Fees
 

I was looking at the online Rec center monthly calendar for the first time. I noticed that most of the activities are not free. For some reason I was thinking they would be. This was a bit of a shock. I don't know why I thought the activities would be free. I don't remember seeing anywhere that they cost money. Does mostly everything in TV cost money???? If so, to me that could get costly for someone trying to live on a fixed income!

The recreational classes are all taught by volunteers. They are not paid, and they are not allowed to charge for their classes. Entertainment might be a different story. But you will not pay for any tennis, pickle ball, exercise, swimming or line dancing classes or sports. I don't golf, so I'm not sure about certain golf fees, but I understand they are very minimal. Maybe someone else can enlighten.

The various clubs usually have yearly dues, although they too are minimal. These cover the cost of putting on certain of their activities.

Sometimes there are special activities like ice cream socials or pizza and movies for which there is a small charge like 2 or 3 dollars to cover the cost of the food. You sign up ahead of time to attend. Also, in the summer we have Camp Villages which has many activities for grandparents to take their grandchildren to - there are charges for some of those, especially if it involves craft supplies or the like.

Hubby belongs to four clubs, all of which charge $10 or less a year for membership. When we play golf on the executive courses, we pay only a $3 charge to use our golfcart. Most things around here are extremely reasonable, but you can spend more on some things if you choose to.

Reality is that most things end up costing something -- usually a minimal amount. As was said the clubs, have annual fees. Some things, like bridge, have entry fees every time you play. Other things have costs for shoes, costumes, etc. That being said, it is pretty easy to budget your choices. Barring special equipment and clothing, nothing is over $10.00 and most are even less. You don't have to go to the socials. Pick and choose your events and you'll have lots of fun at minimal to no cost.

From Golf The Villages web site:
What costs are related to playing on the Executive Golf Trail?
Green fees on the executive courses are free for residents. A trail fee is required for use of a golf car on the courses and may be paid per round, semi-annually or annually. The fee is required for each person in a golf car. The trail fee is $4.00 per person for each round played. Members of a household may purchase a six-month trail fee for $105.93 with tax and a yearly trail fee is available for $141.24 with tax. There is no charge to resident or seasonal golfers for walking.

I know. I am praising this place again. I truly love the fun things here.
 

When we go to Bingo at one of the recreational centers, the cost is probably three dollars a person if you buy an extra card. At our favorite bingo, you get a free ice cream sundae at break with a variety of self added toppings and the "take", the money received at the door, is redistributed to the crowd for cash prizes.(I think they have sugar free ice cream too)

Usually there is a limit of 100 folks. One time Helene won around sixty dollars. She is still smiling.

The only bad thing is that you have to sign up early during high season for Bingo. I mean early and in person at the regional rec center the next day after it is announced in the recreational news at 8:30 in the morning. It fills up in ten minutes.

We missed the cut the last two times.:sigh:

Busy Day No Fees
 

Pickleball at 7:30 am till 9 no fee, go to the neighborhood pool to tan and float in pool no fee, executive golf in the afternoon no fee (if paid trail fee or walk), evening at a square listening to the entertainment no fee. Full day with no costs, The Villages costs what you want it to cost.

I'm sure your not going to go broke, with the small fees charged, whatever they might be. There are so many choices, and just the idea of getting out and meeting people, etc, is worth the minimal fee. We are blessed with all the activities to choose.

"I noticed that most of the activities are not free" :22yikes: No! none of them are free!:22yikes::22yikes: you paid monthly amentity fee.:22yikes: Extra sponsored activities cost alittle extra... NoT say that the amenity fee is unreasonable:smiley:, but you get alot for the amount you pay monthly in the villages.. :angel:Example: For me to play Old fart tennis :loco:at club (just tennis mind you) Prices range form 95.00 to 199.00 (or more depending on how exclusive the club you pick) monthly For single membership in my neck of the woods. even paying the monthly fee don't garrantee I can play any time I want ( I figure if I can play twice week I get more than my money worth while I am still working) I have to get reservation and take whats available.

So for what I am paying just to play tennis with people equal to or higher than my ability I pay as much as the villages amentities fees.. Look what you get for the same price at the villages which includes your other half. SO IMO good deal:smiley:

What about the pools. Does it cost to use other pools outside of our neighborhood? And I was wondering about yoga classes. Are there any in TV? And do you know what the cost would be? Thanks for the help!!

No
Yes, there are many free classes at the recreation centers.

Only pools that are not free are the pools at the country clubs.

What activities are not free? I guess I have played Bunco it was an entry fee- and money was given for prizes.

some classes for art and such have a small fee to attend classes