Membership Made Easier in 2026 (And a New Way to Bring Family Into WPOA)

As we head into 2026, WPOA is making a few practical updates to membership so it’s easier to join, renew, and manage your household online—without changing the fundamentals of what membership is.

Most of what you’ll see is simply clearer organization of options that already exist today, plus one new, non-voting way to help the next generation get involved earlier.

What’s staying the same

• Annual WPOA Membership remains our core membership for lake property owners.

• Community Membership (“Z-Pier”) remains available for friends of the lake who want to support WPOA and stay connected (we’re just going to promote it more so more off-lake supporters can participate).

• Voting and governance aren’t changing. Voting remains tied to property ownership under the Class A structure, and Class B memberships remain non-voting.

What’s improving (mostly behind the scenes)

1) Add a Property (simpler, cleaner online account management)

Many members who own more than one property already handle this by creating “two memberships.” The update simply allows you to manage multiple properties under one online account, making renewals, records, and communication much easier (and reducing confusion for everyone).

2) Multi-Family / Joint Ownership (better support for how the lake is changing)

More and more properties are shared by multiple family branches, joint owners and trusts. This update helps WPOA organize membership records and benefits access in a way that matches real life, without creating new voting rights for a single property.

The one new option

3) Immediate Family Membership (Class B, non-voting)

We’re introducing an Immediate Family Membership designed for a child (or immediate family member) in the same household who isn’t on the deed yet, but wants to be involved.

The goal is to help younger family members build a relationship with the Association early, and make it easier to transition into full membership as ownership passes down over time.

• $50 per immediate family member/couple

• Requires an active Annual WPOA Membership in the household first

Why we’re doing this

These updates help us:

• Make membership easier to understand and easier to manage

• Reduce duplicate records and renewal confusion

• Support modern ownership realities (multiple properties, shared homes)

• Invite the next generation into the community sooner

Ready to join or renew?

Visit our Memberships section of wawaseeassociation.org. If you’re a current member, you’ll be able to confirm your household details, add a property where applicable, and (if you choose) add an Immediate Family Membership.

If you love Lake Wawasee and want to protect and strengthen this community, membership is one of the most direct ways to help.