From Wikipedia:
" It has been reported that over 1,400 9/11 rescue workers who responded to the scene in the days and months after the attacks have since died."

They deserve a nod. First responders are the ones who show up first. They're not always the ones that do the rescuing, they're not always the ones that put the fire out, they're not always the ones who catch the bad guy. They are the ones who show up first. ALL rescue workers, from the first to the last, deserve to be honored.

I don't get it. I just don't get it. Someone decided to honor a group of people that risk their lives everyday so that our lives are better and safer. And there are those that find a way to find fault with it. Un-feaking-believable.

The reason there are people commenting about it is because the OP asked, in the very first sentence, if there were any comments. The OP went on to explain that resident input is being requested.

If anyone objects to people discussing topics of interest, in a thread that is very expressly about the *discussion* of the topic, and requesting input and opinions about the topic, then why would you read past the very first post in the thread where you discover that is exactly what the thread is about?

Or maybe some people just prefer criticizing the posters, instead of discussing topics.

If you read the posts there were multiple explanations that repeatedly clarified the rec center.....yet, people asked the same questions multiple times. I guess that means those posting don't read, don't comprehend, have a retention issue or just want to stir the pot.

Resident input in a formal setting......not on social media.

Which would probably get the same question about the First Responders Recreation Center. This sounds like it is for their use which is a very good idea if really showing that you care for these people. Rather than than just putting some words on a building.

And there are a lot of first responders in the Villages' area.

Not sure why that first sentence is being missed. But there it is again, for those who are actually interested in discussing the topic, rather than criticizing people who are discussing the topic (or cherry-picking partial sentences to take posts out of context in an attempt to criticize the people who are discussing the topic).

It was estimated at the meeting it would be at least two years before this recreation center will be open.

THE VILLAGES - First Responders Rec Center Introduced - YouTube

I read the OP the same way too. Why ask for comments if you don’t want any?

I believe the post was a report of what was going in, the name was decided a while ago.

The mini golf is nice for all the people that do not play golf and anyone can do that. A pitch and putt would be for golfers mostly.

I am disappointed that I do not see a lazy river or hot tubs which were talked about a lot during the survey online.

I like the pool though.

Why would anyone want to run on a Great Lakes beach when we have real ocean beaches here in Florida? :):) I'm 66 yrs old and have been playing beach volleyball since I was a teenager, with absolutely no injuries or problems. Like I said before, shuffleboard & bocce ball don't interest me at all, but I've never complained on here about TV including them at every rec center. If a certain sport or activity doesn't appeal to someone, that's fine. But don't come on here & complain that TV shouldn't include them for those that do.

I'll definitely look forward to the Putt & Play, since I'm not a golfer but get a kick out of miniature golf.

This Recreational Center will not be very far from my location --Lynnhaven-- so that is a plus. The Putt & Play also something I might use also not being a golfer. I did bowl a bit.

Awesome! I'm a former bowler, some joint trouble in my hip and knees made it difficult so I had to give it up. I might return to it though, and just lighten to an 11 pound ball instead of 13.

So you grew up in Florida? Perhaps with tide going out, sand is harder and easier on the back. We didn't all grow up here.


There's a sand volleyball court at Sea Breeze on Buena Vista.

We run on Great Lakes beaches because that’s where some of us were raised. At least we had beaches to run on, with spectacular views. Since TV doesn’t have a beach to run on, I just stick with the pavement here. The sand court at Seabreeze is well maintained, and sometimes hard to get a slot. A new sand court will be much appreciated.

I think the Developer left himself open to an ADA lawsuit by not having accessible parking at the Fenney putt and play. They could make up for that by having this putt and play course.

Why would anyone question the installation of corn hole at the new rec center? There are many in TV but not one single one north of Rt. 466! I have sent several emails to John Rohan (and his staff) about why they won't put a few "up north" and have yet to even get the courtesy of a reply! There are dozens of horse shoe pits that are very rarely used. A few of them could easily be converted to corn hole. Lets do it please!

For a retired first responder I think a ref center in honor of them would be great. I also know there are several other police and fire residents that live here.

A lot more than several retired law enforcement, paramedics and fire fighting personnel. Some are on here quite frequently.

They usually do.

Chula Vista has sand volleyball, rarely used

Why not name it Hero’s? Is there a second responder? A third responder? Also First Responder doesn’t flow eloquently

Naming it First Responders will certainly be confusing ... but it can still be something to honor them
by the things inside....Maybe Freedom Rec Center ??? Or other suggestions ???
And how do we get these thoughts to the people who determine every thing ??

These are some very valid thoughts, I feel.

First Responder refers to a whole lot of people who are/would be the first people to show up at any emergency. It's basically a generic catch-all term for a category.

The people who fall into that category absolutely positively need to be recognized and appreciated. But "First Responders Rec Center" just sounds really weird and as the first few pages in this thread have proven, makes some people think the rec center is being built and set aside specifically for First Responders to use.

People who are new to the Villages after that rec center is up and running, who might drive past the building and see "First Responders Recreation Center" on the sign, might think "oh - well I'm not one of those, so I'll have to find a different rec center to visit." and might not check any further than that. The sign tells them all they think they need to know.

There are many people even on this forum, who will accept what they read as fact, simply because they read it. Why would anyone expect any different, with regards to a sign on building?

Using the word "Memorial" in the title would clarify for anyone reading the sign, that it's not for the exclusive use of that category of people. But First Responders Memorial Recreation Center is, as I said before, pretty long-winded (sort of like me).

You don't like seeing a lot of words in a post when you're sitting down reading posts...imagine how annoyed you'd be reading all those words on a sign that exists just to let you know where you are.

Responders Appreciation Center. :ho:

Amenity Authority Committee
aac Members

Ann Forrester (District 2) Chair
ann.forrester@districtgov.org
352-259-3339
John Wilcox (District 3) Vice Chair
john.wilcox@districtgov.org
352-259-1716
IV Chandler (VCCDD)
iv.chandler@districtgov.org
352-753-6790
Carl Bell (District 1)
carl.bell@districtgov.org
352-750-1251
Don Deakin (District 4)
don.deakin@districtgov.org
352-750-5395
Lowell Barker (Lady Lake/Lake County)
lowell.barker@districtgov.org
352-205-8140

First Responders identify as First Responders here and everywhere else. The day you risk your life running into a burning building or an active shooting scene or show up to clean up the carnage at an accident scene you can call yourself whatever you want. People will figure it out.

‘Memorial’ sounds like they’re dead what about ‘In honor of’ - so what if the name is long, we can call it by an acronym or nick name.

I do not think we need another dog park. Dog’s have enough now. We don’t need the smell etc

I think the plan is pretty good. I too do like the Putt & Play. My wife and I do not play golf but we will definitely play this. I like the walking trail although the exercise equipment is not mentioned. I think that would be good to add.

The one other addition I would like to see is a dog park. You know people will be bringing their dogs there and then there becomes the ad hoc unauthorized doggie area where the dogs will be pooping and peeing. Afterall people have been letting their dogs run free on the property for years. There certainly is room looking at the plan for a dog park and it would be appreciated by dog owners and non-owners alike.

There was a suggestion for a snack bar. If we don't get a food vendor of some kind in there at least a soft serve ice cream/beverage bar would be good.

And just an observation. The parking lot is way oversized and the expense to maintain it will be unnecessarily high. It seems like the platform tennis could be built on the southern end and that would allow more space for other sports activities, dog park or other.

And above all please put some shade trees all over the place to protect us from the sun. This is Florida ya know!

First Responders proposed Rec center
 

Just wondering why no pickleball courts. Not sure but would guess golf in The Villages #1 activity. Pickleball #2?

Younger crowd
 

Sand volleyball may appear to a younger crowd and The Villages are on top of it. I know two couples moving to Marsh Bend, 53 and 48 years old.

We really need a FAMILY pool here every day of the week. There are not enough family pools north of 466 and there are plenty of adult pools.

All I can say of some of the responses. WOW

What is confusing, trying to understand. Also I believe the name is already set and it is just the activities that are up for discussion.

Not sure another dog park is needed. If people are going there to swim, play mini golf or tennis etc the dog should be left home in the AC.

There are many pickleball courts in The Villages. The closest platform tennis is at Seabreeze and many of those people have been wanting more courts for them. I hope they get it. I would hate to be a house next to a pickleboard court. That sound all day would drive me nuts!

Great - another facility that caters to kids -- just what we don't need. We are so short of pool facilities in the North end of The Villages, and now this new center will have only a family pool. Really frustrated that kids are priority in a senior community.

There are 2 adult pools 1/4 to 1/2 mile away in either direction so putting in a family pool, especially a zero entry one will be good. Not sure where you live but we have at least 2, maybe more adult pools closer than the current closest family pool.