Don’t ever tell Villager Valada “Tootie” Jackson it can’t be done.
It’s not in her lexicon.
Thus, Wednesday was a great day for Tootie.
The Villages Recreation Department offered up plans today for the future of the Tierra del Sol Recreation Center.
And Tootie was smiling.
In July 2011 a group of ladies met at Tootie’s house in the Village of Palo Alto. They talked about a need to update their local recreation center.
“Somebody said it would never get done. I am the kind of woman you don’t tell ‘it can’t be done,'” she said.
She and her team persuaded 500 residents to sign a petition calling for action on Tierra del Sol Recreation Center.
The plan offered Wednesday included two options. Residents at the meeting appeared to favor the version with a pre-set card room over a room with billiards tables. When John Rohan of the Villages Recreation Department told the group that both versions included indoor restrooms, the attendees were elated. The outdoor restrooms will remain as a convenience for those enjoying outdoor activities.
Rohan cautioned the group it’s still a long process with approvals from committees, bidding and government procedures on the road ahead.
The Amenity Authority Committee will ultimately determine funding for the project.
Tootie has pleaded the Tierra del Sol case before the AAC at every meeting since July 2011 (except one during which she was battling a health issue.)
Ann Forrester of the AAC was at Wednesday ‘s meeting at La Hacienda Recreation Center.
“I am here because I want to hear what you have to say,” said Forrester who sat quietly in the back of the room during the presentation and subsequent discussion. “When I sit there (at AAC) I am voting for you.”
Tootie had high praise for Rohan and all of the recreation department staff.
“They are always so great to work with and I was thrilled with the plan they offered today,” she said.
And of course, Tootie was reluctant to take any credit.
“This is not a project for me. This is for all of us,” she said.
