Mr. John Rohan (the head of the Recreation Department in The Villages) recently announced a proposal at the Project Wide Advisory Committee. He explained that the proposal is a “fact-finding mission” in order to obtain “factual data” to determine whether outsiders are using the neighborhood pools in The Villages.
Rohan has repeatedly presented information to PWAC and the community at large showing that outsiders utilizing the amenities within The Villages is extremely rare (less than 1% of individuals scanned/checked). Keep in mind that “amenities” includes recreation centers, sports pools, and neighborhood pools. The recreation centers have consistent monitors that check IDs upon entering. The sports pools provide monitors that check IDs when the pools open, and for main activities (i.e. water volleyball, etc.) throughout the day.
Mr. Rohan states that workers open and close the neighborhood pools each day and “then are checked again at various times each day or more if staff is available.” In addition, he states that “at least two neighborhood pools are checked every afternoon and rotates pools that are checked”. Clearly these neighborhood pools are not being monitored with the appropriate frequency or consistency needed in order to deter outsiders. As a result, it seems probable that many outsiders are able to gain easy access.
Mr. Rohan’s “fact finding mission” in having a few neighborhood pools staffed temporarily with a monitor will not result in obtaining “factual data”. Any outsider approaching a neighborhood pool and sees that IDs are being checked will simply turn around and not attempt to enter. As a result all of those individuals (that would have gained access without an ID) will not be part of the “fact finding” data collection. In addition, there is already concern regarding the fact that if a monitor walks into a neighborhood pool and an outsider is already there, the outsider can easily pretend that they are asleep or jump into the pool to avoid being detected (since the monitors do not ask individuals in the pool to get out and show an ID).
Unfortunately, the “factual data” that Mr. Rohan is hoping to obtain will be flawed.
Any type of research that includes data collection must accurately represent the intended population. Missing or insufficient data will lead to incomplete or distorted outcomes. As a result, faulty research data will only lead to skewed conclusions, operational inefficiencies, and poor strategic choices.
Mr. Rohan should be commended on recognizing the need to obtain factual data in relationship to outsiders utilizing the neighborhood pools, however it is crucial for him to acknowledge the limitations and biases of the anticipated data outcomes in advance. Mr. Rohan should consider an alternative data collection plan in order to achieve sound outcomes. Otherwise his “fact finding mission” will not result in obtaining “factual data.”
Carol Wolf is a resident of the Village of Hemingway.