Forest Lake Property Owners' Association, Inc.Logo Design Contest

Here's my first reaction to ALL entries ~ Wow! All entries are striking and special in their own way and I am awe-struck that the designers to my few words and interpreted them into what I would have done myself - if I had any artistic talent! haha I've got an eye for perfection, but I was shortchanged on the creative genius part!
My first reactions were I love that the gates were incorporated into the design, but the gate [itself] in becoming the focal point brings my mind to the barrier aspect - barrier from the beauty behind. So those wouldn't be my top two choices, although I think it speaks "gated community" very well.
I, personally, love plaquard-style address signs that I see throughout our community - but would be reticent to use that as our logo icon, thereby encouraging everybody in the community to go out and get their own version of a plaquard-style address sign. There would be a new "tournament" created - to see who could come up with the "best" and we will end up with everything from understated elegance to fun and funky. The end result would be the creation of yet another rule. Oh no!! so, good job on capturing the essence of elegance (in my mind) -- but I cannot trust the community itself to understand that it should stay on our website only!
My first "I love it!" reaction(s) were inspired by #2...then #3....oh, and #5 and let's not overlook #7!!!
I must admit I saw #9 - 12 first (in a separate email as they were submitted) and was thoroughly excited when I saw all four of them, thinking we have great potential happening here. Then, when I signed on and saw the others....well....all I can say is that you ALL have made my life difficult at the moment. Happily difficult, I might add. I don't love to choose - I always want it all!
I'm going to keep these logos up for awhile before I rank them.
The email I got said you all liked input and comments!!!
Aren't you glad they asked??? ;o)
I think you are ALL great! And I thank you for trying to help me with my little voluntary project!

I continue to be amazed! While I understand the need for the "process of elimination" I find I *hate* moving anything over to the "non-interested" column! I think they're ALL wonderful, but I must constantly remind myself that my goal here is to find the ONE that fulfills my need - not my heart's desire. I don't wish for anybody taking the time to participate and contribute to believe that I don't like or truly appreciated your efforts and creative skill!
Again - you are all amazing and I am absolutely thrilled with what you've done! Just when I think I've seen it all...here comes something else even more awesome!
You all are the best!

Thank you for this most recent entry!
I think it might be important to note that my little community name of Forest Lake, is actually located in Florida. I know there is a town in Minnesota (the far cold cold north brrrrrr) bearing the same name, but I think the last entry (as awesome as it is) speaks more to that locale - especially with the mountainous backdrop than it does to sunny, hot hot hot and flat flat flat Florida!
Great job though!

Thanks everybody!

Okay ~ to ALL DESIGNERS ~~

Please please please do not be offended or insulted if I've had to move your design into the dreaded "non-interest" column! I love all the designs and must start culling down to what's going to work for my little volunteer's website. I'm getting overwhelmed by the number of entries, the diversity of entries and ALL of the entries' individual creativity. I'm so impressed with all of you for having taken just a few generic questions and brief description and incorporating my vision into your designs. As I've said, you are all incredibly talented!
I haven't ever done this tournament-style design concept before, it has always been extremely laborious in trying to find the designer that best suits my vision. It feels like the old "suare peg in a round hole" mode - and trust me when I say it can be painful! haha for both!! I really really like this opportunity and the idea that these tournaments are out there for so many creative people (such as each of you) to even have access to!
As I continue on my quest...I must, again, thank you all.
You're the best!!!
~trish

Hello
You may find this link useful :
Client Help for the "Top 5" Phase
https://logotournament.com/help/client/31

Thanks to lotus creative for the helpful tip!