The Amenity Authority Committee has rendered a decision on the addition of $80,000 in chairlifts at swimming pools north of County Road 466 in The Villages.
The AAC on Wednesday voted to move ahead with the purchase of eight aquatic chairlifts at a cost of $10,000 each.
Dean Brown, of the Village of Mira Mesa, who uses a wheelchair, had asked last year that a chairlift be installed at the Rio Grande Family Pool. He said that pool is nearer to his home and is used by his friends.
That request set in motion the discussion by the AAC about adding the chairlifts. At the time the pools were built, chairlifts were not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The biggest issue here is inclusivity,” said District Manager Richard Baier.
Recreation Director John Rohan said his department does not have hard data on the usage of existing chairlifts. Usage of the chairlifts appears to be minimal, he said.
“But it means a great deal to a person who needs it,” Rohan said.
The Project Wide Advisory Committee has also been wrestling with the idea of installing chairlifts at swimming pools south of County Road 466. The estimated pricetag for PWAC is $340,000.
