Project Made Possible Through a Partnership Between the Association of Poinciana Villages and Osceola County
After more than four years of planning and construction, the Mary Jane Arrington Gym and Aquatic Center at Vance Harmon Park is now open to the public. The community celebrated the official opening May 13th with a special ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Board of Directors of the Association of Poinciana Villages (APV) and Osceola County, who partnered to make this project come to life.
“We truly appreciate the support of everyone who attended the inauguration event, and we commend APV’s Board of Directors for their decision to partner with Osceola County to make this project possible,” said Mark Maldonado, APV General Manager.
Hundreds of local residents and community leaders were in attendance, including Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, Mary Jane Arrington, Tim Weisheyer of the Osceola School Board and Russ Gibson, Osceola County Sheriff, as well as several APV staff and Board members.
“It is my hope that the children in the community of Poinciana will now have an opportunity to learn to swim,” said Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “Residents in Osceola County and Poinciana have waited a long time for this facility and it offers many opportunities for residents. It is a wonderful amenity and it has been a great partnership between the county and APV.”
The project included a budget of more than $8 million with approximately $650,000 in community block grant funding. APV will also contribute $3.2 million back to Osceola County. As part of the partnership, APV will own as well as manage the operations of the facility, saving the county about $700,000 each year.
“In addition to providing a wonderful new amenity for the community, our partnership with the county and our investment in improving the park will also increase property values,” said Mr. Maldonado. “We invite everyone to come and experience the new facilities and take advantage of all they have to offer.”
APV plans to use the facilities for programs geared toward the community at large. Some of the programs and offerings that are already in place include:
- APV Swim Team
- Special Olympics meets and practices
- Scuba Diving Courses
- Available to Poinciana High Schools to start swimming teams
- Swimming lessons for our adults as well as our youth
- Summer Camps
- University of Florida Cooperative Extension Programs
- Basketball Teams
- Basketball Clinics
- Soccer Clinic
Phase two of the project, which is expected to be completed within the next year, will include renovations to the football and softball fields, two new outdoor basketball courts, two playgrounds, a dog park and an amphitheater.
About the Association of Poinciana Villages
The Association of Poinciana Villages, Inc. (APV) is one of the largest homeowners associations in the United States. The 47,000-acre, unincorporated, suburban community encompasses both Polk and Osceola counties perfectly nestled between Haines City and Kissimmee, Florida. The community is enriched by more than 26,000 homes, 200 businesses and more than a dozen recreational parks. There are more than 50,000 deeded homeowners and approximately 150,000 residents who have enjoyed a vibrant sense of community since Poinciana’s inception in 1972. The Association of Poinciana Villages maintains its core vision of continuing to be one of the best places in all of central Florida to live and raise a family. Visit apvcommunity.com for more information.
