Could someone please tell me what purpose

[k2at]

the gates serve at the entrance to all the villages? If one does not have a pass one simply pushes the button and receives admission. In addition, many of the entrances are not even manned. It looks good, but serves no purpose that I can see.

[mulligan]

The gates slow traffic, provide some threshold resistance to strangers seeking to wreak havoc and mayhem upon the residents, and cause everyone to pause long enough for a video record of your entrance. Those that are manned, provide an opportunity for a villages employee to impart directions, and perhaps a bit of good cheer to those passing.

[clekr]

They keep the car on golf cart accidents down.

[aln]

I might be wrong but I believe a picture is taken when the gate is activated.

[SALYBOW]

I might be wrong but I believe a picture is taken when the gate is activated.
I think you are right. The other thing people are missing is that they are a source of employment for many Villagers who just need a bit more moolah, interaction. etc. to enjoy paradise.

[redwitch]

The pix are taken both on entering and exiting. They actually caught someone with the pix. Pickup went in a gate empty, left loaded. Neighbor noticed snowbird house had been broken into, called police. Police checked the pix, saw the pickup, got the license and arrested the culprit. So, besides slowing down traffic they really do provide some security.