Shade needed in the Squares

[sail33or]

Since music starts at 5:00 PM there needs to be protection from the sun. The use of Shade Sails would be a low cost fix. Also I always see entire rows of seats saved with tape and many other methods at EVERY SINGLE Rocky and the Rollers event. The official told me that I could sit in the saved seats. I said what happens when the folks return and start fighting. He said then he is supposed to call the police. So saving seats is okay. I guess one can see Rocky at private events and Katie Bells if needed. (Or sit in the sun for 3 hours.

[justjim]

I have always wondered why they didn't start at 6:00 and go until 10:00 during June, July and August. It would be cooler and less hot sun. Question might be if we can stay upright until 10:00 pm. Nawh!

[RickeyD]

Since music starts at 5:00 PM there needs to be protection from the sun. The use of Shade Sails would be a low cost fix. Also I always see entire rows of seats saved with tape and many other methods at EVERY SINGLE Rocky and the Rollers event. The official told me that I could sit in the saved seats. I said what happens when the folks return and start fighting. He said then he is supposed to call the police. So saving seats is okay. I guess one can see Rocky at private events and Katie Bells if needed. (Or sit in the sun for 3 hours.

This whole seat saving thing is a total train wreck waiting to happen. Those that save the seats and those who defiantly sit in these seats waiting for the seat saver to return should expect whatever happens to happen. We're not talking about a civil rights issue here yet those involved seem to think it is. A third rate band is not worth getting into a huff over. I just don't get it. What am I missing here?

[JoMar]

There are covered seats in Brownwood. I also believe most people use signifcant amounts of sunscreen if they are going to be outside in the sun. Most of the activities here, golf, pickel ball, tennis, biking, running, swimming etc are done in the sun whcih is what makes this place so great. One of the reasons the squares do get crowded is because the good entertainers are there for everyone to enjoy at no cost. Private paries and Katie Belles is not free and not everyone will pay. Saved seats is a whole different issue and the best solution is to take your own chairs and stake out your spot EARLY.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Here's what I don't understand ... if the rule is a rule of TV's, why isn't there an employee of TV's out there to inform those who come early and try saving seats, in whatever manner they see fit, that this is not permitted. And if you leave items on the seats to save, they will be removed an placed in a large bin somewhere on the square until the end of the evening for you to retrieve. If you don't retrieve by 9:30pm, they will then be considered trash. Very simple!!!!!

[John_W]

When we had the online villager questionnaire a couple of months ago, when they asked for suggestions I had two. First was to install sun shade coverings like those at Spanish Springs in the open area of Lake Sumter Landing. If the budget allowed, a more professional setup would be similar to the one in Baltimore Inner Harbor at what's called Pier 6, but on a smaller scale. The Pier 6 setup holds 6,000 people.

My other suggestion was for Brownwood, the covered bleacher seating was great, for two reasons, shade and protection from rain, but the seats had no backs and for seniors sitting on backless benches for more than half an hour was not pleasant.

http://www.piersixpavilion.com/files/2012/12/Pier6_Wide_Rooftop.jpg

As far as the OP questions about seat saving, I see that it's their very first post. Welcome to TOTV, but before starting a new thread it is sometimes good to do a search, you can find the button at the top of the page. We really don't need another seat thread, a search will show it has been discussed to death.

Here's an active thread with currently 121 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/seat-bully-196385/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

This thread is also recent, but is closed to new posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/arrested-over-seat-square-196304/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's a slightly older thread from last October, it also has been closed with 78 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/what-heck-town-square-behavior-165067/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's another closed thread from April 2015 with 176 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/petition-against-seat-roping-146468/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's a closed thread from February 2013 with 178 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/saving-seats-town-squares-69745/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

[graciegirl]

We can't always have every single thing we want.

If you are against umbrella's bring a parasol.

[CFrance]

When we had the online villager questionnaire a couple of months ago, when they asked for suggestions I had two. First was to install sun shade coverings like those at Spanish Springs in the open area of Lake Sumter Landing. If the budget allowed, a more professional setup would be similar to the one in Baltimore Inner Harbor at what's called Pier 6, but on a smaller scale. The Pier 6 setup holds 6,000 people.

My other suggestion was for Brownwood, the covered bleacher seating was great, for two reasons, shade and protection from rain, but the seats had no backs and for seniors sitting on backless benches for more than half an hour was not pleasant.

http://www.piersixpavilion.com/files/2012/12/Pier6_Wide_Rooftop.jpg

As far as the OP questions about seat saving, I see that it's their very first post. Welcome to TOTV, but before starting a new thread it is sometimes good to do a search, you can find the button at the top of the page. We really don't need another seat thread, a search will show it has been discussed to death.

Here's an active thread with currently 121 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/seat-bully-196385/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

This thread is also recent, but is closed to new posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/arrested-over-seat-square-196304/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's a slightly older thread from last October, it also has been closed with 78 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/what-heck-town-square-behavior-165067/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's another closed thread from April 2015 with 176 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/petition-against-seat-roping-146468/?highlight=seat+saving+fight

Here's a closed thread from February 2013 with 178 posts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/saving-seats-town-squares-69745/?highlight=seat+saving+fight
But JohnW... you had something good to add!

[Rango]

A hat and sun screen should do it.

[goodtimesintv]

A hat and sun screen should do it.

Sunburn at the town squares at 5:00pm is not the problem!

The problem is feeling like you're broiling and sweating like a hog 20 minutes after getting out of the shower and dressing in clean clothing to go there or out for the night.

It's also the problem of, at Lake Sumter Landing, having to look into the blazing sun when seated anywhere two sides of the band stand.

The giant fixed umbrellas at Spanish Springs help a lot with those two problems. They're needed at Lake Sumter Landing, too.

There's no need to get ugly with us for asking for that reasonable request that's a proven solution!

[JoMar]

Sunburn at the town squares at 5:00pm is not the problem!

The problem is feeling like you're broiling and sweating like a hog 20 minutes after getting out of the shower and dressing in clean clothing to go there or out for the night.

It's also the problem of, at Lake Sumter Landing, having to look into the blazing sun when seated anywhere two sides of the band stand.

The giant fixed umbrellas at Spanish Springs help a lot with those two problems. They're needed at Lake Sumter Landing, too.

There's no need to get ugly with us for asking for that reasonable request that's a proven solution!

A reasonable request by whose standards? You live in Florida, it's hot. If the heat bothers you don't go out. The evenings here are one of the best parts of the town squares and unbrellas are not needed....and if you need them go the SS. Just MO

[CFrance]

A reasonable request by whose standards? You live in Florida, it's hot. If the heat bothers you don't go out. The evenings here are one of the best parts of the town squares and unbrellas are not needed....and if you need them go the SS. Just MO
Heat's not the issue. Exposure to sun is. I don't think the request was unreasonable.

[Jima64]

bring a small umbrella.

[Paperboy]

Why is there "NO TEETH" in this rule? Why not ENFORCE THE RULES!
Who has NO KAHUNAS to ENFORCE this seat saving fiasco.
Who can I complain to?

[Cobh521]

OMG can't we just be thankful for such a beautiful place!

[Bonny]

Why is there "NO TEETH" in this rule? Why not ENFORCE THE RULES!
Who has NO KAHUNAS to ENFORCE this seat saving fiasco.
Who can I complain to?
Read all the other threads on it. Lots of suggestions.

[JoMar]

Heat's not the issue. Exposure to sun is. I don't think the request was unreasonable.

So does that mean someone else has to protect us from the sun? The request is totally unreasonable....but that is why we have the forum so we can disagree.

[blueeagle65]

smh...... :rolleyes:

[Barefoot]

OMG can't we just be thankful for such a beautiful place!Most can, but not all.
I just had to google "smh" to see what it means. I agree, Blueeagle.

[RickeyD]

OMG can't we just be thankful for such a beautiful place!



Yin & yang.

[goodtimesintv]

bring a small umbrella.

"Bring a small umbrella", raise it while sitting in the chairs around the dance floors and block other people's view, and THAT will cause a bigger fight than the seat savers do! Somebody will get impaled with that small umbrella.

[goodtimesintv]

A reasonable request by whose standards? You live in Florida, it's hot. If the heat bothers you don't go out. The evenings here are one of the best parts of the town squares and unbrellas are not needed....and if you need them go the SS. Just MO

In summer we wait to go to the squares until after 6:45 or 7:00 pm because of the sun blazing before that. And yes, the big umbrellas at Spanish Springs ARE needed, and LSL needs them too.

I have long thought that in summer, as others suggested, the band hours should be 6-10pm instead of 5-9pm, because of the heat and looking directly into the sun at 5-6.

[CFrance]

So does that mean someone else has to protect us from the sun? The request is totally unreasonable....but that is why we have the forum so we can disagree.

Yes. And I disagree with you as to the unreasonableness of the request. Someone wasn't thinking ahead when they designed the squares that force you to look into the sun.

[graciegirl]

In summer we wait to go to the squares until after 6:45 or 7:00 pm because of the sun blazing before that. And yes, the big umbrellas at Spanish Springs ARE needed, and LSL needs them too.

I have long thought that in summer, as others suggested, the band hours should be 6-10pm instead of 5-9pm, because of the heat and looking directly into the sun at 5-6.

The entertainment is paid for by the businesses around the square. They pay for it because it draws business to the square. I guess they could open an hour later and close an hour later in the summer. I am sure someone wouldn't like the new hours.

[Barefoot]

I have long thought that in summer, as others suggested, the band hours should be 6-10pm instead of 5-9pm.

The entertainment is paid for by the businesses around the square. I am sure someone wouldn't like the new hours.
The staff in the businesses surrounding the Squares might have a problem with working until 10 PM.
Only four people have posted in favor of changing the hours.
Perhaps the majority of residents and people from surrounding communities prefer the hours from 5-9 PM. :confused:

[sail33or]

Yes, I am very new to The Villages. I love it here. I knew there were many posts on the subject of seat saving however after all those posts not one single thing has changed. My thinking is to keep the topic current. The Entertainment on the Squares is always identified by new people as one of the reasons they bought here. Saving seats and hot direct sun are two large drawbacks to this activity. At 5:00 PM in the summer in Florida it is not enjoyable to sit in the direct sun. Even cows move under a tree if they can. I believe there would be more even attendance if shade was provided. Attendance is the goal right. Seat saving is only an issue with one or two popular bands. At 4:00 PM rows and rows of seats (in the shade) are roped off like royalty will be arriving. I specifically went and found the guy (with a Village Shirt of some kind) making sure the seats stayed clear of pathways and asked about seat saving. He said the people shouldn't save seats but he was told "by Village Management" to only call the police if a fight broke out. He was NOT to do or say anything to anybody unless the Fire Code was being broken. So as of today, saving seats is just a breakable rule and like others have stated, I will not stress out or fight about it but I will try and get the issue peacefully resolved.

[justjim]

The staff in the businesses surrounding the Squares might have a problem with working until 10 PM.
Only four people have posted in favor of changing the hours.
Perhaps the majority of residents and people from surrounding communities prefer the hours from 5-9 PM. :confused:

It's true many seniors (can't think of a better word) don't like change----but most of us adapt pretty quickly.

[Bonny]

I would not want 6 - 10. That's just getting too late. So many here get up early and play all day. 10:00 is too late if it's every night.

[goodtimesintv]

I would not want 6 - 10. That's just getting too late. So many here get up early and play all day. 10:00 is too late if it's every night.

Let me see if I have this right......

People go to the squares at 5:00pm for 1 or two hours of Happy Hour with the bar huts on the squares and the bands playing at each one.

Bar businesses around the squares stay open till midnight, and longer in Spanish Springs (due to varying county liquor laws).

So nobody's going to patronize the bar huts of the squares 9-10 pm (if hours were changed to 6-10pm) because bar patrons all have to be home in bed by 9:30.....and those bar businesses around the squares have no clientele patronizing them after 9 or 10:00 p.m.

:ohdear: :ohdear: :ohdear:

.

[2BNTV]

The only thing that can be done to ensure shade in the squares, is to put it on the annual survey.

I personally think whoever jurisdiction this falls under, will never approve the necessary funds, to have this done. IMHO

I think most people are ready to turn in at 9 PM, as most people are up early in the morning and start playing early.

I remember taking a nap before going out to party, when I was much younger and had more fire in the belly. :D

[spuds51]

I have always wondered why they didn't start at 6:00 and go until 10:00 during June, July and August. It would be cooler and less hot sun. Question might be if we can stay upright until 10:00 pm. Nawh!

I said the same exact thing. When you change the clocks..change the start times. There has to be someone or some committee that you can bring this up to. I believe there very well could be more people come out if they did this. I am told that the merchants pay for the entertainment so this could work in their favor.
When I brought it up people didn't want to discuss it at all. I got answers like..

That's how it's always been and always will..set in stone.

Another wrote and said that whenever I start paying for it I can start anytime I want.

[JoMar]

Yes. And I disagree with you as to the unreasonableness of the request. Someone wasn't thinking ahead when they designed the squares that force you to look into the sun.

Looking into the sun is another issue, but when you design something as a square someone will always be looking into the sun. Nobody is forcing you to look into the sun, that is your choice...move to the side until the sun gets to a level that you can handle. I'm just not a fan of enclosing the squares with tents (I'm sorry, sun shades). The request is unreasonable because there is an expectation that the entertainment group and the maintenance group and the developer should invest more money because we say so. When the determine it might be necessary they will do it....for their reasons. If that includes us, that's great, if doesn't I have no problem with that decision.

[Bonny]

I like the sun. If it's in my eyes, I'll put on sun glasses. If it's too hot, I'll stay home til it cools down. I do not expect the Morse family to pay for everything I want just because I'm not comfortable enough. I wouldn't have done it where I lived in Michigan.
We have a beautiful place to live. I don't think it's their responsibility to keep me shaded too.
Been here 16 years. The music has always been 5:00 - 9:00. It's always worked just fine.

[obxgal]

Anybody remember back in Sept 2013 when powerful gusts of wind(45 mph) moved through Lake Sumter Landing at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday bringing tents crashing down on Market Night.
I think "Shade Sails" suggested in OP could become a liability issue.

[Kirsten Lee]

I would love to see the squares have entertainment from 6 to 10 when time changes, too. I think people who do not like the sun and heat maybe would visit the squares at 8pm if they knew they could enjoy a couple hours of music. There are three squares, just make LSL 6 to 10 and see what happens. I am sure the merchants track sales from month to month and could tell if it helps or hurts their bottom line. "There is nothing permanent except change."-Heraclitus

[VApeople]

I think "Shade Sails" suggested in OP could become a liability issue.

You are correct. A few days ago a beach goer was killed by a flying umbrella.

Woman dies after being impaled by flying beach umbrella at Virginia Beach | WFLD (http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/dont-miss/156954142-story)

[CFrance]

Anybody remember back in Sept 2013 when powerful gusts of wind(45 mph) moved through Lake Sumter Landing at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday bringing tents crashing down on Market Night.
I think "Shade Sails" suggested in OP could become a liability issue.
Well, it didn't seem to stop the marketers from continuing to put up their tents!

[graciegirl]

Well, it didn't seem to stop the marketers from continuing to put up their tents!

Ah yes. Capitalism and the free market and making money are encouraged here. :) Sorry C. I couldn't hep myself.

[Penguin]

Here's what I don't understand ... if the rule is a rule of TV's, why isn't there an employee of TV's out there to inform those who come early and try saving seats, in whatever manner they see fit, that this is not permitted. And if you leave items on the seats to save, they will be removed an placed in a large bin somewhere on the square until the end of the evening for you to retrieve. If you don't retrieve by 9:30pm, they will then be considered trash. Very simple!!!!!

Absolutely Simple. :agree:

[Barefoot]

.....saving seats is just a breakable rule.....
Yep, that's the bottom line. :popcorn:

[Barefoot]

When you change the clocks..change the start times. There has to be someone or some committee that you can bring this up to.

The only thing that can be done to ensure shade in the squares, is to put it on the annual survey.

If enough people put it on the annual survey, it will get attention.
I doubt it's enough of an issue that people will remember to make a comment on the survey.
I don't think it's their responsibility to keep me shaded too. Been here 16 years. The music has always been 5:00 - 9:00. It's always worked just fine.
And it will probably work just fine for another 16 years. :laugh:

[lclear]

Leaving packages and items on the unattended seats to save them....some day there might be an dangerous package there to cause harm. So, with that in mind and with all the danger in the world today, there should not be any unattended packages on, in, or near the chairs. Okay, that's my opinion. Run with it! thanks for listening

[VApeople]

The music is always too loud for us and my wife does not like the plastic chairs, so we bring our own chairs and sit off to the side in the shade. It works for us.

[tomwed]

Leaving packages and items on the unattended seats to save them....some day there might be an dangerous package there to cause harm. So, with that in mind and with all the danger in the world today, there should not be any unattended packages on, in, or near the chairs. Okay, that's my opinion. Run with it! thanks for listeningI'm not sure what you mean. If you see a package unattended should you pick it up and run with it? But what if it is dangerous? Most of us can't run anymore. We will probably hurt our knee and not get very far. We need another plan.

[ColdNoMore]

I'm not sure what you mean. If you see a package unattended should you pick it up and run with it? But what if it is dangerous? Most of us can't run anymore. We will probably hurt our knee and not get very far.

We need another plan.

The package should be taken over to the nearest bushes and ever so carefully laid gently on the ground.

Make a public announcement for all that are packing with their CCW's...to gather at the package.











Then shoot the bejesus out of it.



:D

[rubicon]

Yes, I am very new to The Villages. I love it here. I knew there were many posts on the subject of seat saving however after all those posts not one single thing has changed. My thinking is to keep the topic current. The Entertainment on the Squares is always identified by new people as one of the reasons they bought here. Saving seats and hot direct sun are two large drawbacks to this activity. At 5:00 PM in the summer in Florida it is not enjoyable to sit in the direct sun. Even cows move under a tree if they can. I believe there would be more even attendance if shade was provided. Attendance is the goal right. Seat saving is only an issue with one or two popular bands. At 4:00 PM rows and rows of seats (in the shade) are roped off like royalty will be arriving. I specifically went and found the guy (with a Village Shirt of some kind) making sure the seats stayed clear of pathways and asked about seat saving. He said the people shouldn't save seats but he was told "by Village Management" to only call the police if a fight broke out. He was NOT to do or say anything to anybody unless the Fire Code was being broken. So as of today, saving seats is just a breakable rule and like others have stated, I will not stress out or fight about it but I will try and get the issue peacefully resolved.

sail33 You have every right to address this issue because it is new to you and perhaps a sensible suggestion will come along to help those that like to visit the squares.

The same people complaining about the 5:00 o'clock sun at the squares are the same people that golf from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or play pickel ball, etc. Seat saving , saving strategic spots, etc at events is what people do. And complain is what people do who like to be fashionable late.

I don't blame The Villages employees from not involving themselves in this dispute

Did you hear the word "free" spoken several times. Well I wonder how important going to the squares would be for some of these
residents/visitors if they had to pay to enter?

A look back at the discussion on this topic and from similar threads is the reason I stopped going to the squares at night long ago. Who needs the crowds, the hassle the aggravation. I do venture down to Lake Sumter periodically to get my ambrosia fix

And by the way when I did visit the squares at night I liked to walk and wonder about, dance a little and greet people I knew. Hence I don't need no stinking seat:D


Welcome to The Villages and welcome to this forum you are going to meet some really neat people

Personal Best Regards:

[asianthree]

Sails would be very nice for shade but would need poles to attach them to. That's a hazard. Seat saving I don't get. Just bring a chair, why would you need to sit that close, I can hear the band in the shops. Maybe the seat savers need to be close to make fun of the dancers. What was she thinking with that outfit, bless his heart he dressed himself, and didn't look in the mirror. The best one is do they only know four steps, that's why. Line dancing was invented.

[CFrance]

I'm not sure what you mean. If you see a package unattended should you pick it up and run with it? But what if it is dangerous? Most of us can't run anymore. We will probably hurt our knee and not get very far. We need another plan.
Good to have you back, tomwed.