Another Thought
I served on the committee that made the proposals to the ACC, which in turn made them to TV. There was considerable discussion on guest passes, primarily the in-area ones. Those passes are only issued to residents whose relatives fall within the parameters outlined (children, grand-children, etc.). It does not include brothers, sisters, etc within the tri-county area. They still are not allowed to use the ammenity-supported facilities, but can come to the movies, etc. Those on in-area guest passes must be accompanied at all times by the sponsoring resident, regardless of the guests' ages. The 365-day pass enables them to have the guests in on a last-minute basis, say Sunday dinner and then the pool or whatever. However, many of them stated in the meetings that they see less of their kids and grandkids now than they did when they lived farther away. Everyone, it seems, lead such busy lives that they don't really have time to come visit "since they can see them anytime now". The grandkids are not allowed to bring in their little friends...thus the ID's at the young ages.
With so many new communities springing up all around us, that is why the rec centers, etc. have really clamped down on ID checks. Please don't be offended when you have to produce your card (even if they do know you), because this is one way to protect our ammenity-paid recreation.
To my knowledge, there was never a proposal afloat to sell ammenity passes and I only missed one meeting, I think.
What did prompt some of the discussion concerning all guest passes and time limits had to do with those few who had figured out a way to "beat the system". One scenario:
Joe Schmo comes in for the usual winter season (3 - 6 months) but doesn't want to rent or maintain a home here. After all, he has to pay the ammenity fee whether he's here or not. He goes outside TV, purchases his winter home, and then using his other out-of-area DL or whatever, gets his Villages buddy to obtain a guest pass, and then has him renew it every 30 days for the duration. Not being a son, daughter, etc. he wouldn't qualify for the in-area guest pass at all. By not having limits on usage (i.e. 30 days), he's here on "your dime" the whole time. That is abuse. We all pay...he plays, be it golf, pickleball, billiards, etc. Renters at least are paying the fees through the rent they pay the homeowner, assuming that homeowner is not generous enough or dumb enough not to include that cost in the rental fee.
Fortunately, the abusers are not that many. Unfortunately, some will always be among us.
Hope this gives a little insight to it all. On a personal note, I don't think we're grouches for wanting to protect our investments; and, our ammenities are our investments as are our homes. Most all of us want the privilege of guests and to be able to share our lifestyle with them on occasion. As such, there is nothing wrong with limits on that sharing. All of life is give and take.
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