[CoachKandSportsguy]

The Black Lake Walking Path near Lake Miona opened in 2022. The path, which wound up costing $840,000, was nicknamed the “million dollar mile” by one official, after the cost of the project continued to climb.

The path, which was closed in January 2023 for warranty repairs, has continued to experience drainage problems.

The Project Wide Advisory Committee discussed the status of the walking trail at Monday’s meeting at SeaBreeze Recreation Center. Mike Harris of District Property Management reminded PWAC members that the path was constructed in a wetland in very mucky conditions. The location was chosen for its breathtaking view of Lake Miona and the path has become extremely popular.

Harris said the water is coming from “rain coupled with irrigation.” He noted the warranty on the trail has expired.“We are going to have maintenance issues we are going to have to address,” Harris added.

This is an A in creative marketing writing in this write up.

1) There is not a breathtaking view of Lake Miona on this path.
2) The million dollar mile is a typical overspend in the villages to improve with the changing times, and the path wasn't even a mile, so they had to add a loop.
3) Maintenance issues is a nice restatement of a correction of a failure of engineering and planning just to get something done.
4) path is in wetlands, which by definition is man made 3 feet of dirt over a swamp's water level.

I don't know enough of the particular details, but i will say whomever is part of the selection process and bidding process, shouldn't really be continuing in this capacity.

Change my mind.

[Randall55]

I agree. That project was slap it together as fast as we can. I seemed to have missed the beautiful scenic views, as well. Gotta love how Villages press is always written in the utmost positive manner. Kool-aid, anyone?

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Randall55

I agree. That project was slap it together as fast as we can. I seemed to have missed the beautiful scenic views, as well. Gotta love how Villages press is always written in the utmost positive manner.

“Positive”, unless you happen to be critical of the development or the developers.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's all nature, nothing is wrong. Everything is great. Look at all the stuff we get for our modest amenity fee! Activities, beautiful landscaping, stores and restaurants! Just think about how horrible it is everywhere else! Remember you could be living next to a federal prison. Or you could have alligators in your back yard. Or you could have substandard hospital care! Or you could have to pay more for your home insurance than anywhere else in the country! Or you could live in a development in an area known for sinkholes and wake up one day to discover your driveway no longer exists! Or you could live in a state that has boil water notices SOMEWHERE in it, every week! Or - or -

oh wait. Hm. Nope we live in the best community, of the best state in the country and should be grateful and thankful, and never complain or criticize.

[Stu from NYC]

Did this with my kids for first time two weeks ago. Was a pleasant walk. Was surprised it did not loop around but came to an end.

[Normal]

You are spot on. It’s kind of like the circular tower built in Middleton to mimic and confuse the ugly skyline of the noisy cement factory. Decorative, maybe. Confusing the skyline of the cement beast, no!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Normal

You are spot on. It’s kind of like the circular tower built in Middleton to mimic and confuse the ugly skyline of the noisy cement factory. Decorative, maybe. Confusing the skyline of the cement beast, no!

///////

[tophcfa]

What’s the point of a walking trail that doesn’t allow one to bring along their dog. Our dog needs to walk/run several times per day, we don’t have enough free time to waste going for walks without our four legged companion and still have remaining time to enjoy all the other fun activities the Villages offers.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I think there’s a business here for professional dog walkers!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

What’s the point of a walking trail that doesn’t allow one to bring along their dog. Our dog needs to walk/run several times per day, we don’t have enough free time to waste going for walks without our four legged companion and still have remaining time to enjoy all the other fun activities the Villages offers.

Reply from a dog addict here... I think it's a good thing to have something for everyone. Despite owning and loving dogs down through the years, we know that not everyone feels the same. Owning dogs is a personal decision that comes with restrictions that you buy into from the start.
From the street as I drive by, the trail looks enticing. Maybe someday I will leave the dogs behind and go walk it. That would be for my own enjoyment. I don't mind that they're not allowed. There are many other places for them to enjoy.
As for who engineered the path and how fast it was built, I guess I'm not surprised. It does surprise me that it is so narrow. It's pretty much a one-way "street."

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Reply from a dog addict here... I think it's a good thing to have something for everyone. Despite owning and loving dogs down through the years, we know that not everyone feels the same. Owning dogs is a personal decision that comes with restrictions that you buy into from the start.
From the street as I drive by, the trail looks enticing. Maybe someday I will leave the dogs behind and go walk it. That would be for my own enjoyment. I don't mind that they're not allowed. There are many other places for them to enjoy.
As for who engineered the path and how fast it was built, I guess I'm not surprised. It does surprise me that it is so narrow. It's pretty much a one-way "street."

When we walked it a few Saturdays ago, very few people there and no problem walking two abreast for large distances of the trail

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

When we walked it a few Saturdays ago, very few people there and no problem walking two abreast for large distances of the trail

It looks like a pleasant trail. I'm glad they thought to add a walking trail north of 466A.

[Marmaduke]

I like this trail, but it has been a problem from day one for some reason.
The Villages does everything so extremely well that it's hard to understand.
Maybe they put the next generation in charge of this, as a pre-engineering project to gain admittance into the university.

Smile and enjoy it and know that TV will probably widen it someday, the way it should have been designed.

It's actually quite lovely.

[Regorp]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

This is an A in creative marketing writing in this write up.

1) There is not a breathtaking view of Lake Miona on this path.
2) The million dollar mile is a typical overspend in the villages to improve with the changing times, and the path wasn't even a mile, so they had to add a loop.
3) Maintenance issues is a nice restatement of a correction of a failure of engineering and planning just to get something done.
4) path is in wetlands, which by definition is man made 3 feet of dirt over a swamp's water level.

I don't know enough of the particular details, but i will say whomever is part of the selection process and bidding process, shouldn't really be continuing in this capacity.

Change my mind.

I walked this beautiful path many times. It is perfect for us elderly as it is flat, short, and scenic. Quit complaining and enjoy this amazing place.

[Mulliganguy]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

It's all nature, nothing is wrong. Everything is great. Look at all the stuff we get for our modest amenity fee! Activities, beautiful landscaping, stores and restaurants! Just think about how horrible it is everywhere else! Remember you could be living next to a federal prison. Or you could have alligators in your back yard. Or you could have substandard hospital care! Or you could have to pay more for your home insurance than anywhere else in the country! Or you could live in a development in an area known for sinkholes and wake up one day to discover your driveway no longer exists! Or you could live in a state that has boil water notices SOMEWHERE in it, every week! Or - or -

oh wait. Hm. Nope we live in the best community, of the best state in the country and should be grateful and thankful, and never complain or criticize.

You best be moving out of that godforsaken place😆