraft so as to create a wake in a no wake area.
x. Shall operate any watercraft unless a current authorization sticker is affixed to the hull and to any affiliated trailer if applicable.
3. AIRCRAFT
No aircraft of any type is permitted on any Cherokee Village lake.
4. RIGHT OF WAY
Power watercraft must yield right of way to sailboats, anchored watercraft, hand-powered watercraft, paddle boats, and watercraft powered under 6 horsepower.
5. LAKE SAFETY PATROL
a. It is the duty of Lake Safety Patrol to enforce the provisions of these regulations.
b. All persons operating watercraft agree to be bound by the authority of the Lake Safety Patrol and to comply with all directives issued by the Lake Safety Patrol.
6. ENFORCEMENT
a. Watercraft violating these regulations will be engaged by Lake Safety Patrol.
b. Options for enforcement include but are not limited to, issuing written warnings, ordering watercraft from the water, revocation of authorization stickers, making arrests by duly deputized officers, and engaging appropriate law enforcement officials.
c. Watercraft receiving three warnings within one calendar year will have their authorization stickers revoked immediately upon issuance of the third warning. The revocation shall be effective for twelve months from the date of issuance of the third warning and the Suburban Improvement District shall not issue a new authorization sticker until the twelve month revocation has ended.
d. Watercraft displaying a revoked sticker will be considered trespassing and addressed as set out in Section 7 below.
e. All enforcement actions taken by Lake Safety Patrol will be reported to and recorded by the Suburban Improvement District.
7. TRESPASSING
a. All watercraft operated on Cherokee Village lakes must display a current authorization sticker.
b. Watercraft not displaying a current authorization sticker will be considered trespassing. Trespassing watercraft will be directed to leave the lake by the Lake Safety Patrol. Noncomplying operators will be subject to arrest by the appropriate law enforcement officials.
CHEROKEE VILLAGE SUBURBAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
Request for reservations of facilities should be made to the SID office at: 20 Omaha Circle (Omaha Center) or by mail to: PO Box 840, Cherokee Village, AR 72525
Website: www.cvsid.org
Phone: (870) 257-2468
S.I.D. OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
For any other questions not listed here, please contact us at:
Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District
20 Omaha Circle, Cherokee Village, AR 72529
870-257-2468
info@cvsid.org
Website: https://cvsid.org