Spa & Fitness Center

[batman911]

Take a look at what other developers are offering:

http://www.citrushills.com/videos.asp

This community is less than a half hours drive from TV. Hard to believe a community the size of TV could not support a nice facility like this one. The community that has this S&F Center is less than 10% the size of TV. There is a monthly membership fee but it would be a welcome addition for those who value their health and well being. Does anyone know the correct way ahead to get a decent S&F Center built in TV other than to rely on the benevolence and good graces of the developer? Seems like the developer is not very interested in the heath and well being of the community unless it suits their game plan. At some point, the homeowners should have a say in what facilities are available. There must be at least as many who would want a quality Spa & Fitness Center as those who want to line dance and boogie at the Squares. Can some of the 80,000 resident voices in TV be heard? What say you all?

[redjpang]

Batman...Since I do not live there in TV yet, I was under the impression that TV had a state of the Art Spa & Fitness center. I guess I was incorrect in assuming this.

I thought each community center had a health center as well.

Batman I hope you can get the ball rolling so it is up and running before I get there. :pepper2:

[RichieLion]

Gotta wonder what that costs per month and what the extras cost on top of that. How much are the houses there? How much are the monthly amenities and/or maintenance fees?

I guess if an entrepreneur wants to come into TV and build such a facility, he would be welcome by TV management. All it takes is money and a dream.

[Golf-Tinker]

Google "MVP Sports The Villages." Offers all you might want at affordable price and it's a beautiful cart ride from anywhere in The Villages.

[KathieI]

But we do have it... the only thing missing is the indoor pool. Have you been to the MVP Club lately (formerly The Wellness Center)? It will be a state of the art facility same as Citrus Hills, with all the same amenities (missing is indoor pool) but we have facials, massages, along with some of the best, highly trained physical trainers and the new owners MVP are updating all the machines and classes to accommodate everyone's needs. I don't know what more we could be asking for.

Here is the link for MVP.
http://www.mvpsportsclubs.com/florida-the-villages-mvp-athletic-club

[helios]

a friend just bot over there. He got a stucco 2 bed/2ba on the golf course...with a small pool, for $140k.
I doubted it, but went to the county assessors (citrus county) and it was spot on.
I say, tv can always be improved. It's heaven, but there are others on nearby clouds that are living quite well.

[Ooper]

Not only do we have the MVP Club in the Town square, there are the wellness centers at all 4 of the Regional Recreation Centers. I don't know where you got your information, Batman911!!!!

[manaboutown]

A couple of years ago (2009) just prior to my first TV lifestyle visit I spent a couple of nights at Terra Vista in Citrus Hills and found their health club to be as advertised, first class in every respect. Then I drove over to TV. I did not find free weights except at the MVP which at that time had only one flat free weight bench. The MVP was not even open when I went over there late Sunday morning. When I finally got in I found it cost an arm and a leg to work out there, too. I felt the TV facilities were inadequate considering the population who could use them. This was verified by the 20 minute limit signs and sign up boards near the cardio equipment for those waiting. 20 minutues is just a warm up as far as I am concerned.

What Terra Vista does not have are all the other facilities, the rec centers, many pools, a large population, a golf cart lifestyle, multiple clubs and activiites, nightly entertainment such as dancing in the squares and so on. What is there is very, very nice, first class and reasonably priced if not a bargain. The problem is it is a small community in a rural area. There is not a whole lot of choice in what to do or with whom to hang out.

I am returning to TV for the month of October. I may run over to Terra Vista again. It is a beautiful development.

[Mudder]

Batman911, maybe you need to visit TV and see how great MVP fitness club is, it really lacks for nothing. IMHO, TV has tons of free opportunities to improve our health and fitness, ie: every Rec center has many exercise classes, etc... and there are tons of pickleball courts, tennis courts, free golf and many pools, what more could anyone want? Someone for sure gave you mis guided info.

[Bogie Shooter]

There is not a whole lot of choice in what to do or with whom to hang out.

I am returning to TV for the month of October. .

I guess those two sentences sums it up pretty good.

[golf4me]

Take a look at what other developers are offering:

http://www.citrushills.com/videos.asp

This community is less than a half hours drive from TV. Hard to believe a community the size of TV could not support a nice facility like this one. The community that has this S&F Center is less than 10% the size of TV. There is a monthly membership fee but it would be a welcome addition for those who value their health and well being. Does anyone know the correct way ahead to get a decent S&F Center built in TV other than to rely on the benevolence and good graces of the developer? Seems like the developer is not very interested in the heath and well being of the community unless it suits their game plan. At some point, the homeowners should have a say in what facilities are available. There must be at least as many who would want a quality Spa & Fitness Center as those who want to line dance and boogie at the Squares. Can some of the 80,000 resident voices in TV be heard? What say you all?

I say, How many golf courses do they have?

[obxgal]

According to this page http://www.citrushills.com/golf.asp three. Wouldn't want to have to wait for a tee time up there especially during the winter months. LOL

[KittyKat]

I agree with Batman to some extent. Mom & I live on SS and due to physical limitations do not use any of the facilities except for the pool. I think it's ridiculous that we pay an Amenity fee but it doesn't even include the use of a treadmill.

[KathieI]

A couple of years ago (2009) just prior to my first TV lifestyle visit I spent a couple of nights at Terra Vista in Citrus Hills and found their health club to be as advertised, first class in every respect. Then I drove over to TV. I did not find free weights except at the MVP which at that time had only one flat free weight bench. The MVP was not even open when I went over there late Sunday morning. When I finally got in I found it cost an arm and a leg to work out there, too. I felt the TV facilities were inadequate considering the population who could use them. This was verified by the 20 minute limit signs and sign up boards near the cardio equipment for those waiting. 20 minutues is just a warm up as far as I am concerned.

What Terra Vista does not have are all the other facilities, the rec centers, many pools, a large population, a golf cart lifestyle, multiple clubs and activiites, nightly entertainment such as dancing in the squares and so on. What is there is very, very nice, first class and reasonably priced if not a bargain. The problem is it is a small community in a rural area. There is not a whole lot of choice in what to do or with whom to hang out.

I am returning to TV for the month of October. I may run over to Terra Vista again. It is a beautiful development.

Manabout.... I'll be interested to hear your comments about MVP fitness when you return in Oct (plus you owe us singles a meet and greet?) MVP took over the Wellness Center last summer and has made a lot of improvements, I think you will see expanded hours of operations, Sunday is all day, and every weekday they open at 5:30am. They have increased the amount of free weights and have added more machines on the first floor where there used to be the Mercantile store. Its a much more serious weight training facility than I believe the Wellness Center was (except I did like the atmosphere of the old Center because I'm not a serious exerciser.) The monthly cost might be expensive to you, but I hope you'll find it acceptable and that you will like the facility. Looking forward to seeing you in Oct.

[Ooper]

I did not find free weights except at the MVP which at that time had only one flat free weight bench. The MVP was not even open when I went over there late Sunday morning... This was verified by the 20 minute limit signs and sign up boards near the cardio equipment for those waiting. 20 minutues is just a warm up as far as I am concerned.

I think you'll find things have changed. If the MVP is too expensive for you, all the Regional Rec Centers have plenty of machines including free weights. The 20 minute signs are just there as a rule of thumb if the place gets crowded during the time when the sno birds are here. There are times when the rec centers are not busy and you can use the machines all day if you want.

[manaboutown]

Thank you for the updates regarding the MVP and rec center facilities KathieI and Ooper. I look forward to immersing myself in TV life and meeting and getting to know some TV residents, especially some singles as well as a few of the gym rats. I do remember the wellness center was only in the upstairs part of the building. The mecantile store was large, so the MVP must be huge! That is good news to me.

[asianthree]

We have liftetime fitness (multi state club) $89. a month gives you every machine, free weights you can think of and no limit or waiting. 30 classes a day from yoga to low and high impact, wet and dry sauna. lockers. towels. trainers. indoor and outdoor pools resturant, and spa. Yes at TV we do have places to take classes however i sometimes find that i have to drive to 5 centers in one day to get in classes that i am use to, and lets face it indoor pool and hot tubs in January..... I don't think anyone would complain about paying a monthly fee for those perks.

[billds567]

I spent a few days at Terra Vista and the place is beautiful and nothing in TV touches the fitness facility... BUT, TV is far beyond any other retirement community and that's where I want to be. Bill

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree with Batman to some extent. Mom & I live on SS and due to physical limitations do not use any of the facilities except for the pool. I think it's ridiculous that we pay an Amenity fee but it doesn't even include the use of a treadmill.

Was the lack of a treadmill a suprise to you after you moved in or did you know that prior to buying?
BTW I think it is ridiculous that I do not get a free beer after playing golf on the executive courses...after all I pay a monthly ammenity fee.

[batman911]

I also like the TV total package better than Terra Vista but that does not mean there is not room for improvement, especially in the gym, indoor pool and spa area. Comparing the TV rec center fitness areas to the one Terra Vista has is like saying a BMW and a Yugo are both automobiles so everything is equal. My view of the rec center "gyms" is that they are comparable to hotel fitness centers, not condusive to a serious workout for the seasoned gym rat but better than nothing. No negativity directed at TV, just believe given the size of the community, there is support for a much better facility. I know there are commercial gyms/spas available in the area but I would like to see a nice facility owned by the community that will always be there and not changing ownership every few years. Who would not like to see a facility like the one in Terra Vista built in TV? I would be willing to pay extra for that service and I believe others would as well.

[billds567]

Amen Batman

[Mudder]

Again, Batman, have you been to MVP ?

[Ooper]

Batman, did you know that the MVP has 37,000 sq. ft. and along with a multitude of classes ( over 150 ea. week) for all levels, they offer sauna and massage, 1 on 1 sessions with a fitness trainer and is run with a staff of about 90. You should check it out again.

[batman911]

I know about MVP but that is not owned by the community and could easily go bankrupt. If the community owns the fitness facility, there is no need to make a profit, only cover the expenses so the cost to the members would be less and the community could set the rules and what services/equiptment is available.

[ilovetv]

What is this building going up in TV, next to Mulberry:

The Club Health & Rehabilitation - Mulberry Grove East

Whatever it is, for membership fees or included in our amenities fee (I doubt it) I hope it has an indoor lap pool. Many people need to stay out of the sun, and Jan-Feb-March can be far too cold outside even with the pool water heated right.

[Biker B]

What are the monthly dues at MVP?

[Bogie Shooter]

What is this building going up in TV, next to Mulberry:

The Club Health & Rehabilitation - Mulberry Grove East

Whatever it is, for membership fees or included in our amenities fee (I doubt it) I hope it has an indoor lap pool. Many people need to stay out of the sun, and Jan-Feb-March can be far too cold outside even with the pool water heated right.

Doubt if there will be a lap pool.
DAVID R. CORDER, DAILY SUN The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES � Health care rehabilitation in The Villages is acquiring a tony image in a caring and technologically advanced manner.

Greystone Healthcare Management is developing a 51,000-square-foot skilled nursing rehabilitation center designed to rival some of the finest resorts.

The Tampa-based company tentatively anticipates opening Club Health & Rehabilitation Center at The Villages, a prototype health care facility, in April next year at Belle Meade Circle and Mulberry Lane just west of Mulberry Grove Plaza Shopping Center.

Everything about the new facility will represent the best possible advancements in short-term rehabilitative care, said Connie Bessler, Greystone�s chief executive officer.

�We listened closely to our clientele, staff, physicians and health care partners in designing the club, incorporating the best ideas of each into the facility�s final design,� Bessler said. �Utilizing many culture change initiatives, the club will include resortlike neighborhoods, plush common and dining areas, spacious and beautifully appointed private suites, two state-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms, a wireless caf� and lush courtyards and water features.�

The facility will provide patients with upscale accommodations as they recuperate from procedures such as knee and hip operations, said Rob Yandek, the company�s director of acquisitions and development.

�What we�re really shooting for is a facility that aims to accommodate The Villages� active seniors,� Yandek said. �We want to create a comfortable home environment to get them back home and get them active again. We�re also hoping to use this particular building as a model for other projects that we�re looking at doing in the future.�

Since its founding in 2002, Greystone has grown primarily through acquisitions. It now manages 28 facilities with 2,866 beds in Florida, Indiana and Ohio, including the Lady Lake Specialty Care skilled nursing home on Griffin Avenue.

The new project in The Villages represents Greystone�s first development project, Yandek said.

�We�ve grown entirely through acquisition prior to this,� Yandek said. �This is our first ground-up development. We�ve been working on it a while, and it�s very satisfying that we�re pushing dirt around now.�

Several factors account for why the company picked the Mulberry Grove site, Yandek said.

One of those factors centers on the growing health care industry in and around the commercial center, including The Villages Outpatient Clinic that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates, Yandek said.

�That was one of the things that was attractive about the area, the VA clinic being there as well,� Yandek said.

Company officials also liked the idea that the children of their employees would qualify for enrollment in The Villages Charter School, an important incentive in the employee-recruitment process, Yandek said.

�We also wanted to be within The Villages to have golf cart accessibility,� Yandek said.

The project is a good fit for the Mulberry Grove-area economy, said Scott Renick, The Villages� director of sales and leasing.

�It�s a nice complement,� Renick said. �We�re happy to see them breaking ground. It�s going to give good exposure to all our businesses up in Mulberry Grove.�

Quite a bit of thought and planning went into this project, Renick said. The deal had been in the works for about a year and a half, he said.

�They were great to deal with, and the deal came together quickly,� Renick said. �It was just the regulatory hurdles we had to clear.�

Although construction has started, Yandek said, the company plans to celebrate the groundbreaking in a big way.

The public is welcome to attend a groundbreaking ceremony � complete with hard hats and gold shovels � at 5:30 p.m. May 24 on the site just west of Beef O�Brady�s restaurant.

Already, plans are under way to invite a high school band, a military color guard and several dignitaries, Yandek said. The event will rely on the neighboring Beef O�Brady�s for catering and Publix to bake the commemorative cake.

�We want to invite the whole community, especially the medical community,� Yandek said. �We�re hoping that everybody can come and enjoy it. We�re excited and really thrilled about this project.�

David R. Corder is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9066, or at david.corder@thevillages media.com.