January 18, 2020
General Information
Wilkerson Creek Park and Children's Playground
District Property Management (DPM) is pleased to announce the much anticipated commencement of the Lake Sumter Landing project at Wilkerson Creek Park & Children’s Playground located across from Sonny’s restaurant. A new Pirate Ship playground structure will be sailing in later this month and will be moored at the playground docks as the original ship sails away into retirement. The new playground area will feature an array of colors, American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible features such as play panels at ground level, musical instruments and cognitive play components. The new pirate ship includes traditional slides and climbing features to encourage physical development and fitness. In addition to these upgrades the District is excited to also be installing a rubberized play surface and an engineered shade structure to further enhance the playground use experience. In order to facilitate these exciting changes to the playground experience it is anticipated the area will be closed to the public beginning January 8, 2020 with an anticipated project completion date in late January 2020. If you have any questions regarding this project please contact DPM at (352) 753-4022.
Wilkerson Creek Waterwheel
District Property Management (DPM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Lake Sumter Landing project to rebuild the Wilkerson Creek Waterwheel, located between the Bass Factory Outlet and Chop House at Lake Sumter on Wilkerson Creek. Not only will the waterwheel be replaced, it will be back in operation to emulate one of the largest waterwheels (28’) east of the Mississippi River. In order to facilitate the project it is anticipated a portion of the parking area behind Bass as well as some of the walkway will be closed to the public beginning January 6, 2020 with an anticipated project completion date in late January 2020. If you have any questions regarding this project please contact DPM at (352) 753-4022.
Shay Gate Construction - UPDATED 11/26/2019
The District will soon begin a construction project at the Shay Gate located at the corner of Shay Boulevard and Griffin Road. The project consists of the renovation of the interior and exterior of the existing gate house, as well as constructing a restroom addition to the building. Other site improvements included in the project include utility upgrades, lane improvements and parking improvements.
All of the construction and site improvements will take place in the right of way along Shay Boulevard. There should be no interruption in utility services to your home. The westerly outbound or exit lane of Shay Boulevard from the corner of Shay Boulevard and Tarrson Boulevard to Griffin Road will be closed while this work takes place. The easterly entry lane from Griffin Road will remain open. Please reduce your speed and proceed with caution. Detour signage and other means of directing traffic will be used to guide the flow of traffic safety through the neighborhood. The gate house will remain closed during the construction. Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact District Property Management at 352-753-4022.
Closing of Outdoor Facilities
The Villages Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with the Community Watch Department, as stewards of Recreation Facilities within The Villages, are requesting your cooperation when closing outdoor Recreation Facilities.
The time of dusk fluctuates throughout the year. Dusk is the window of time usually within a 30 minute timespan after sunset. When closing facilities, staff ensures there is adequate lighting to enter, inspect, and allow participants the ability to exit the facilities in a safe manner. Safety is of the utmost importance and we appreciate you taking this into consideration as staff closes the facilities.
The Villages Recreation and Parks and Community Watch team appreciate your support and adherence as we aim to be good stewards of the recreation facilities while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both staff and residents.
Trails & Pathways
The many trails and pathways provide Villagers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Florida’s environment. Signage along the pathways indicate the combination of activities Villagers can enjoy. Click below for more information.
Trails and Pathways
Amenity Fee Adjustment
Per your individual Declaration of Restrictions, amenity fees are subject to an adjustment based on the fluctuation of the National Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers. The timing of this adjustment can vary based on the Declaration of Restrictions in your unit. For information specific to your home, please refer to your Declaration of Restrictions. For assistance in obtaining them, please contact Community Standards at (352) 751-3912.
Each month, the percentage of adjustment will be provided in What’s Happening for your reference. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Finance Customer Service at (352) 750-0000.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers changed by 2.285% from December 2018 to December 2019. This change will be used to adjust Amenity Fees for properties with original land sale dates in the month of February.
Information Provided by Executive Golf
The United States Golf Association recently implemented a new rule under Rule 13.2a (2):
•There is no longer a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.
•Players are not required to putt with the flagstick in the hole; rather, they continue to have the choice to have it removed (which includes having someone attend the flagstick and remove it after the ball is played).
Information obtained from www.usga.org
Removing the flagstick to help in retrieving a golf ball from the cup is still considered proper etiquette and requires that we complete the task by hand. Using the flagstick to pinch and pull up the golf ball from the cup is frowned upon and not considered good etiquette standards.
The challenge for Executive Golf Courses in The Villages is that many residents use assistance or ball removal devices for the convenience of not bending as far to remove golf balls from cups. When ball retrieval devices are inserted with flagsticks still in place (Photo 2) the damage to the delicate edges of cups occur. It also causes degradation of the putting surface for the players that follow.
We are asking all residents that use these devices to simply pull the flag stick out gently (Photo 1) and remove the golf ball with your device. This will ensure the integrity of the cup edges and allow players to enjoy the same crisp quality of the cups as the players before them.
We appreciate your cooperation!
Pet Owners
Please be considerate of others and all properties. Dog owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Please take all waste home for disposal. Do not use storm drains, postal or recreation facilities for disposing of solid waste or plastic bags. In addition, please follow all county ordinances including all dogs are required to be on a leash.
Registration for Monthly Socials Available Online
The Villages Recreation & Parks Department offers monthly socials to help Villagers enjoy the companionship of others in a friendly, fun atmosphere, as well as fulfilling the recreational, educational, emotional or physical needs of the participants. Beginning December 27, 2018, registration for the monthly socials will be available online, in addition to walk-in registration at all regional recreation centers.
For online registration follow these easy steps:
1. Go to www.DistrictGov.org.
2. Click on Departments.
3. Click on Recreation.
4. Click on the Socials (on the right hand side).
5. Click on Registration.
6. View the month’s social offerings.
7. Create an account or login.
8. Register for the socials of your choosing.
For questions or assistance, please call Recreation Administration at 352-674-1800.
Fenney Springs Nature Trail & Boardwalk
New signage has been added to the Fenney Springs Nature Trail & Boardwalk to help educate visitors on the nature found along the trail. Drop by and take a look.
 
Media Release
Participation in clubs, activities and events throughout The Villages may be photographed/recorded and by participation in the activity, participant irrevocably consents to be photographed/recorded and grants The Villages of Florida, Inc. and its successors, assigns and licenses the right in perpetuity to distribute the results of such photography/recording in all media throughout the world.
Fenney Putt & Play and Croquet & Lawn Bowling Facilities - Updated 12/23/2019
In our efforts to keep the recreation facilities in optimal condition, the Fenney Putt & Play and Croquet & Lawn Bowling facilities will be closed periodically for maintenance. Please see the schedule below for a listing of closure dates. This schedule may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Fenney Recreation Center at 352-674-8460.
Closing Schedule
Polo Fields
The polo player entrance gate off of Buena Vista Boulevard is locked. All clubs will need to enter through the electronic gate at the south end during off season. Walkers and approved Resident Lifestyle Groups will be allowed admittance from 7:00a.m. -12:00p.m. The timer is being set and the gate will automatically open as each car/golf cart hits the pad during these hours. For further information, please contact Saddlebrook Recreation Center at 352-259-5377.
Weather Policy
The Recreation Department has created consistent and uniform guidelines regarding inclement weather that may impact the public, health, safety and well-being of staff, volunteers, participants and facilities. Please click here for the complete guidelines!
Recreation Center Emergency Address Information
Our dedicated staff is here to help you get the most out of your unique Villages lifestyle. When enjoying your choice of activities, we ask that you remember participating in recreational activities always involves some degree of risk. Participants assume full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury arising out of or in any way connected with participation or involvement in or presence at the activity or program. To assist you with emergency situations, the recreation department has provided all outside recreation areas with a bulletin board that has important 911 information including the address/county/phone number you are calling from. Emergency 911 phones are located at all equipment buildings and pools with pertinent emergency information. We encourage all residents to become familiar with their recreation centers and 911 information. Please when visiting any recreation center or swimming pool take a moment to locate these helpful areas.
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