[TOTV Specialist]

Back in May, the Amenity Authority Committee and the Project Wide Advisory Committee decided to collectively spend over $600,000 in amenities fees on Recreation News for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Yet two months later, a debate around the publication of Recreation News still persists.

The AAC who is responsible for amenities north of County Road 466 will spend $208,656 to publish and distribute Recreation News, which is released weekly. Whereas the PWAC, which holds responsibility for amenities south of County Road 466, is preparing to spend $448,224 for Recreation News. Based on last year, the PWAC will see a one percent decrease. By the end of this fiscal year, the two committees combined are looking at spending $656,880 towards publication.

The printing and distribution of Recreation News comes with some debate from Villagers. There are advocates who push for the publication of Recreation News to continue, but for it to be published less frequently. Whereas others find no need for any change.

“[It’s] Very useful when visitors need good information,” Wrote Villager, John H.

For this very reason, realtors are among those in favor of the publication, as it acts as a valuable tool for promotion of all of the Villages many recreational activities.
However, those who stand on the other side of the debate argue that the publication is redundant and no longer necessary.

“[It is a] Waste of paper, many events are not listed. A comprehensive and up-to-date web site would be much easier and would reduce waste,” wrote Villager, Penny T.

As of now, John Rohan, The Villages Recreation Director, reported that there is currently work being done to create an online database for Villagers to access. Rohan did not specify on a completion date; however, an online database does already exist on Talk of The Villages through their Activities and Clubs directory.

Villagers seeking an alternative from Recreation News can take advantage of TOTV’s extensive online database of clubs through the Villages Activities page. On this page, users can find activities dates, times, clubs, location of recreation center, and more. As for now, work continues to be by Recreation News to create an online database.