New First Responders Recreation Center

[BRN_RI_FL]

Any comments on the proposed new recreation center? They had the first meeting yesterday to go over the preliminary proposal and to get residents input. It will probably be 6 months before they arrive at the final design and costs and then another year and a half to two years to build. They. Included a putt and play course in the proposal but I’m hoping they change it to pitch and putt. Not quite sure why they included a corn hole area. The preliminary proposal calls for a resort pool similar to Fenney and platform tennis. There was even someone there from a fire department offering to display their antique fire engine at the center. It should be an interesting process.

[Kahuna32162]

I see they included a sand volleyball area, not really a old person's sport and hard on the knees.

[Chi-Town]

I see they included a sand volleyball area, not really a old person's sport and hard on the knees.Sand volleyball courts now double as sand tennis courts with their own balls and racquets. Seems to be growing rapidly but not sure if it's any better on the knees.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Taltarzac725]

Saw a group of first responders a few nights ago when a man fell at the Walmart Subway and they gave him a lot of information and checked him out and then he made the decision to leave with his wive's help and not take the ambulance. They had picked him up off the Subway floor and made him comfortable in a stretcher.

They certainly do good work here in the Villages area and deserve a place for rest and relaxation.

[JSR22]

The rRec Center is named in honorof the First Responders. The Rec Center is for Village Residents.

[LuvtheVillages]

Saw a group of first responders a few nights ago when a man fell at the Walmart Subway and they gave him a lot of information and checked him out and then he made the decision to leave with his wive's help and not take the ambulance. They had picked him up off the Subway floor and made him comfortable in a stretcher.

They certainly do good work here in the Villages area and deserve a place for rest and relaxation.

I won't dispute that first responders deserve a place for rest and relaxation. However, this is not it. This rec center is being named in their honor. It is for use by Villagers, not first responders.

[Lottoguy]

I would rather see 18 hole Putt & Play instead of just nine holes. There already are many executive golf courses already. Which is just a Pitch and Putt on steroids. The beach entry pool will be great to see. I hope they add a water fall like it was mentioned in the survey. They should also consider this multi purpose as well. Make it a FAMILY pool on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The other four days for adults only. This will make everyone happy.

[graciegirl]

I would rather see 18 hole Putt & Play instead of just nine holes. There already are many executive golf courses already. Which is just a Pitch and Putt on steroids. The beach entry pool will be great to see. I hope they add a water fall like it was mentioned in the survey. They should also consider this multi purpose as well. Make it a FAMILY pool on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The other four days for adults only. This will make everyone happy.

Oh Lord. Imagine the arguments if people forget and come with kids on the wrong day.

[CWGUY]

:laugh:I would rather see 18 hole Putt & Play instead of just nine holes. There already are many executive golf courses already. Which is just a Pitch and Putt on steroids. The beach entry pool will be great to see. I hope they add a water fall like it was mentioned in the survey. They should also consider this multi purpose as well. Make it a FAMILY pool on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The other four days for adults only. This will make everyone happy.

:icon_wink: Give the 9 holes the odd numbers 1-17 on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and even numbers 2-18 the other four days. BINGO :shrug:

I also think the water falls should only be turned on when it's a Family Pool for the kiddies..... the adults will not play under it IMHO. :ho:

[Taltarzac725]

The rRec Center is named in honorof the First Responders. The Rec Center is for Village Residents.

OK. I was wondering about that. Of course, a Recreational Center for the First Responders is a better idea.

And this name is going to lead to A LOT of confusion. I always like the adage Keep It Simple Stupid.

They should name it something else and put in some Thank Yous to First Responders.

[Moderator]

OK...back to the topic...the proposed amenities at the new First Responders Rec Center.

Yes, it is a facility for Villagers and their guests. It is not being built for the use of First Responders. That has been established.


Moderator

[CWGUY]

OK. I was wondering about that. Of course, a Recreational Center for the First Responders is a better idea.

And this name is going to lead to A LOT of confusion. I always like the adage Keep It Simple Stupid.

They should name it something else and put in some Thank Yous to First Responders.

:ohdear:

[Taltarzac725]

OK...back to the topic...the proposed amenities at the new First Responders Rec Center.

Yes, it is a facility for Villagers and their guests. It is not being built for the use of First Responders. That has been established.


Moderator

Thanks for clearing that up. It is very confusing and will be the source of a lot of confusion. They need a new name IMHO.

[LuvtheVillages]

I would much prefer a putt-putt course rather than a pitch and putt course. They could fit 18 holes of putt-putt in that same space. AND, it would be more attractive for us folks who don't walk so well.
Be sure to have some adult-height benches along the way.

[tophcfa]

I am disappointed in the proposed amenities. The Villages needs more regulation lap swimming pools as well as times where the pools are available for lap swimming besides early in the morning and late in the evening.

[Velvet]

Yes, I was confused by the name of the etc center too. Although, in my opinion, the first responders do deserve their own rec center.

[CWGUY]

Yes, I was confused by the name of the etc center too. Although, in my opinion, the first responders do deserve their own rec center.

:rolleyes: How confused do you think I was when I drove down to see the NEW FIRE HOUSE..... and there were no flames? On the way there I also notices the NEW GREEN HOUSES are not green..... wow - now I'm totally confused. Must have just been the names......:oops: I don't know because I don't have a couple college degrees...... just a little common sense. :icon_wink:

Ask any First Responder around here what he/she would like and I'll bet they say a decent salary, decent benefits, and a good retirement before they say "a Rec. Center???" I'm always amazed they work around here when I talk to them. And that is often as I'm a retired Public Safety Professional. :ho:

[Velvet]

My direct neighbor in TV is a first responder, my gym mates were firefighters.

Now, CW, you are just joking... we all know how smart you really are.

[Taltarzac725]

Would you expect the Newlywed Suite to be in honor of Newlyweds or for the exclusive use of Newlyweds?

Same with this First Responders Recreation Center. Name it after some Sumter County heroic firefighter or police officer rather than using this very confusing name. Maybe the Leland Greek Recreation Center. I do not know much about the man though.

[jcvdd1]

Yes, I was confused by the name of the etc center too. Although, in my opinion, the first responders do deserve their own rec center.

Once again, I'm confused... How can The Villages build an entire Recreation Center for the sole use of First Responders as the overall percentage of active First Responders residing within The Villages are minimal at best???

[Velvet]

No, they are not building a rec center for the first responders, from what I understand.

They are honoring the first responders by naming a regular rec center after them. My observation was that they actually do deserve their own rec center - but that’s never going to happen, as you say, there are not enough of them.

[Bogie Shooter]

Once again, I'm confused... How can The Villages build an entire Recreation Center for the sole use of First Responders as the overall percentage of active First Responders residing within The Villages are minimal at best???

They can't, their not.

Have you read all of the posts?

[Lottoguy]

People will learn the days.

[Lottoguy]

It's not for first responders. That is the name of the recreation center. The name is dedicated to their profession.

[Serenoa]

I see they included a sand volleyball area, not really a old person's sport and hard on the knees.

How could soft sand be any harder on the knees than a pickleball or tennis court? Shuffleboard & bocce ball are "old person's sports" and don't appeal to me at all. Sand volleyball & sand tennis DO.

[gomsiepop]

Does anyone know where the location of the rec center will be?

[Bogie Shooter]

Does anyone know where the location of the rec center will be?

The new First Responders Recreation Center is to be located on a roughly 20-acre piece of property purchased last year for nearly $2 million from the First Baptist Church at The Villages, located at the northernmost tip of The Villages.

[jeriteri]

I have to disagree that there are too many executive courses because their filled every day, especially in the mornings. I agree with you that the sports pool, this one and all the others should be open to families at least 3-4 days a week when classes are not scheduled. We have so many that sit idle.

[Taltarzac725]

The new First Responders Recreation Center is to be located on a roughly 20-acre piece of property purchased last year for nearly $2 million from the First Baptist Church at The Villages, located at the northernmost tip of The Villages.

So this would be Marion County. They could name it after some Marion County police officer, medic, or firefighter from that county. I would direct them to the agents who took down Ma Barker and her boy. Ma Barker - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Barker)

FBI Shooting - Fred & Kate "Ma" Barker (http://historicalgmen.squarespace.com/fbi-shooting-fred-kate-ma-b)

Signet ring of notorius gangster found at Ocklawaha shootout site - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20161225/signet-ring-of-notorius-gangster-found-at-ocklawaha-shootout-site)

[Taltarzac725]

So this would be Marion County. They could name it after some Marion County police officer, medic, or firefighter from that county. I would direct them to the agents who took down Ma Barker and her boy. Ma Barker - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Barker)

FBI Shooting - Fred & Kate "Ma" Barker (http://historicalgmen.squarespace.com/fbi-shooting-fred-kate-ma-b)

Signet ring of notorius gangster found at Ocklawaha shootout site - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20161225/signet-ring-of-notorius-gangster-found-at-ocklawaha-shootout-site)


They should name it after one of these FBI agents which is kind of fitting in with the various names of other Villages' Rec Centers-- Bogart and Eisenhower as well as the "history" they make up for the three Squares.

Public Heroes: Ranking the Depression-era FBI agents – Brian Hunt (https://bhunt34.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/public-heroes-ranking-the-depression-era-fbi-agents/)

Connelley took over as the head of the “flying squad” in 1934 and oversaw the arrest of multiple public enemies: Doc Barker, Bryan Bolton, Fred Barker, Alvin Karpis, Harry Campbell, and other remnants of the Dillinger and Karpis-Barker gangs. Connelley also was a kidnapping “ace” that led the Bureau’s most famous kidnap cases – Stoll, Weyerhaeuser, Ross, and Mattson, to name a few. He was known as one of the toughest agents in Bureau history. He worked his men hard and early in his career, was sent to multiple offices to “clean house” in line with Hoovers expectations.

As mentioned above, Connelley led the raid in Florida that killed Ma and Fred Barker. During a remarkable stretch in 1936, four of the top criminals were arrested. Connelley personally arrested Alvin Karpis and Harry Campbell.

[CWGUY]

So this would be Marion County. They could name it after some Marion County police officer, medic, or firefighter from that county. I would direct them to the agents who took down Ma Barker and her boy. Ma Barker - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Barker)

FBI Shooting - Fred & Kate "Ma" Barker (http://historicalgmen.squarespace.com/fbi-shooting-fred-kate-ma-b)

Signet ring of notorius gangster found at Ocklawaha shootout site - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20161225/signet-ring-of-notorius-gangster-found-at-ocklawaha-shootout-site)

They should name it after one of these FBI agents which is kind of fitting in with the various names of other Villages' Rec Centers-- Bogart and Eisenhower as well as the "history" they make up for the three Squares.

Public Heroes: Ranking the Depression-era FBI agents – Brian Hunt (https://bhunt34.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/public-heroes-ranking-the-depression-era-fbi-agents/)

:confused: Let me see if I have this straight..... you want them to name a Rec. Center that you didn't know the location of - in Honor of a couple of F.B.I. Agents whose names you didn't know til you looked them up today - instead of HONORING ALL FIRST RESPONDERS ? Why? Because you were confused and made a bad assumption when you thought it was being built for first responders use instead of resident use?

:ohdear: Does that pretty much cover it? Just trying to figure out where you are coming from on this one. Sorry Buddy but I think it's a done deal. :ho:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It could probably be simplified and clarified if they used the word Honorary. The Rescue Workers' Honorary Rec Center. "First Responders" just seems like such a PC term - and it singles out only those who are the first to show up at a disaster or rescue mission. What of all those who come after the first wave, who are involved in the aftermath and cleanup? They deserve a nod too. So "Rescue Workers" embraces the whole bunch of them. Plus it's shorter and fits better on a sign.

[fw102807]

It could probably be simplified and clarified if they used the word Honorary. The Rescue Workers' Honorary Rec Center. "First Responders" just seems like such a PC term - and it singles out only those who are the first to show up at a disaster or rescue mission. What of all those who come after the first wave, who are involved in the aftermath and cleanup? They deserve a nod too. So "Rescue Workers" embraces the whole bunch of them. Plus it's shorter and fits better on a sign.

First Responders would disagree since they are the ones who risk their lives.

[CWGUY]

It could probably be simplified and clarified if they used the word Honorary. The Rescue Workers' Honorary Rec Center. "First Responders" just seems like such a PC term - and it singles out only those who are the first to show up at a disaster or rescue mission. What of all those who come after the first wave, who are involved in the aftermath and cleanup? They deserve a nod too. So "Rescue Workers" embraces the whole bunch of them. Plus it's shorter and fits better on a sign.

:1rotfl: Thank God that First Responders know that is NOT the case! If a Fire Dept. rig get dispatched on a 2nd. or 3rd. alarm etc. they know they are still First Responders. If an ambulance crew calls for an ALS unit it will show up with 1st. responders on it. If an evidence tech shows up at a crime 15 minutes after it happens he/she is still a first responder.

:ohdear: Let's NOT over think this! ..... And " it's shorter and fits better on a sign" is NO reason to name anything! IMHO

[CWGUY]

First Responders would disagree since they are the ones who risk their lives.

:ho: You said it even better! Thank you.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Never thought my post would go in this direction.

[CWGUY]

Never thought my post would go in this direction.

:ho: It should not have gone this way and I sincerely apologize for the part I played in that. I should have answered your post and ignored the people who didn't know what they were talking about. I eagerly await it's completion(couple of years?) and hope to donate an item and have it displayed. :)

[CFrance]

Sand volleyball courts now double as sand tennis courts with their own balls and racquets. Seems to be growing rapidly but not sure if it's any better on the knees.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I agree. Plus I don't think running on soft sand is good on a lot of body parts.

[CFrance]

People will learn the days.
That, plus a sign at the entrance. Next to the sign on the garbage can that says No Animal Feces. Signs can indeed be helpful!

[CFrance]

How could soft sand be any harder on the knees than a pickleball or tennis court? Shuffleboard & bocce ball are "old person's sports" and don't appeal to me at all. Sand volleyball & sand tennis DO.
Have you ever tried to run on a Great Lakes beach? It's much harder on your body because it is not a flat surface and gives in different ways with each footfall.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

:1rotfl: Thank God that First Responders know that is NOT the case! If a Fire Dept. rig get dispatched on a 2nd. or 3rd. alarm etc. they know they are still First Responders. If an ambulance crew calls for an ALS unit it will show up with 1st. responders on it. If an evidence tech shows up at a crime 15 minutes after it happens he/she is still a first responder.

:ohdear: Let's NOT over think this! ..... And " it's shorter and fits better on a sign" is NO reason to name anything! IMHO

From Wikipedia:
" It has been reported that over 1,400 9/11 rescue workers who responded to the scene in the days and months after the attacks have since died."

They deserve a nod. First responders are the ones who show up first. They're not always the ones that do the rescuing, they're not always the ones that put the fire out, they're not always the ones who catch the bad guy. They are the ones who show up first. ALL rescue workers, from the first to the last, deserve to be honored.

[Marathon Man]

I don't get it. I just don't get it. Someone decided to honor a group of people that risk their lives everyday so that our lives are better and safer. And there are those that find a way to find fault with it. Un-feaking-believable.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Any comments on the proposed new recreation center? They had the first meeting yesterday to go over the preliminary proposal and to get residents input. It will probably be 6 months before they arrive at the final design and costs and then another year and a half to two years to build. They. Included a putt and play course in the proposal but I’m hoping they change it to pitch and putt. Not quite sure why they included a corn hole area. The preliminary proposal calls for a resort pool similar to Fenney and platform tennis. There was even someone there from a fire department offering to display their antique fire engine at the center. It should be an interesting process.

The reason there are people commenting about it is because the OP asked, in the very first sentence, if there were any comments. The OP went on to explain that resident input is being requested.

If anyone objects to people discussing topics of interest, in a thread that is very expressly about the *discussion* of the topic, and requesting input and opinions about the topic, then why would you read past the very first post in the thread where you discover that is exactly what the thread is about?

Or maybe some people just prefer criticizing the posters, instead of discussing topics.

[JoMar]

If you read the posts there were multiple explanations that repeatedly clarified the rec center.....yet, people asked the same questions multiple times. I guess that means those posting don't read, don't comprehend, have a retention issue or just want to stir the pot.

[Bogie Shooter]

The reason there are people commenting about it is because the OP asked, in the very first sentence, if there were any comments. The OP went on to explain that resident input is being requested.

If anyone objects to people discussing topics of interest, in a thread that is very expressly about the *discussion* of the topic, and requesting input and opinions about the topic, then why would you read past the very first post in the thread where you discover that is exactly what the thread is about?

Or maybe some people just prefer criticizing the posters, instead of discussing topics.

Resident input in a formal setting......not on social media.

[Taltarzac725]

Resident input in a formal setting......not on social media.

Which would probably get the same question about the First Responders Recreation Center. This sounds like it is for their use which is a very good idea if really showing that you care for these people. Rather than than just putting some words on a building.

And there are a lot of first responders in the Villages' area.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Any comments on the proposed new recreation center? They had the first meeting yesterday to go over the preliminary proposal and to get residents input. It will probably be 6 months before they arrive at the final design and costs and then another year and a half to two years to build. They. Included a putt and play course in the proposal but I’m hoping they change it to pitch and putt. Not quite sure why they included a corn hole area. The preliminary proposal calls for a resort pool similar to Fenney and platform tennis. There was even someone there from a fire department offering to display their antique fire engine at the center. It should be an interesting process.

Not sure why that first sentence is being missed. But there it is again, for those who are actually interested in discussing the topic, rather than criticizing people who are discussing the topic (or cherry-picking partial sentences to take posts out of context in an attempt to criticize the people who are discussing the topic).

[Lottoguy]

It was estimated at the meeting it would be at least two years before this recreation center will be open.

THE VILLAGES - First Responders Rec Center Introduced - YouTube (https://youtu.be/6y7UJVP319E)

[Velvet]

I read the OP the same way too. Why ask for comments if you don’t want any?

[Garywt]

I believe the post was a report of what was going in, the name was decided a while ago.

The mini golf is nice for all the people that do not play golf and anyone can do that. A pitch and putt would be for golfers mostly.

I am disappointed that I do not see a lazy river or hot tubs which were talked about a lot during the survey online.

I like the pool though.

[Serenoa]

Have you ever tried to run on a Great Lakes beach? It's much harder on your body because it is not a flat surface and gives in different ways with each footfall.

Why would anyone want to run on a Great Lakes beach when we have real ocean beaches here in Florida? :):) I'm 66 yrs old and have been playing beach volleyball since I was a teenager, with absolutely no injuries or problems. Like I said before, shuffleboard & bocce ball don't interest me at all, but I've never complained on here about TV including them at every rec center. If a certain sport or activity doesn't appeal to someone, that's fine. But don't come on here & complain that TV shouldn't include them for those that do.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'll definitely look forward to the Putt & Play, since I'm not a golfer but get a kick out of miniature golf.

[Taltarzac725]

I'll definitely look forward to the Putt & Play, since I'm not a golfer but get a kick out of miniature golf.

This Recreational Center will not be very far from my location --Lynnhaven-- so that is a plus. The Putt & Play also something I might use also not being a golfer. I did bowl a bit.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This Recreational Center will not be very far from my location --Lynnhaven-- so that is a plus. The Putt & Play also something I might use also not being a golfer. I did bowl a bit.

Awesome! I'm a former bowler, some joint trouble in my hip and knees made it difficult so I had to give it up. I might return to it though, and just lighten to an 11 pound ball instead of 13.

[CFrance]

Why would anyone want to run on a Great Lakes beach when we have real ocean beaches here in Florida? :):) I'm 66 yrs old and have been playing beach volleyball since I was a teenager, with absolutely no injuries or problems. Like I said before, shuffleboard & bocce ball don't interest me at all, but I've never complained on here about TV including them at every rec center. If a certain sport or activity doesn't appeal to someone, that's fine. But don't come on here & complain that TV shouldn't include them for those that do.
So you grew up in Florida? Perhaps with tide going out, sand is harder and easier on the back. We didn't all grow up here.


There's a sand volleyball court at Sea Breeze on Buena Vista.

[thelegges]

Why would anyone want to run on a Great Lakes beach when we have real ocean beaches here in Florida? :):) I'm 66 yrs old and have been playing beach volleyball since I was a teenager, with absolutely no injuries or problems. Like I said before, shuffleboard & bocce ball don't interest me at all, but I've never complained on here about TV including them at every rec center. If a certain sport or activity doesn't appeal to someone, that's fine. But don't come on here & complain that TV shouldn't include them for those that do.

We run on Great Lakes beaches because that’s where some of us were raised. At least we had beaches to run on, with spectacular views. Since TV doesn’t have a beach to run on, I just stick with the pavement here. The sand court at Seabreeze is well maintained, and sometimes hard to get a slot. A new sand court will be much appreciated.

[LuvtheVillages]

This Recreational Center will not be very far from my location --Lynnhaven-- so that is a plus. The Putt & Play also something I might use also not being a golfer. I did bowl a bit.


I think the Developer left himself open to an ADA lawsuit by not having accessible parking at the Fenney putt and play. They could make up for that by having this putt and play course.

[Rich42]

Why would anyone question the installation of corn hole at the new rec center? There are many in TV but not one single one north of Rt. 466! I have sent several emails to John Rohan (and his staff) about why they won't put a few "up north" and have yet to even get the courtesy of a reply! There are dozens of horse shoe pits that are very rarely used. A few of them could easily be converted to corn hole. Lets do it please!

[csiebold]

I won't dispute that first responders deserve a place for rest and relaxation. However, this is not it. This rec center is being named in their honor. It is for use by Villagers, not first responders.
For a retired first responder I think a ref center in honor of them would be great. I also know there are several other police and fire residents that live here.

[Taltarzac725]

For a retired first responder I think a ref center in honor of them would be great. I also know there are several other police and fire residents that live here.

A lot more than several retired law enforcement, paramedics and fire fighting personnel. Some are on here quite frequently.

[Topspinmo]

Never thought my post would go in this direction.

They usually do.

[Topspinmo]

So you grew up in Florida? Perhaps with tide going out, sand is harder and easier on the back. We didn't all grow up here.


There's a sand volleyball court at Sea Breeze on Buena Vista.
Chula Vista has sand volleyball, rarely used

[Cranford61]

Why not name it Hero’s? Is there a second responder? A third responder? Also First Responder doesn’t flow eloquently

[windylou]

Naming it First Responders will certainly be confusing ... but it can still be something to honor them
by the things inside....Maybe Freedom Rec Center ??? Or other suggestions ???
And how do we get these thoughts to the people who determine every thing ??

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Why not name it Hero’s? Is there a second responder? A third responder? Also First Responder doesn’t flow eloquently

Naming it First Responders will certainly be confusing ... but it can still be something to honor them
by the things inside....Maybe Freedom Rec Center ??? Or other suggestions ???
And how do we get these thoughts to the people who determine every thing ??

These are some very valid thoughts, I feel.

First Responder refers to a whole lot of people who are/would be the first people to show up at any emergency. It's basically a generic catch-all term for a category.

The people who fall into that category absolutely positively need to be recognized and appreciated. But "First Responders Rec Center" just sounds really weird and as the first few pages in this thread have proven, makes some people think the rec center is being built and set aside specifically for First Responders to use.

People who are new to the Villages after that rec center is up and running, who might drive past the building and see "First Responders Recreation Center" on the sign, might think "oh - well I'm not one of those, so I'll have to find a different rec center to visit." and might not check any further than that. The sign tells them all they think they need to know.

There are many people even on this forum, who will accept what they read as fact, simply because they read it. Why would anyone expect any different, with regards to a sign on building?

Using the word "Memorial" in the title would clarify for anyone reading the sign, that it's not for the exclusive use of that category of people. But First Responders Memorial Recreation Center is, as I said before, pretty long-winded (sort of like me).

You don't like seeing a lot of words in a post when you're sitting down reading posts...imagine how annoyed you'd be reading all those words on a sign that exists just to let you know where you are.

[ColdNoMore]

Responders Appreciation Center. :ho:

[Bogie Shooter]

Naming it First Responders will certainly be confusing ... but it can still be something to honor them
by the things inside....Maybe Freedom Rec Center ??? Or other suggestions ???
And how do we get these thoughts to the people who determine every thing ??

Amenity Authority Committee
aac Members

Ann Forrester (District 2) Chair
ann.forrester@districtgov.org
352-259-3339
John Wilcox (District 3) Vice Chair
john.wilcox@districtgov.org
352-259-1716
IV Chandler (VCCDD)
iv.chandler@districtgov.org
352-753-6790
Carl Bell (District 1)
carl.bell@districtgov.org
352-750-1251
Don Deakin (District 4)
don.deakin@districtgov.org
352-750-5395
Lowell Barker (Lady Lake/Lake County)
lowell.barker@districtgov.org
352-205-8140

[fw102807]

First Responders identify as First Responders here and everywhere else. The day you risk your life running into a burning building or an active shooting scene or show up to clean up the carnage at an accident scene you can call yourself whatever you want. People will figure it out.

[Velvet]

‘Memorial’ sounds like they’re dead what about ‘In honor of’ - so what if the name is long, we can call it by an acronym or nick name.

[hessej1095]

Any comments on the proposed new recreation center? They had the first meeting yesterday to go over the preliminary proposal and to get residents input. It will probably be 6 months before they arrive at the final design and costs and then another year and a half to two years to build. They. Included a putt and play course in the proposal but I’m hoping they change it to pitch and putt. Not quite sure why they included a corn hole area. The preliminary proposal calls for a resort pool similar to Fenney and platform tennis. There was even someone there from a fire department offering to display their antique fire engine at the center. It should be an interesting process.
I do not think we need another dog park. Dog’s have enough now. We don’t need the smell etc

[BostonRich]

I think the plan is pretty good. I too do like the Putt & Play. My wife and I do not play golf but we will definitely play this. I like the walking trail although the exercise equipment is not mentioned. I think that would be good to add.

The one other addition I would like to see is a dog park. You know people will be bringing their dogs there and then there becomes the ad hoc unauthorized doggie area where the dogs will be pooping and peeing. Afterall people have been letting their dogs run free on the property for years. There certainly is room looking at the plan for a dog park and it would be appreciated by dog owners and non-owners alike.

There was a suggestion for a snack bar. If we don't get a food vendor of some kind in there at least a soft serve ice cream/beverage bar would be good.

And just an observation. The parking lot is way oversized and the expense to maintain it will be unnecessarily high. It seems like the platform tennis could be built on the southern end and that would allow more space for other sports activities, dog park or other.

And above all please put some shade trees all over the place to protect us from the sun. This is Florida ya know!

[MzzJodi]

Just wondering why no pickleball courts. Not sure but would guess golf in The Villages #1 activity. Pickleball #2?

[Bigben007]

How could soft sand be any harder on the knees than a pickleball or tennis court? Shuffleboard & bocce ball are "old person's sports" and don't appeal to me at all. Sand volleyball & sand tennis DO.
Sand volleyball may appear to a younger crowd and The Villages are on top of it. I know two couples moving to Marsh Bend, 53 and 48 years old.

[playfair]

We really need a FAMILY pool here every day of the week. There are not enough family pools north of 466 and there are plenty of adult pools.

[golf2140]

All I can say of some of the responses. WOW

[Garywt]

Naming it First Responders will certainly be confusing ... but it can still be something to honor them
by the things inside....Maybe Freedom Rec Center ??? Or other suggestions ???
And how do we get these thoughts to the people who determine every thing ??

What is confusing, trying to understand. Also I believe the name is already set and it is just the activities that are up for discussion.

[Garywt]

I think the plan is pretty good. I too do like the Putt & Play. My wife and I do not play golf but we will definitely play this. I like the walking trail although the exercise equipment is not mentioned. I think that would be good to add.

The one other addition I would like to see is a dog park. You know people will be bringing their dogs there and then there becomes the ad hoc unauthorized doggie area where the dogs will be pooping and peeing. Afterall people have been letting their dogs run free on the property for years. There certainly is room looking at the plan for a dog park and it would be appreciated by dog owners and non-owners alike.

There was a suggestion for a snack bar. If we don't get a food vendor of some kind in there at least a soft serve ice cream/beverage bar would be good.

And just an observation. The parking lot is way oversized and the expense to maintain it will be unnecessarily high. It seems like the platform tennis could be built on the southern end and that would allow more space for other sports activities, dog park or other.

And above all please put some shade trees all over the place to protect us from the sun. This is Florida ya know!

Not sure another dog park is needed. If people are going there to swim, play mini golf or tennis etc the dog should be left home in the AC.

[Lottoguy]

There are many pickleball courts in The Villages. The closest platform tennis is at Seabreeze and many of those people have been wanting more courts for them. I hope they get it. I would hate to be a house next to a pickleboard court. That sound all day would drive me nuts!

[island05]

Great - another facility that caters to kids -- just what we don't need. We are so short of pool facilities in the North end of The Villages, and now this new center will have only a family pool. Really frustrated that kids are priority in a senior community.

[Garywt]

Great - another facility that caters to kids -- just what we don't need. We are so short of pool facilities in the North end of The Villages, and now this new center will have only a family pool. Really frustrated that kids are priority in a senior community.

There are 2 adult pools 1/4 to 1/2 mile away in either direction so putting in a family pool, especially a zero entry one will be good. Not sure where you live but we have at least 2, maybe more adult pools closer than the current closest family pool.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There are 2 adult pools 1/4 to 1/2 mile away in either direction so putting in a family pool, especially a zero entry one will be good. Not sure where you live but we have at least 2, maybe more adult pools closer than the current closest family pool.

If you look at the recreation map of the Villages you'll see that there are more pools "per square mile" south than there are north. There are more of all the three types: adult, fitness, and family. This isn't including the Country Club pools because those require separate membership to use.

In the entirety of Silver Lake and Orange Blossom Hills, there are just 3 pools total, one of which is a family pool. These are used primarily by 6 different "neighborhoods" within the OBH section of the community. In order to use the closest sports pool you'd have to go over the golf cart bridge (or drive a car) to get to it, it's in a whole other area of the Villages.

West of Buena Vista and north of 466, and including all of Belle Meade Circle, there are only 4 adult pools, 1 family pool, 1 sports pools. That is (theoretically) to serve the homes occupying around 5 times the space of Orange Blossom and Silver Lake combined.

East of Buena Vista and north of 466 is even more sparse than that, however a big portion of that real estate is occupied by commercial strips and Spanish Springs town square.

Now compare with that tiny little portion west of Palmer Legends Country Club, which is south of 466, north of Rainey Trail, and west of Buena Vista. Just that one section has 5 normal adult pools and 3 family pools. That real estate is smaller than the "historic" section, and there are more than twice as many pools. No sports pool there but there's one across the street from Buena Vista at Laurel Manor.

The St. Charles area, the Mallory Hill area, Havana area, Bonifay, each of these other sections have significantly more pools, most of which are adult pools.

So I would tend to agree that the north could use some more watery love, even if it's just one more on the west of Buena Vista, and one more between Buena Vista and Morse. I think the Historic section seems just about right for the total number of properties in it, though perhaps just one more pool, maybe a small adult pool in the same location as the existing family pool, behind the building and between the parking lot and the retention pond, might be nice.

[Whittcm1]

I feel it should be an adult pool. Don't want to have to remember what day is what. As far as the waterfall, everyone enjoys the relaxing sound of a waterfall. You don't have to stand under it, but I am sure many adults will!

[Lottoguy]

For the record, I would never trust anything from Wikipedia. Probably that last source I would ever recommend.

[Lottoguy]

Hero's? Then people will say why are you honoring a sandwich? No matter what you name it there is always that 10% who have to complain about it.

[Lottoguy]

There are two sports pools north of 466. Savannah and Mulberry. Laurel Manor has a sports pool and that is right on 466.

[Maryb0127]

I’m very happy to hear that they are dedicating a Recreation Center to first responders. It is refreshing to see that they read the surveys that the residents submit. I’m proud to say it was one of my suggestions. Thanks for the long overdue honor. I love Eisenhower Recreation Center!