Meet John K., the Recreation Director

Interview with John Krychiw, Recreation Director and Resident at Spanish Lakes Fairways (Fort Pierce)

John, you have been a resident of Spanish Lakes since 2009. What brought you to the area, and what made you choose Spanish Lakes?

John: In the early 80s and 90s, my wife Kimberly and I were stationed at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida. We spent 10 years there and fell in love with Florida.

In 2004 we moved to Tennessee for another military position. 10 years later the war in Afghanistan was ending and my son was heading to University of Miami for his master’s degree in writing. My wife decided that it was time to make our final move. She researched for months, and she landed on Port St. Lucie. Port St. Lucie was far enough away from Jacksonville and also Miami. Close, but not too close. Home shopping from Tennessee was time consuming, with every community offering great amenities. Spanish Lakes offered the nicest communities to choose from and were among the best for the money.

We packed up our home and headed to Florida. Two hours away from our new home we found out the sale fell through. Devastated, we stopped in Spanish Lakes One and spoke with several employees of the community. They were so understanding and so amazingly helpful. They actually helped us find a hotel and in four days had us in our own home in Golf Village, another Spanish Lakes community. A year later I was hired to be the Rec Director. A few years later, I’m at S.L. Fairways. People helping people, what a concept!

What type of person do you think would enjoy living at Spanish Lakes Fairways the most?

John: Most people want to belong to something, be part of a bigger piece. Whether you are still working or living the retired lifestyle, Spanish Lakes Fairways is a community. A community of people from all over the country, who care and show it regularly by grouping together for a cause. Normally, our Outreach Club will do clothes drives, school supply drives, and food drives for the local food banks. The residents of this community are fantastic at answering these and other causes. Last year alone we collected over 900 toys for tots.

You’re the Recreation Director at Spanish Lakes Fairways. What does that entail?

John: As Recreation Director, my responsibilities are to ensure all venues in the recreation area are in working order and ready for the residents. This includes the outdoor amenities like our swimming pools, shuffleboard, and bocce courts, as well as the clubhouse (our coffee is still just a quarter!) and our longevity center. Our 19+ clubs require rooms such as our auditorium for club meetings, the cardroom to sell tickets for their events, and our pow wow room for board meetings. The longevity center has a gym, a billiard room, a library, and a small cardroom. All of the reservations, activities, and club events go through my office in the rec center.

Outside of your work role, do you participate in any of the clubs or recreational activities yourself?

John: I am a member of the Golf Club and New Jersey Bouncers. I am very active in the Golf Club playing in all of their events. I attend and support different club functions throughout the year and on a personal note I am one of those guys who likes model trains. In fact, our second bedroom is where my layout is. Nope, no bed — guests sleep on the couch.

What would you say are the top 5 most popular social clubs at Fairways?

John: The top 5 social clubs are The Italian American Club, New Jersey Bouncers, New England Club, Golf Club and Franco Floridian which is a club for our Canadian residents. These clubs all have over 300 members each. We have 18 active clubs in the Fairways community, all just as popular. Some of the clubs are sports clubs, while others represent geographical areas like New England, New Jersey, and Canada. There are clubs who volunteer time and clubs that entertain. It is quite a variety to choose from.

What are the top 5 most popular recreational amenities?

John: The recreational amenities our Residents enjoy most are the two swimming pools. We have one for residents' use, and a pool for guests. The residents utilize the pool daily and year-round. Every morning from 8-9am we have laps for the serious swimmers and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we have water aerobics from 9 to 10. Other popular amenities are the 18-hole executive golf course, the weight room in our gym and in season—Sept thru April—shuffleboard, tennis and bocci ball are very popular. Our new pickleball courts have been an exciting addition.

What is something prospective residents might be surprised to learn about Fairways after moving in?

John: New residents are pleasantly surprised to find a lot of helpful people in our community. They are eager to help out when they can. We also have a resident resources list. It lists residents with special skills and talents to help out with most problems like taxi service, house cleaning, meal preparation, help w/ computers, etc. It is a tight community. Everyone knows everyone else, and they are always checking on each other.

What do you do to “beat the heat” and stay comfortable in summertime?

John: Beating the heat of summer is a chore in itself. The clubhouse has a lot to offer with a Billiard room, Cardroom, Lounge, and the beach is only a few minutes away. The only other magic word for beating the heat is air conditioning or swimming pool.

Describe your ideal day off.

John: My ideal day off is very simple. It begins with a bacon and egg breakfast, don’t forget the home fries. A little golf and a trip to the beach or restaurant, no phones.

If you had guests visiting from out of state, where would you take them to show them a good time, locally?

John: Most of my family would love to stay on the beach or pool. There is, however, several museums, play- houses, and countless places to eat. Vero Beach, just 10 minutes away, is full of shopping and dining. You can drive north or south and be at most Florida attractions within a 2-hour drive.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the area?

John: My favorite restaurant is a little Italian place close to Fairways called Loutina’s. A small husband & wife owned restaurant with pizza very close to New York style and the rest of their menu is quite delicious. They are always busy, and the staff are great. ☀️