About a year after the newly renovated Paradise Park A opened in early 2014, on the Historic Side of The Villages, the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the second phase — Paradise Park B — took place Friday morning.
Recreation Department Director John Rohan was very happy to see the exuberant crowd on the chilly, cloudy morning.
“This is the largest turnout we’ve ever had for a grand opening,” Rohan said, “Thank you all for being here!”
About 100 residents, many from nearby Silver Lake and Orange Blossom Gardens homes, seemed eager to try the long awaited exercise equipment.
Villages District governing staff, including District Manager Janet Tutt were on hand, as were Amenities Authority Committee members. Rohan thanked Tutt, AAC Chairperson Ann Forester and fellow AAC members Carl Bell, Don Deakin, Lowell Barker and others who were instrumental in making the new facilities a reality. He also credited former AAC members Jo Weber, who resigned her AAC post recently to serve as Rotary district governor; and Rich Lambrecht, who passed away in 2014.
“These beautiful new facilities round out a large selection of amenities which are convenient for the nearby homeowners,” Rohan announced with pride. “And of course, they are available for use by residents of all The Villages and their guests.”
The additional features join the existing lakeside paths, full sun and shaded picnic tables with game boards, park benches, new restrooms and sports equipment, the archery range, dog park, and softball field — all within the shadow of the famous Villages golf cart bridge.
A beaming recreation coordinator, Pam Henry, explained there were three separate exercise stations, each with three machines, separated by a soft-surface walking trail. She pointed to rec assistants along the path who were ready to explain and demonstrate the various devices to residents.
Also in attendance were Lady Lake Mayor Ruth Kussard, who immediately hopped on an exercise machine; Dan Bard, who represents the Lake County/Lady Lake area of The Villages; Lake County’s new animal control officer Denise Williams, and Lady Lake Police Chief Chris McKinstry.
