Help a newbie. How do events work and amenities at the rec centers work.
 

I've only bought a house this August and I will only be there a few weeks at a time over the next 2 years while we finish up our careers. I'm a bit of an introvert when I don't know how things work. Much more outgoing when I'm comfortable.

Anyhow, I see calendar of events on the Villages page. I'm assuming, maybe incorrectly, maybe not, that these are all events booked by clubs of some sort and aren't just open events? Is that correct? Unfortunately on the website, clicking a link to an event doesn't provide any info. Example, is Walking Away the Pounds a club I'd need to join or is this just a group walk and anyone can show up.

Otherwise, is there equipment at the rec centers for things like bocci? If the court was free would it be possible to just get equipment and go play anytime it isn't booked for an event?

If I was down there I'm sure I could get all this info at a rec center, but hoping to be prepared before I'm there.

Any tips and info appreciated.

https://i.imgur.com/C4xKJs0l.png

Go to any rec center and pick up the Rec center news. There is usually a contact number for each club. Since there are now thousands of clubs it is hard to give a direct answer to your question.

Oh hmm, my question was regarding if the calendar of events is all club related, and apart from that how one goes about using the facilities at the rec centers. I did mention I'm not there yet so can't go to a rec center to find out.

If I'm reading your post right, the direct answer to my first question is, yes, they are all club related. Correct?

There is equipment at the rec centers for bocce, shuffleboard, cornhole, etc. Yes, if the courts are not scheduled for an event then they are available to anyone. Typically, there will be a sheet near the court or the equipment room to let you know if/when they are reserved.

Many of the clubs are open to anyone. There are some that are open only to members or take reservations. If you see one that interests you, give it a shot: walk in and find someone who looks like a host and simply ask.

There are a couple of online lists of the clubs with contact numbers. One will be off districtgov.org->Departments->Recreation. Look for the Recreation Publication (or something like that) which will have a weekly schedule for each of the rec centers for an alternate way to search for activities.

I am not sure myself, but if, in your example you chose the first on your list at Moyer Rec center & open it up - it gives the name, phone number & email address of the organizer. So, I think what you would do is select a couple of those activities near you & contact the organizer. They will tell you if they are full or welcoming new participants. I think, Good Luck. Please let us know how it goes.

The organizer might also give additional info, as in for the walk please bring bottled water, or please get there at least 10 minutes ahead of time. Things like that.

Here is a link to the website with the full listing and contact info:
Village Community Development Districts
You should be able to send an email or make a phone call to get more info directly from the club contact. Do not print out, as i recall it is now well over 200 pages!

When I click on events it only opens a small window showing the same info, place/time. I'll keep trying. Thanks for the help! It could just be the events I happen to click.

ETA: I did find a couple that had some info. Most, even the ones with "social club" posted, don't have any info and few of them are in the club list. Oh well, I guess when I get there I'll have to find my people and figure it out.

For scheduled clubs, meetings, etc... The master list is available as a PDF online at districtgov {DOT} org
Lists everything happening that are scheduled events. Other listings are a subset, and often omits info.
If you are interested in details, you can call or email the contact person. Or when you are here, go to the event; best before it's start time rather than during the event.
Rec centers have things you need to play in many cases. So many types of events, not sure if that is for every type.
Outdoor events (pickle ball, tennis, etc) have cold water to drink.
Pools have water fountains, bathrooms, and a pop machine.
Inside rec center events have water and (usually) coffee.
Some of the scheduled get togethers are run by organized clubs. They might have a yearly fee (or donations bucket) to cover costs the club pays for. I have dropped in to a few and never been refused to stay as a guest for that meeting.
If a court is not booked, it's open for your use if someone else isn't already there. But there are multiple courts, and multiple locations.

There are also one-of-a-kind types of events. Things like an art show, car show, holiday events... I have not seen where all of those are listed in one place. Usually scattered in different areas. Weekly TV newsletter has many, but skips a lot. THe developer's newspaper The Daily Sun has info - some is online at their web site. Sometimes special events are promoted in facebook. Sometimes in these online forums. Unless I've managed to never find that all-comprehensive-listing, that is a huge opportunity for improvement by TV rec dept.

Another place where events might be found is in facebook. Look for groups for your neighborhood (and nearby) for strictly local things happening. Things like a decorated golf cart parade, driveway party, neighborhood get togethers, etc.

Walk away the pounds, Walking Aerobics, and similar are just show up and participate ( provided there is room- after Jan 1 they fill up fast so you may have have to show up 30-45 min before scheduled start times). Craft type classes may be different.

Here is the link to the Recreation Department on the District web site, Village Community Development Districts


VCDD Rec News

Thanks. I guess where I'm getting lost is something like this...

Event is on the calendar that says "Bone Builders". No info on what it is, no contact info when clicked on. Go to the full list of clubs and find nothing called Bone Builders. I'm going to guess this is just something that people that know, know and if not, it's not an open club.

But apart from that there are numerous things listed as Recreation, rather than Social Club. I'm assuming these are things you can just show up and see if you can get in. Sort of like how Jerry and Linda talk about going to water aerobics and getting there early.

Thanks for the post. That's what I'm sort of figuring out now after looking at all these events.

Also thanks to "Maker" for providing good info! I did know about the cold water in the rec centers. We were there in August and after 30 minutes in the very hot quiet tech cart, we realized swamp ass is a thing and the water at Franklin was very refreshing. :D

Interesting. I am using an Android phone. When I click on your first example in your list: Walk Away the Pounds Moyer Rec, it gives me what I mentioned, name of organzier, her phone & her email. & a heart thing to 'add to my activities'.

Same thing with the next example Water Aerobics Churchill.

I wonder what we are doing differently?

Plus, in these examples I believe they are not 'clubs' but groups that meet for the stated purpose.

Additonal info i thought of: I am using the Villages app on my phone. I go to Calendar. I am not clicking Social Clubs.

Oh great tip! I was on thevillages.com website. I tried on my app and, like you, I have all that info. Thanks!

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/10419946/42/

You may find the above link helpful. Go to page 43

I know, it is a confusing system. The variety of answers are because many activities/clubs operate differently as to membership/just showing up. Don't worry too much-when you get here, remember everyone was in the same boat once and if you drop by a class/club, most people are very helpful and you can see what's going on. Walk away the pounds, for instance, is an indoor activity to a tape; I see small groups of neighbors doing morning walks along Meggison and you can surely find a group like that, or start your own!

Thanks everyone. Seems like most things Villages, there are bits of info all over the place. That's why I come here, quick answers and links to the right places.

Is there something equivalent for the music at the squares? Looking to see the band name, description of the band, and the types of music they play

Ideally, I'd love to have a calendar feed that would update to me automatically as days happen. Something like the past storm, the scheduled band would be updated to "Cancelled due to bad Weather"

Nightly Entertainment - The Villages Entertainment

You’re going to find, youll find bands you like and don’t like. I keep notes on the bands

Cancellations are on the radio.
Calendar feed? Your retired………………..

The workout rooms in the rec centers aren't a part of your amenity fees....you will have to either pay on an each time basis or pay for a membership. You'll get a "feel" once you're here for other clubs/activities etc. Don't try to over-think as there is so much information that will fall over you. Yes, social media does help some but it won't fill in all that you're looking for.
The Daily Sun and local radio station (WVLG) also will give you much information too. Your new neighbors will be a good resource as well.

Would prefer to have info in one place. That link would be great IF they updated the listing to say "Cancelled" instead of having to listen to WVLG. Absolutely do NOT enjoy their format. No radio on the golf cart so now I'm going to have to listen to them on my phone? Seems like having all the info in ONE place is so much better.

That would be especially useful for unexpected cancellations. Quick look at the web page, or spend an hour listening for a "maybe" update on the (awful) radio station?

Most, if not all exercise classes are open everyone - not a club. Some may use equipment (mats, hand weights, etc) that you will need to bring with you. If interested in a class, just drop in and ask the instructor or folks waiting in line how things work so next time you are all set. Most classes meet 2-3 times per week. For bone builders you will need ankle weights & hand weights. For walk away the pounds, stretch bands and a mat are helpfull.

Activities
 

Walk away the pounds and cardio drumming, for examples, are not clubs. Just bring your pass.

There are a few of them that require sigining up in advance. The instructor has a list of people that may attend. She really enforces it during the busy season. My wife ran into that at one or two classes...

Everyone is an introvert when they 1st enter a completely NEW situation. They QUIETLY observe the NEW situation and GRADUALLY adjust to the situation. It is BASIC human nature.

Reread twice. This is the best advice posted so far………..

Get the Rec Center News sent to you and study it. That will answer many questions. There are phone numbers in there for the various activities so call the ones that interest you.

Baystaters Club
 

The Baystaters Club is welcoming, usually meets the third Wednesday of the month at Laurel Manor. Several new members from the southern sections.
Might be a good “ ease into it “ situation for you to make connections.

Best thing to do is to call the rec center where the event is happening. Whoever is at the desk will be able to give you accurate info as to whether it's a club or just a show up and participate activity. I agree that it's confusing!!

First off — welcome to The Villages! When we first moved here 3 years ago, I would call the Rec Ctr where something was listed I was interested in or curious about and they could usually give me a little info or the contact # to call to inquire. It’s a strong learning curve to figure out how/where to get all the info, but you’ll get the hang of it when you get here full time and don’t have a job demanding your attention. And your neighbors and friends will be great sources of info, too! Most of the folks here in TV are more than willing to help you.

I guess where I'm getting lost is something like this...

Event is on the calendar that says "Bone Builders". No info on what it is, no contact info when clicked on. Go to the full list of clubs and find nothing called Bone Builders. I'm going to guess this is just something that people that know, know and if not, it's not an open club.

But apart from that there are numerous things listed as Recreation, rather than Social Club. I'm assuming these are things you can just show up and see if you can get in. Sort of like how Jerry and Linda talk about going to water aerobics and getting there early.[/QUOTE]

Oh man
 

Good lord, just relax. There is plenty of stuff to do here. If you need anything when you move here there are lots of busy bodys that will let you know anything you need to know about getting involved. No need to get worked up.

:laugh: