Use of neighorhood and Family Pools

[jflynn1]

Please advise. Does anyone know if contractors ie; Lawn service people, Vendors, contractors working in the Villages have acess to the use of the facilities at the Neighborhood and or Familty pools. By use of I refer to use of the restrooms, shower, having lunch, etc. I have oberseved this practice at many of the pools and now have had to go to the expenses of having to purchase a priorty pool memebership to feel
save using the facitiies that I thought I had paid for when I purchased my home , the bond, and continue to pay for with the monthly fees. Any hek lp would be appreciated.

[redwitch]

I do understand your problem but, given the alternatives, what are these workers supposed to do? I'm lucky -- I'm white, female and look relatively harmless. So, if I'm weeding someone's home and have to use the bathroom, I can easily ask the homeowner or a neighbor and know that the answer will be yes (although I would be very reluctant to ask given I'm sweaty, full of grass and not my cleanest). Most outdoor workers aren't that fortunate.

So, unless they're in an area that is close to things like gas stations, what are they supposed to do? I'd certainly be upset if they used my backyard as a toilet. I'm sure others would be, too. They do have a right to eat even though I'm sure they could find a spot under a tree around where they are working. Of course, that again goes back to the question of where can they use a bathroom after they eat? It seems that using the shower is a bit much and something should definitely be done about that.

[Russ_Boston]

In agreement with Red.

They have showers at the pools?

[SteveFromNY]

I'm an older guy who believes in the 3 important things Jack Nicholson mentions in "The Bucket List", one of which was "Never pass up a bathroom". I like that when I go for long walks there is always someplace nearby to go. I'd never begrudge anyone use of the facilities - better there than on the hedges.
That said, I've never seen anyone but residents heading off to the water closet at the pool near me, and never seen anyone but those same folks using the seats and tables.
Is this really a prevalent problem? Are you being overly concerned? I've never felt threatened in anyway by the folks working around TV. They pretty much seem as friendly as everyone else and I don't feel too uncomfortable around them (but as a rule they do tend to drive a little faster). Maybe I'm the one interpreting the situation wrongly. Is this really a problem?

[chuckster]

Just for curiosity sake what pools are you referencing? I have yet to see this happening at my neighborhood pool. :)

[villages07]

Our neighborhood adult pool is on a busy stretch of Canal St...yes, I have seen various workers stop and use the bathroom facilities. Personally, I don't have any issue with that. I have never seen them in the pool area using the (outside - Russ) shower, tables/chairs, or pool itself.

If they hung out inside the pool area, they would be subject to ID challenge by the village watch (or Rec dept???).

To me, this is not an issue in my area.

[pwdasher]

I have seen workers use the restrooms and water fountians at the Odell pool, but I REALLY don't have any problem with it. They do their thing and are gone. No biggy. Better than the hedges, I agree..

[njgranny]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. What does it have to do with safety?

[renielarson]

Wait a minute...I thought we had equality here in the United States of America. It's long been against the law to separate bathroom privileges, drinking fountains, restaurants, and all other places from anyone.

Perhaps the workers don't have Village ID cards, but if it were you working outdoors all day in this heat and humidity, where would you suggest we Villages allow you to relieve yourself or get some water? Would you rather they expose themselves and go in the bushes?

jf...your comments take me back to the time when blacks couldn't use white's bathrooms or drink out of the same water fountain or eat at the same diner counter and couldn't attend the same schools. So what if they are workers (some black and some not)...same concept applies. When ya gotta go ya gotta go. If you don't like it, what's your recommendation? Can you even begin to put yourself in their position?

And...you felt you had to purchase a Priority Membership to feel safe? Are you saying you don't feel safe here in The Villages? Or is it deeper than that!

I need to apologize now because you have hit a very sore spot with me. I am a firm believer in equal rights regardless of race, gender, religion, or being a Villagers worker!

Shame on you!

[graciegirl]

Why would people who cut the grass and build houses make anyone feel unsafe?

[chelsea24]

Being from up North, my parents and I traveled through the South to go to Miami one year. I remember stopping at a gas station and seeing two water fountains. One said "white" and one said "colored" I thought (being a kid) that colored water would come out so I used that one. (You never saw this up north.) I remember a very testy old man coming out of the station and yelling at my parents and me "that they should know better that to let me drink out of that." Needless to say my parents weren't bigots. My father told the man to "mind his own business". Then he proceeded to explain to me, while we were driving, what a "colored" water fountain really meant. My father said "Never, never put those thoughts in your head. People are people, we're all equal and we're all the same."

I find this "fear for your safety" on the same level. Shame on you.

[Peachie]

Hi, Everyone! First time post here and what a strange thread in which to start... but another perspective. My husband and I were fortunate to spend a couple of weeks in the first part of May at our villa and while my husband was golfing I went to the pool at Hemingway. I have been to pools before where work people are going in and out all the time using the facilities and never thought much of that fact. We're human!! But while at the Hemingway one afternoon, there were no other people there, a workman came in and stayed in the men's bathroom between 12-15 minutes. I got a little nervous toward the end wondering what the heck he was doing in there all that time. I stayed at the far end of the pool and he eventually left. Harmless I guess but I wondered if he was ill or what was the issue. I left right after he did and I did wonder why facilities aren't offered to these workmen so they don't have to be the objects of public scrutiny when they want to use restrooms. (And I don't want to be thinking about what he was doing in there all that time, lol.)

I truly enjoy the TOTV and I'm sure in time, will share much more information and some opinions. From my laptop viewpoint, I've enjoyed many thoughtful responses and common sense perspectives from so many of you.

[renielarson]

Peachie

Giving benefit to the doubt...have you never had a "tummy" problem? Well, I have and have spent more time than I want to admit in a bathroom.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Agreeing with Red!

Peachie..... if I were the only female at the pool during the scenerio you described, I might stay alert, as you did..... but I agree with bright, and perhaps he was just taking a break out of the hot sun and found a quiet place in the restroom ? ::)

It always pays to be cautious and aware of your surroundings but TV appears to be a safe-haven, from everything I read on TOTV :dontknow:

[Peachie]

Bright and CIB, I agree and did suggest the young man may have had a problem... I should have given a little clearer scenerio. It was about 4:00 PM in May of this year and the homes around the Hemingway pool were new, unoccupied, and there were no homes built across the street with very little traffic in the area. I didn't think it was unusual that he needed to use the bathroom, the length of time and the situation gave me pause at that moment. He was fine, I am fine and I realize I should use pools with people and occupied homes in the immediate vicinity.

[Shirleevee]

Why didn't you just vacate the pool?

[samhass]

I would rather not swim with no one else in the vicinity. Accidents happen to easily.

[renielarson]

Off topic for just a minute :cop: sorry

Peachie

I like your nickname. My hubs step-grandmother's name was Peach and I always found it so unique. Hers wasn't a nickname either! ;D

[Peachie]

Thanks, Bright. Couldn't, for the longest time, think of a nickname so I could join the forum and decided to relate it to our experiences with The Villages... just peachie! (Maybe I should have used the "just" also.) Sam, you're right and I won't be swimming alone anymore but I was sooo enjoying paddling around in that big, new pool all by myself and it reminded me of when we lived on 20 peaceful acres with a pool in the backyard. I am over that moment. Shirleevee, I have seen many people working in The Villages come in and use the pool facilities, particularly in the newer areas where much building is going on, and didn't think anything of it until he was in there quite awhile. I didn't want to walk out toward the bathrooms at that time to get to the gate and so I waited and sure enough, he left eventually. Shoot, if anyone pulled me outta the water, they'd throw me right back in, if they could still use their back! But since anyone can enter the pool complexes, the areas near construction do allow unrestricted access through the gates, and as Sam pointed out... accidents happen, I probably won't do that again. I have to say, though, that the clouds and sky that afternoon were really beautiful as I floated aimlessly on my back. We love The Villages!

[samhass]

Peachie, I love the sky here also. Floating on my back and watching birds fly overhead in that glorious blue sky is delightful.
I only mentioned accidents because a man died/drowned in the Caroline pool two years ago and he was alone. I think he had a heart attack.

[chelsea24]

Peachie, I would be nervous is that situation also. But I think that's more of a woman thing. Safety in numbers, as they say. I think you're scenario is much different than the original posters.

*** :agree: with the beautiful sky in TV. Being from the city, I am still in awe of the beauty that surrounds us here. ;D

[graciegirl]

Thanks, Bright. Couldn't, for the longest time, think of a nickname so I could join the forum and decided to relate it to our experiences with The Villages... just peachie! (Maybe I should have used the "just" also.) Sam, you're right and I won't be swimming alone anymore but I was sooo enjoying paddling around in that big, new pool all by myself and it reminded me of when we lived on 20 peaceful acres with a pool in the backyard. I am over that moment. Shirleevee, I have seen many people working in The Villages come in and use the pool facilities, particularly in the newer areas where much building is going on, and didn't think anything of it until he was in there quite awhile. I didn't want to walk out toward the bathrooms at that time to get to the gate and so I waited and sure enough, he left eventually. Shoot, if anyone pulled me outta the water, they'd throw me right back in, if they could still use their back! But since anyone can enter the pool complexes, the areas near construction do allow unrestricted access through the gates, and as Sam pointed out... accidents happen, I probably won't do that again. I have to say, though, that the clouds and sky that afternoon were really beautiful as I floated aimlessly on my back. We love The Villages!


Peachie. Welcome to TOTV! I can just tell I am gonna like you. As soon as we get back down, come ona my house! :welcome: :welcome:

[Shirleevee]

Peachie,

From my experience living with all men........all these years......I am willing to bet the worker was either, reading Sports Illustrated, a newspaper or talking on his cell phone.


Shirleevee

[redwitch]

Peachie, welcome to TOTV. Sounds like you'll fit in just perfectly. :welcome:

I have to admit I picked up a horrid habit from my dad and wonder if your worker didn't learn the same awful habit -- bathrooms are great places to read a book, especially if you know you're going to be there awhile. (But didn't anyone ever teach to never swim alone?)

[livsea2]

Having spent my career as a field manager for the construction department of one of the largest utility companies in the country, allow me to make some points. I wouldn't begrudge a field worker the use of the bathroom at one of the pools in an "emergency" situation. (I am sure you know what I mean) But the casual use of the bathroom is out of line. There are public bathroom at LSL and SS. Also they could use the facilities at Walmart, Publix, a fast food joint. You would be amazed at where we find facilities. Libraries Police stations etc etc etc. When you work in the field you know where to go. Going "behind the bushes" as some suggested will get you arrested and on a sex offender list and is out of the question and ridiculous. Also all construction vehicles have more water on them than you can drink in a week.
There is no reason a field worker or technician needs to go to a private club swim, golf, tennis or whatever to use the facilities as a normal routine. In fact it can be tresspass. I would reprimand anyone who worked for me who did so unless they gave me a real good reason.
Next, the OP NEVER brought up race, national origin, or anything of the sort in describing the workers so the shame in on those that did! :barf:

[Peachie]

Thank you to all the welcomes, this is a great group. Mr. Peachie and I have raised three sons and a bathroom was referred to as "the library" and I didn't help the situation because I had a 3' shelf loaded with magazines and newspaper in the bathroom they used the most. Sometimes we had to perform a callout to the occupant if a line formed. Big flaw of mine, I love to read and will readily encourage it's enjoyment. I hear what you are saying, Livesea, but the men and women are working very hard for the most part and to take 20-30 minutes for a bathroom run doesn't seem plausible. I know they can use portable facilities but having the occasion throughout the years to use those hotboxes myself, I guess I'd opt for the larger restroom too. It's a tough call and my only issue if there was one, would be security. (Disclosure: I have family members in the construction industry so I may be partial..)

[livsea2]

Plausible? Plausible in the real world, of which I have personal experience not just relatives in the business, is contruction workers driving 10 miles out of their way passing thirty or more eateries for lunch because they like the way they make sandwiches there. When they are thirty minutes late coming back from lunch and their boss catches them " I was going to the can" is the excuse.
Plausible is the technician who passes three opportunities to use a restroom so he can go to the one at the certain pool where the woman in the yellow bikini hangs out during the day.
Not plausible in any way, shape, or fashion a construction worker caring a lick how long it takes him away from the job!

[Peachie]

A man wants to see a woman in a yellow bikini, hard to believe! Lol, I get your point. Sounds like I'll have to get some stories from my brother, (supervisor in commercial construction) and my brother-in-law, (owner of a residential construction company). I'll bet they've seen plenty too.

[redwitch]

livsea, I don't think we're talking construction or utility workers. We're talking about the guys who do the yardwork. They do not come in their own vehicles -- they are driven to/from the worksites by their bosses or foremen. Most TV homes are not near the stores or the library or the ... The pools are probably the closest public access they have.

The construction workers here have no excuse. There are port-a-potties all over the construction sites. Granted, they're not the most pleasant things to use but they are there. The yard and maintenance workers do not have this luxury. Their choice is pretty much hold it, use a bush, ask the homeowner, find the nearest public facility within walking distance or on the way to their next job. I would guess that about 95% of the time the public facility on the way would be a neighborhood pool (I doubt they could use the rec centers).

[renielarson]

livesea

If you reread my post I never accused the original poster of bringing up race, origin, or anything of the sort. I said it brought back memories and how I am an ardent believer in equal rights. I was writing about my own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.

[livsea2]

Wait a minute...I thought we had equality here in the United States of America. It's long been against the law to separate bathroom privileges, drinking fountains, restaurants, and all other places from anyone.

Perhaps the workers don't have Village ID cards, but if it were you working outdoors all day in this heat and humidity, where would you suggest we Villages allow you to relieve yourself or get some water? Would you rather they expose themselves and go in the bushes?

jf...your comments take me back to the time when blacks couldn't use white's bathrooms or drink out of the same water fountain or eat at the same diner counter and couldn't attend the same schools. So what if they are workers (some black and some not)...same concept applies. When ya gotta go ya gotta go. If you don't like it, what's your recommendation? Can you even begin to put yourself in their position?

And...you felt you had to purchase a Priority Membership to feel safe? Are you saying you don't feel safe here in The Villages? Or is it deeper than that!

I need to apologize now because you have hit a very sore spot with me. I am a firm believer in equal rights regardless of race, gender, religion, or being a Villagers worker!

Shame on you!

[njgranny]

I vote that he was reading. ::)

[Peazoup]

Or maybe there was a problem (electrical, plumbing, etc) that had to be fixed and it took 20 minutes to fix????

[graciegirl]

Constipation is a terrible thing! :dontknow: