The recreation director for The Villages has announced a staffing plan will be implemented at the pools in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
John Rohan, head of the Recreation Department, unveiled the proposal Monday morning before the Project Wide Advisory Committee at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.
Rohan said the fact-finding mission is aimed at determining whether the belief that outsiders are using the pools in The Villages “is public perception or reality.”
Rohan has repeatedly presented information to PWAC, which oversees amenities south of County Road 466, and the Amenity Authority Committee, which oversees amenities north of County Road 466, showing that the abuse of the pools by outsiders is extremely rare.
However, there is a growing refrain from residents, who are insisting that outsiders from nearby apartments and elsewhere are dipping into the pools in The Villages. They also point to the advertising campaigns by nearby developments which brazenly suggest that The Villages’ amenities are available for use by those who purchase or rent in neighboring communities.
Rohan said he would return to PWAC in November to offer a plan for limited staffing at neighborhood pools. He indicated that a few pools would be staffed for the entire day, with someone checking IDs of those entering the pool. He said the staffer would essentially act “like a host at a restaurant.”
The staff at pools will be gathering information with regard to those accessing the pools.
“We want to bring back factual data,” Rohan said.
He indicated that the pool staffing plan would be put into action in December.
He also pointed out that new signage has been added at the neighborhood pools, explaining who is allowed in the adult and family pools.
