Waterlefe homeowners gathered to discuss their rights to walk golf cart paths while there are no golfers on the greens.
Eight residents attended Tuesday's meeting, which was mediated by Rizzetta & Co. employees Brian Lamb and Matthew Campbell, who took notes on residents' comments. The issue was brought to the Community Development District's board during last month's meeting.
"This is a purely informal workshop in order to keep a free flow of ideas," Lamb told residents.
Safety was a major concern brought up by golfers and golf course manager Doug Egly.
"We've tried to coexist, but unfortunately when you have people that are uneducated about golf etiquette, you come to a problem such as this," Egly said.
Residents also mentioned that some walkers are just not using common sense, and some even walk and bike with their children and dogs while golf is in play.
"It's bicycles, it's dogs, it's children, and I see it everyday," said Roland Rodgers, who lives on the course.
Dr. Brian Willis lives in the community six months out of the year and enjoys walking the golf cart paths along the back nine in the early morning. He said it is a few people who abuse the privilege who are making a problem for everyone.
Willis said he makes sure to be off the course when golf is in play, but he thinks everyone should be allowed to enjoy the natural beauty of the river and wildlife.
"Listen to the people who just want to enjoy the serenity of the course," Willis urged.
Resident and club member Tony Tierno said he understands people's attraction to the course but feels walkers and bikers have abused the privilege.
"We have a unique situation in Waterlefe because we have a pristine environment that people want to enjoy," Tierno said.
Waterlefe does have several nature paths for residents to enjoy, but none are along the river.
Jack Ritchie pointed out that golfers have to be careful to stay back from those playing in front of them for safety reasons, and looking out for walkers is an added safety issue. He said there are some blind corners along the paths, and it is possible not to see a pedestrian until the ball is already in the air.
"Not all of us can hit where we are aiming," Ritchie said.
Willis said he would not object to paying some sort of fee for walking privileges, and Ritchie said he would like to see some sort of compromise reached.
"Brian's right. The back nine is a spectacular place to walk or bike, if there is a way it could be done," Ritchie said.
Ritchie believes strict regulations that would limit walkers to certain morning hours along the back nine may be acceptable, but he feels the front nine should be off-limits at all times.
"I think you're going to have to eventually go black and white," Rodgers said, in reference to creating a rule about pedestrian use.
Rodgers also worries that enforcement will be an issue.
"Rules, not enforced, aren't worth the paper they're written on," Rodgers said.
Lamb said he would take the residents' suggestions and concerns back to District Manager Pete Williams. Lamb encouraged residents to attend Waterlefe's monthly CDD meeting on July 27.
"I don't know where this is going, but I think it's a good starting point," Lamb said.
Source: The Bradenton Herald (Florida)