[bagboy]

The term "trail fee" is just that. It's a name given to a revenue source that semi private and private golf courses throughout the country use. It is like a "you can use your own golf cart on our course but, it will cost you a little bit of money." It has nothing to do with cart paths, the trail if you will is the golf course. Similar to golfers using the term "track" to describe a particular course. The revenue can be used for anything. I don't know if our districts require it to be spent of golf courses. Probably, but I don't know.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

So that comes to around $2,100,000. That covers the upkeep of the paths, throughout over 30 square miles of golf courses, every year.

Breaking it down further, that's approximately $4,375 per month for the 40 or so executive courses. That has to pay for maintenance, salaries for workers, provide sand, utilities for starters, supplies, etc. Just a few landscape employees to mow the course and clean the bunkers would be more than that.

It seems like a bargain to me.

[DARFAP]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Remember that golf is free now on the executive courses if you walk, but golf is not without cost to someone. Someone is paying the grass cutters, the people who fertilize, the folks who work the shed and man the ambassador carts. Nothing is free. Anything can change and it will soon due to the awful economic repercussions of this global virus.

No, golf on the exec courses is not free. You pay for it in your amenity fee.

[Ben Franklin]

It's a revenue maker. Cart paths aren't that expensive to repair. How many people pay that yearly fee?

[karostay]

It's all about choices..You made yours to walk and feel comfortable with that choice..Riders made their choice they knew the cost up front it's not hidden and that was their choice.
Don't see the issue or why it would raise anyone's dander

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

There are around 100,000 PEOPLE living in the Villages.
There are only around 50,000 HOUSEHOLDS.

Only around 2/3 of them are occupied year-round, and several households are occupied by people who don't play golf at all. Some members don't play golf regularly enough to warrant paying the yearly fee, and instead pay as they go, per trip (which I believe is $2 per person? Someone who plays the exec courses will correct me but it's beside the point). And some people walk the course, thus not having to pay the trail fee at all, ever.

Given that some of them are members of the country clubs, thus not having to pay that $140/year in trail fees at all (since country club membership waives that) -

do a little creative mathematics:

There's maybe 15,000 households that are actually paying that yearly trail fee.

So that comes to around $2,100,000. That covers the upkeep of the paths, throughout over 30 square miles of golf courses, every year.

Are you living in 2005? 113,ooo when I move here I. 2014, it’s got to be 130,000 plus now.

[Northwoods]

If you play a lot of Exec. golf and you want to use your cart, $140 is a bargain. If you don't want to pay and want to walk... that's just fine. (Remember if you're a priority member the trail fee is included).
It's a bargain.
Our amenity fee is cheap and pays for a lot... landscaping maintenance, Rec. center maintenance, salaries, community watch, pool maintenance, etc. So it's not surprising that they are looking for extra funds from people who actually use the Exec. courses to help with upkeep? Or maybe you would prefer for districts to increase our amenity fee so that everyone pays for golf course maintenance even if they don't golf...

[mgkw1]

If you are against paying the Trail Fee may I suggest you STAY HOME !!

[DARFAP]

So with rec centers shut down, how does one renew an annual trail fee, or is there a waiver of expiration date?

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by DARFAP

So with rec centers shut down, how does one renew an annual trail fee, or is there a waiver of expiration date?

One could look at the District Web Site and get that information.

[wisbad1]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Would the trail fees only be used for the cart paths? Why not buy sand with it, too? That's ok with me.

Why only carts pay? We’re not the only ones using it, bikes, joggers and dog walkers. So if we’re the only ones who pay, shouldn’t they get out of our way? Asking for a friend.

[drcar]

Originally Posted by wisbad1

Why only carts pay? We’re not the only ones using it, bikes, joggers and dog walkers. So if we’re the only ones who pay, shouldn’t they get out of our way? Asking for a friend.

Bikes, joggers and dog walkers are NOT supposed to be using the golf course trails. If they are caught they are asked to leave. If they use the standard line, "I pay my amenity fees" they are informed they are trespassing and the sheriff can and will be called.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by mgkw1

If you are against paying the Trail Fee may I suggest you STAY HOME !!

Walkers do not pay the trail fee.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Are you living in 2005? 113,ooo when I move here I. 2014, it’s got to be 130,000 plus now.

We moved here in Feb. 2004. There were just over 32,000 then. I don't think 2005 would have had 113,000 in that short time. Google has TV population in 2010 at 51,442. My guess is that is what the Census figures showed. That was the last Census. July 1, 2018, estimated 128,754. The Villages estimated 122,460 as of March 31, 2019.

[Bay Kid]

I pay the trail fee every year. Small price to pay. Enjoy walking all these courses.