New Nature Preserve Boardwalk

[N44125]

I read today's Sun article on the new Nature Preserve Boardwalk..looks great. Hopefully it is restricted to foot traffic only...I didn't read (or missed) anything about prohibiting golf carts, bikes, etc.

[tomwed]

I read that online too. I'm so glad they are making the preserve accessible. I hope they do it all over. I always thought that golfers have an edge over non-golfers. Golfers get to see the beauty and wildlife that non-golfers might miss.
Like everything else that's been well thought out, I'm confident that the preserve boardwalk was build to preserve and protect.

[njbchbum]

Based on all of the recent posts/threads about Villages wildlife - who would want to venture into them and risk being attacked by a predator there? lol

[rubicon]

There are no barriers totally effective enough that keep critters from visiting you whether on the golf course, on the multi-modal paths walking around your neighborhood.

[Villages Kahuna]

I read today's Sun article on the new Nature Preserve Boardwalk..looks great. Hopefully it is restricted to foot traffic only...I didn't read (or missed) anything about prohibiting golf carts, bikes, etc.
I hope everyone picked up on the inclusion in the article that the new nature preserve was built and paid for by the Morse family, but has now been deeded to one of the development districts with the requirement that it be managed by the Recreation Department. Pretty generous, don't you think?

But a bit of a backstory. In the course of a conversation with a manager in the construction division, he noted that the new area, technically a wetland, has been under development for almost five years. During that time The Villages has planted over one million trees and countless other plant material. He was quite proud of the vast array of animals that now habitate the area. During the discussion he commented that the total cost of the area now exceeds $20 million!

Quite a nice gift to al of us, don't you think?

[N44125]

Anyone know if this is for walkers only (I hope) or open to carts, bikes, etc, etc?

[CFrance]

Based on all of the recent posts/threads about Villages wildlife - who would want to venture into them and risk being attacked by a predator there? lol
I know you're joking, right? If so... Good one!

[Bogie Shooter]

I hope everyone picked up on the inclusion in the article that the new nature preserve was built and paid for by the Morse family, but has now been deeded to one of the development districts with the requirement that it be managed by the Recreation Department. Pretty generous, don't you think?

But a bit of a backstory. In the course of a conversation with a manager in the construction division, he noted that the new area, technically a wetland, has been under development for almost five years. During that time The Villages has planted over one million trees and countless other plant material. He was quite proud of the vast array of animals that now habitate the area. During the discussion he commented that the total cost of the area now exceeds $20 million!

Quite a nice gift to al of us, don't you think?
I agree a nice gift.

The usual characters will soon enough find fault with this project........

[Happy Snowbird]

Where is this new boardwalk?

[njbchbum]

I know you're joking, right? If so... Good one!

Of course! You caught the lol at the end of the post. But once upon a time I had a boss who told me that told anything said in jest is half true. I do have concerns that - like the grannie and the buffalo - someone will make a poor choice/decision there...like bring a pet with them.

[JoMar]

Anyone know if this is for walkers only (I hope) or open to carts, bikes, etc, etc?

There is a parking lot at the entrance. Can't imagine anything mobile except feet or maybe wheelchairs would be permitted.

[dotti105]

I totally agree that this is a wonderful addition.

I know people will find fault with it in some way, but we have a wonderful place to live with amenities that are beyond compare. We are always amazed that we find something new to appreciate here almost daily.

This preserve is just the icing on the cake. The developer certainly did not have to make this wetland/greenspace accessible at all, and from the photos it will be a fabulous place to explore nature and reflect on the beauty around us.

It rates a big "Thank You"!

[CFrance]

Of course! You caught the lol at the end of the post. But once upon a time I had a boss who told me that told anything said in jest is half true. I do have concerns that - like the grannie and the buffalo - someone will make a poor choice/decision there...like bring a pet with them.
Yep... fer shore. But it won't be a certain golden. Hopefully there will be no dogs allowed, not that it will stop some people.

[Jima64]

Very nice gift for walks.

[billethkid]

Yep... fer shore. But it won't be a certain golden. Hopefully there will be no dogs allowed, not that it will stop some people.

The article in the paper clearly stated no pets allowed. And you will have to show your villages id to get in.

[schrdr]

I am a bit confused, but that is nothing new.
1. Where is this Nature Preserve and where is the entrance?
2. How long is the hike on this trail?

[tomwed]

I am a bit confused, but that is nothing new.
1. Where is this Nature Preserve and where is the entrance?
2. How long is the hike on this trail?

read the story here:
New Preserve showcases Villages (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/article_400e4f82-5f4e-11e5-a1fa-1339ecc61002.html)

[jimbo2012]

Tom I'm with you read it still doesn't say where it is???

[BS Beef]

I'm already looking forward to see what ALEMORKAM comes up with from this new 2-story observation tower.

[njbchbum]

Tom I'm with you read it still doesn't say where it is???

From the article: "That’s generally the philosophy behind The Villages’ newest outdoor attraction, which opens Friday in conjunction with the next-door Atlas Canine Recreation Park in the southeastern area of the community."

So it seems it is out by the new dog park. "It's not open yet but it consists of two large fenced in areas. Located off of moyers loop just past Belglade CC. The road is not open yet but it can be seen from the Golf Course."
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/new-dog-park-south-466a-looks-great-158733/?highlight=park [7/30/15 totv thread]

[Vladimir]

Stopped by to take an outside peak at it yesterday. There is a wooden fence around the area with a closed gate for now until it opens up later in the week. From the parking lot it is about a 100 yard walk over a concrete walking path through a grassy area to the start of the elevated wooden walkway. The walkway and overlook is about another 150 - 200 yards long along the water way and wet lands. Quite nice but it is not a hiking trail...more like a scenic view of the preserve.
Thanks Morse family!

[jimbo2012]

Located off of moyers loop just past Belglade CC.

Thanks

[NoMoSno]

The article in the paper clearly stated no pets allowed. And you will have to show your villages id to get in.

This article:
New Preserve showcases Villages (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/article_400e4f82-5f4e-11e5-a1fa-1339ecc61002.html)

States open to the public, no Id required?...