The Amenity Authority Committee is considering possible renovation options for The Villages’ oldest recreation center.
John Rohan, director of Recreation and Parks, recently discussed with the AAC members the budgetary impact regarding renovation options for the Paradise Recreation Center.
The main building of the center is a modular building that was renovated in the interior in 2006, While the interior is well maintained, District staff recommended that the building be reviewed.
“That building is over 34 years old,” Rohan said.
District Manager Janet Tutt noted that the center was a modular structure and that the newer brick structures would have a longer life cycle than the modular buildings.
AAC member Lowell Barker, who lives in the area served by the center, noted that the recreation center has two buildings separated by a family pool. The south building has a small library manned by volunteers in the lower level. Lowell is concerned regarding the future of the library, the pool and the new shuffle board court. He was assured that every effort would be made to make accommodate the residents needs should the board authorize the construction of a new center.
Staff requested that the committee give some direction as to the future of the center. The committee then recommended that the staff do “due diligence” on all options and report back with recommendations.
Options could range from a major remodeling to completely tearing down the structure and rebuilding it.
