RioGrand Dog Park ??

[Bosoxfan]

In the last 4 months or so we've been taking our dog "Mookie" to an unofficial dog park behind the Rio Grande postal station.What a beautiful track of land. Anyone Know how many acres it is? Who owns it? Why hasn't the villages purchased it? I heard there is more then one owner and that they don't have a problem with the dogs and people roaming their property.

[Taltarzac725]

In the last 4 months or so we've been taking our dog "Mookie" to an unofficial dog park behind the Rio Grande postal station.What a beautiful track of land. Anyone Know how many acres it is? Who owns it? Why hasn't the villages purchased it? I heard there is more then one owner and that they don't have a problem with the dogs and people roaming their property.

I used to take Sport there years ago. If you look at the Sumter County Property Appraiser web-site and look up these units of land after putting in a name from one of the homeowner's around that area, you will see a lot of different people own those various parcels of land.

Sumter County Property Appraiser - Joey Hooten - Bushnell, Florida - 352-569-6800 (http://www.sumterpa.com/)

You can use the measuring features of that web-site to get the size of the track of land as well.

[champion6]

It is approximately 73-74 acres.

According to the Lake County GIS website, the entire empty area is owned by VILLAGES OF LAKE-SUMTER INC.

Technically, it is composed of many small lots, but the developer owns all of them.

[Bosoxfan]

I used to take Sport there years ago. If you look at the Sumter County Property Appraiser web-site and look up these units of land after putting in a name from one of the homeowner's around that area, you will see a lot of different people own those various parcels of land.

Sumter County Property Appraiser - Joey Hooten - Bushnell, Florida - 352-569-6800 (http://www.sumterpa.com/)

You can use the measuring features of that web-site to get the size of the track of land as well.

It is approximately 73-74 acres.

According to the Lake County GIS website, the entire empty area is owned by VILLAGES OF LAKE-SUMTER INC.

Technically, it is composed of many small lots, but the developer owns all of them.


Thank you both but these a 2 different answers..

Anyone " in the know" have info they'd like to share

[champion6]

Thank you both but these are 2 different answers.

Anyone "in the know" have info they'd like to shareIsn't this way it always is on TOTV? :a20:

I suggest you call the Lake County property appraiser's office.

[Mleeja]

These are undeveloped lots within The Villages. The AAC looked at purchasing this property sometime within the last couple of years. Due to the difficulties in contacting owners, the effort was dropped.

[Taltarzac725]

These are undeveloped lots within The Villages. The AAC looked at purchasing this property sometime within the last couple of years. Due to the difficulties in contacting owners, the effort was dropped.

I looked at a Villages' map and this property is in Lake County. It is right on the County Line between Sumter and Lake Counties.

I must have looked at the Lake County Property Appraiser's web-site years ago and saw that AT THAT TIME there were many different owners of these lots.

[champion6]

These are undeveloped lots within The Villages. The AAC looked at purchasing this property sometime within the last couple of years. Due to the difficulties in contacting owners, the effort was dropped.Some of the property is owned by TV, some by individuals. The problems stated by Mljeea are true. Here are some articles from the online news site from 2016:

You must replace the ***** with villages(dash)news

https://**************.com/developer-willing-sell-land-behind-rio-grande-pool-aac/

https://**************.com/rio-grande-dog-park-site-14-acre-recreational-complex/

https://**************.com/aac-acquire-rio-grande-property-700000-800000/

https://**************.com/county-turns-aacs-request-assistance-eminent-domain-rio-grande-property/

[dirtbanker]

It is Harold Swartz's development prior to TV...that failed.

[Topspinmo]

These are undeveloped lots within The Villages. The AAC looked at purchasing this property sometime within the last couple of years. Due to the difficulties in contacting owners, the effort was dropped.

Mostly owned by the morses, they're yes girl tried to push districts 3 and 4 to purchase for lack of amenities in district 3 and 4 which is now where close to 3 and 4. This was going on when district was looking to buy the 40 acres off CR42 with the law suit money. The developers would not alow excess to new construction site east of VA center which the main road from the site runs straight to the property line with one old hog wire fence so that shut that down.

Now that the church property seems to be done deal? alls end well for for district 3 and mainly 4 with the 350 or so new homes being built with the 20 acre site and the church. It's pretty hush hush what's actually going to be at the rec center and acres. Hopefully it will be just like Rohan excerise and outdoor amenities? If so it's will shut all of us up in district 4 whining lack of amenities. All of this is of course MY OPINION from reading news (and between the lines:pepper2:) So, jump in with you're opinions which we'll probably not change mine:shrug:

I also have another opinion about the 40 acres for sale. That would make nice addition to district 4 with 500 or so new homes after the church deal rec center is done. That way IMO the developers don't have to add amenities or another golf course on the property?

[Bosoxfan]

Mostly owned by the morses, they're yes girl tried to push districts 3 and 4 to purchase for lack of amenities in district 3 and 4 which is now where close to 3 and 4. This was going on when district was looking to buy the 40 acres off CR42 with the law suit money. The developers would not alow excess to new construction site east of VA center which the main road from the site runs straight to the property line with one old hog wire fence so that shut that down.

Now that the church property seems to be done deal? alls end well for for district 3 and mainly 4 with the 350 or so new homes being built with the 20 acre site and the church. It's pretty hush hush what's actually going to be at the rec center and acres. Hopefully it will be just like Rohan excerise and outdoor amenities? If so it's will shut all of us up in district 4 whining lack of amenities. All of this is of course MY OPINION from reading news (and between the lines:pepper2:) So, jump in with you're opinions which we'll probably not change mine:shrug:


I also have another opinion about the 40 acres for sale. That would make nice addition to district 4 with 500 or so new homes after the church deal rec center is done. That way IMO the developers don't have to add amenities or another golf course on the property?


What? Did you answer my questions? If so please decipher.

[Bogie Shooter]

In the last 4 months or so we've been taking our dog "Mookie" to an unofficial dog park behind the Rio Grande postal station.What a beautiful track of land. Anyone Know how many acres it is? Who owns it? Why hasn't the villages purchased it? I heard there is more then one owner and that they don't have a problem with the dogs and people roaming their property.

This sounds like trespassing............................

[Topspinmo]

What? Did you answer my questions? If so please decipher.

It's private property over there. I never go on private property intentionally without permission.

[Bosoxfan]

This sounds like trespassing............................

It's private property over there. I never go on private property intentionally without permission.

Seriously...?

Why do you guys feel the need to chime in with comments that are only posted to provoke a debate? I posted a couple of questions. Do either of you know the answers.

[Bogie Shooter]

Seriously...?

Why do you guys feel the need to chime in with comments that are only posted to provoke a debate? I posted a couple of questions. Do either of you know the answers.

Is this the beginning if a lecture?

[rustyp]

Seriously...?

Why do you guys feel the need to chime in with comments that are only posted to provoke a debate? I posted a couple of questions. Do either of you know the answers.

I support you - your original questions in my opinion were heading towards who owns this property and is it a problem to use ? I thought it was well worded making no assumptions. Why is the answer NOT acceptable from someone who has no legal or financial interest in this property ? I could be wrong but I would think only the property owners could press charges against no trespassing.

Oh I forgot to add you can't possibly expect to ask a question and get a straight answer here.

[Mleeja]

Seriously...?

Why do you guys feel the need to chime in with comments that are only posted to provoke a debate? I posted a couple of questions. Do either of you know the answers.

Your questions were answered. In case you missed it I will repeat. This area is owned by The Villages Development, or whatever the legal name is. The area was originally plotted and lots sold for modular (mobile) homes. Some of the lots were sold to individuals, but were never developed due to The Villages changing their business model to stick built homes.

Within the past couple of years The Amenity Authority Committee investigated acquiring this property from The Villages Development and the lot owners to increase the area of the Rec Center. Due to difficulties in tracking down the lot owners, establishing current land values, etc., the project was dropped. All of this information is available in the AAC meeting minutes.

Yes, this is private property, both The Villages and private individuals. Can it be used as a dog park? I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on the TOTV, my laymen answer is no. (See the discussion about the open area across from The Villages Hospital) But chances are if the dog owners are responsible and keep the area clean and do not “tear up” the property, The Villages Development will not close off this area.

[tophcfa]

Our home is close to the area and we have been walking our dog there for several years. Is it trespassing, I am not sure but the land is not posted. The area gets used heavily by many dog owners and we have never seen or heard of anyone being questioned for using the land. I do wish that people would be better at picking up after their dogs as this could eventually wind up ruining it for the responsible dog owners. I always bring three or four poop bags with me and walk out with all of them full and usually only one of them is from our dog.

[dirtbanker]

Your questions were answered. In case you missed it I will repeat. This area is owned by The Villages Development, or whatever the legal name is. The area was originally plotted and lots sold for modular (mobile) homes. Some of the lots were sold to individuals, but were never developed due to The Villages changing their business model to stick built homes.

Within the past couple of years The Amenity Authority Committee investigated acquiring this property from The Villages Development and the lot owners to increase the area of the Rec Center. Due to difficulties in tracking down the lot owners, establishing current land values, etc., the project was dropped. All of this information is available in the AAC meeting minutes.

Yes, this is private property, both The Villages and private individuals. Can it be used as a dog park? I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on the TOTV, my laymen answer is no. (See the discussion about the open area across from The Villages Hospital) But chances are if the dog owners are responsible and keep the area clean and do not “tear up” the property, The Villages Development will not close off this area.

The majority of the property is owned by Villages of Lake-Sumter INC.
https://geohub-lcgis.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/tax-parcels?geometry=-81.955%2C28.927%2C-81.948%2C28.929

Originally planned as an RV park with electric, sewer and water to each lot. Were never developed because Swartz/Morse was making money hand over fist with stick built homes and RV park would ruin the flavor.

Tracking down the owners is really easy...their address is provided when you click on the parcel. Established current value would be the price the seller and purchaser can agree on. here is one for 40K
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Lady-Lake-FL/103379753_zpid/5474_rid/28.923714,-81.950581,28.921352,-81.954014_rect/17_zm/

You forgot to mention the part where the developer recently spoke of eminent domain with the town of Lady Lake...because a number of those RV Park lot owners are pi$$ed that the electric, sewer, and water promised by Swartz at the sale was never provided and those purchasers will probably never sell...Its only a matter of time till one of them buys an old Huey helicopter and really gets even (imagine the sound when they are warming it up in the morning to go for breakfast LOL).

[Topspinmo]

Our home is close to the area and we have been walking our dog there for several years. Is it trespassing, I am not sure but the land is not posted. The area gets used heavily by many dog owners and we have never seen or heard of anyone being questioned for using the land. I do wish that people would be better at picking up after their dogs as this could eventually wind up ruining it for the responsible dog owners. I always bring three or four poop bags with me and walk out with all of them full and usually only one of them is from our dog.

You bet it can wind up ruining it, just like what happen at church property beside villages off 42.

Trespassing, you can not enter private property with out permission. Signs or no signs. In most cases the landowners will just run you off if they don't want you on their land. (In this case who knows who owns what particles of land) But, they can call the sheriff and have you arrested for trespassing. No different than someone coming in you're yard without permission. You expect them To knock on the door and ask first right? Some states it's felony for trespassing, some state it's not. Florida trespassing laws? I don't know I haven't looked it up, so I will not enter private property without permission. Good example is champion golf courses unless you paid for round of golf or got pass you can't be on the course, like you see after the start shack closes, its trespassing.

I seen good example the other day, old man was resting at the entry of the compound off 466 across from villages. He was just setting there when I when by, when I came back by three sheriff vehicles were surrounding him, you can bet they was telling him he's on private property and he was just off the road. I don't know if he got arrest or was told to move on, I didn't stop and nose.

[pauld315]

Most times it is better to just keep quiet and use something that nobody is complaining about rather than publicize it.

[Taltarzac725]

Our home is close to the area and we have been walking our dog there for several years. Is it trespassing, I am not sure but the land is not posted. The area gets used heavily by many dog owners and we have never seen or heard of anyone being questioned for using the land. I do wish that people would be better at picking up after their dogs as this could eventually wind up ruining it for the responsible dog owners. I always bring three or four poop bags with me and walk out with all of them full and usually only one of them is from our dog.

There were quite a lot of dogs using the properties when I was there in 2010-2014 or so. My current pooch might run off so he needs to stay on a leash. He likes to run fast. The turtle holes also pose a threat to dogs moving fast.

For other posters-- Take a look at the Lake County Property Appraiser web-site. It should show who owns which lots.

[CFrance]

There were quite a lot of dogs using the properties when I was there in 2010-2014 or so. My current pooch might run off so he needs to stay on a leash. He likes to run fast. The turtle holes also pose a threat to dogs moving fast.

For other posters-- Take a look at the Lake County Property Appraiser web-site. It should show who owns which lots.
Just to add to the turtle hole caution: A broken wrist on a Golden Retriever costs $3000+. And 12 weeks recovery.

[Sgroemm]

My only concern is that there is often many dogs off leash in the Rio Grande post office/pool parking lot due to the "adopted" dog park area. Please people, reattach the leash before you leave the fenced area! Cars, pedestrians, air gun enthusiasts, pool patrons, golf cart drivers, mail center employees and me who was nearly bitten by a Dachshund who was running loose in the lot will thank you! Its your pet's safety as well as the others who use this area.

[CFrance]

My only concern is that there is often many dogs off leash in the Rio Grande post office/pool parking lot due to the "adopted" dog park area. Please people, reattach the leash before you leave the fenced area! Cars, pedestrians, air gun enthusiasts, pool patrons, golf cart drivers, mail center employees and me who was nearly bitten by a Dachshund who was running loose in the lot will thank you! Its your pet's safety as well as the others who use this area.
Air gun enthusiasts at a postal center. Wha...?

(I agree with you about dogs off leash anywhere but where they're allowed.)

[Topspinmo]

Most times it is better to just keep quiet and use something that nobody is complaining about rather than publicize it.
:BigApplause::BigApplause:

[Topspinmo]

Air gun enthusiasts at a postal center. Wha...?

(I agree with you about dogs off leash anywhere but where they're allowed.)

The original air gun range is there also. Little shack to the left. I interpret their a lot going on there and dogs should not be off leash?

[CFrance]

The original air gun range is there also. Little shack to the left. I interpret their a lot going on there and dogs should not be off leash?
Tx. Didn't know.

[Bogie Shooter]

Tx. Didn't know.

You need to get out more.:smiley::wave:

[Taltarzac725]

The dogs need to be on leash around the croquet and air gun range at the Rio Grande Pool and Post Office.

People take them off leash out of range of the air pistol pellets trajectory.

[Bogie Shooter]

Oh my, live targets at the range.:22yikes:

[tophcfa]

Oh my, live targets at the range.:22yikes:

Not funny, if anyone ever took a shot at my dog it would be the last thing they ever did.

[CFrance]

You need to get out more.:smiley::wave:
Apparently!

[Bogie Shooter]

Not funny, if anyone ever took a shot at my dog it would be the last thing they ever did.

Keep him off the range........................

[Taltarzac725]

Keep him off the range........................

The dogs usually do not go anywhere near where wayward pellets from the air gun range would be.

[Sgroemm]

Air gun enthusiasts at a postal center. Wha...?

(I agree with you about dogs off leash anywhere but where they're allowed.)

There is an air gun practice/shooting range directly behind the Rio Grande post office....within 2-3 feet of my mailbox.

[Taltarzac725]

There is an air gun practice/shooting range directly behind the Rio Grande post office....within 2-3 feet of my mailbox.

It is more a small shack with a wall you can shoot at. The last time I was there anyway. No roof that I recall.

[Topspinmo]

It is more a small shack with a wall you can shoot at. The last time I was there anyway. No roof that I recall.

The wall stops the pellets along with the board you staple your target to. No pellets are going to may 90 degree turn up the down and the level out straight. At 12 meters I don think the will miss the barn? But, you never know, always village idiot around?:22yikes: like the one that pulled the ball bat on the retired sheriff that was carrying.

[Topspinmo]

The dogs usually do not go anywhere near where wayward pellets from the air gun range would be.

No wayward pellets makes it out of the backstop enclosed target area.

[Topspinmo]

Keep him off the range........................

Dog can't go no the range it square box enclosed.

[Topspinmo]

There is an air gun practice/shooting range directly behind the Rio Grande post office....within 2-3 feet of my mailbox.

And they are shooting behind wall pointed the opposite direction.

[dirtbanker]

There is an air gun practice/shooting range directly behind the Rio Grande post office....within 2-3 feet of my mailbox.

Sounds fun...

[spring_chicken]

What? Did you answer my questions? If so please decipher.

Some posts make me dizzy trying to decipher the spelling and grammar. Spend 5 minutes trying to figure out what they're saying, then find out it wasn't even on topic. lol

[Sgroemm]

Dog can't go no the range it square box enclosed.
The dogs who are off leash after leaving the "adopted dog park" area do run all over...not where the pellets are aimed, but they can easily run right down the small area where the people stand to shoot. I never meant to imply the dogs are in danger of getting hit by pellets, but rather they are running loose where many people are doing activities and many cars and carts are traveling. The one who tried to bite me when I was getting my mail was more than 30 feet from its owner and running loose near the gun range and mailboxes.

I know there is a leash law in TV....I just wish the owners would realize they are putting their dogs and others in danger with this practice.

[Topspinmo]

The dogs who are off leash after leaving the "adopted dog park" area do run all over...not where the pellets are aimed, but they can easily run right down the small area where the people stand to shoot. I never meant to imply the dogs are in danger of getting hit by pellets, but rather they are running loose where many people are doing activities and many cars and carts are traveling. The one who tried to bite me when I was getting my mail was more than 30 feet from its owner and running loose near the gun range and mailboxes.

I know there is a leash law in TV....I just wish the owners would realize they are putting their dogs and others in danger with this practice.

I agree the shouldn't be off leash.

[Topspinmo]

Not directed at any post, but FYI if interested?

Another thing, if the air gunners follow the rules (and we all follow rules right?):icon_wink: the pellet guns are loaded on the bench pointing toward the target/backstop and if any pellets left in the gun then unloaded still on the bench pointed towards the target/backstop. Most target rifles are single shot, few repeaters, mine is PCP 9 shot rotary magazine. No, not and assault pellet rife, but the Bentley version.:boxing2: