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PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 2007 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Annual Report e e . Introduction Weare pleased to provide the 2007 Clearwater Parks and Recreation Annual Report. As you review, you will notice it could also be titled Clearwater Parks and Recreation "By the Numbers': Many outstanding programs, facilities and events were offered for our residents and visitors in 2007. Whether it was the over 10,000 swim lessons taught at City pools or the over 320,000 people who attended a City event or the millions who utilized one of the City's well manicured properties, there was much for everyone to enjoy. The following outlines the different sections of the organization and some of the major accomplishments in 2007. e Administration and Projects Several key projects were completed and many new partners are working with the department to provide for the total system delivery. Following are some of the key highlights. Administration and Projects Highlights in 2007 . This year a restroom was constructed at the Long Center Sunshine Playground. Needless to say the restroom has been a great success especially with parents of small children and children with special needs. . Phase II of the Memorial Causeway Landscaping Plan was completed from approximately 700 feet west of the Memorial Causeway Bridge to the Mandalay Channel Bridge. . A beautiful section of the Ream Wilson Trail from the Long Center to the south side of N .E. Coachman Park was completed this year. The last part of the trail, which is a very small section from N.E. Coachman Park to Carpenter Field, will be completed in 2008. e . Continued to develop a strong relationship with neighborhoods and groups through our Adopt-A- Park Program as we had 32 groups volunteer this year. . . Plans were completed and out to bid for two additional projects - the restroom/concession building for Countryside Recreation Complex and the interior renovations of the National Guard Armory. A new 38 space parking lot was constructed at Crest Lake Park to help the patrons who frequent the "Doggie Daze Dog Park". Received a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Grant for the Enterprise Road Dog Park and a $4.8 million Florida Communities Trust Grant for the acquisition of Lake Chautauqua Equestrian and Nature Preserve. . The department was blessed to have over 5,000 persons donate over 50,000 hours of volunteer services to the Parks and Recreation Department equating to approximately $940,565 in alternative labor. e Recreation Programming This division within the department continues to offer top level programming at some of the highest quality facilities in the region. Dedicated professional staff have positively impacted many lives of our residents. The following illustrate some of their many accomplishments in 2007. Recreation Programming Highlights in 2007 . Provided recreation, youth development, and supervision for approximately 950 children in our 7 staff-led summer camps and approximately 450 children in our 4 contract instructor- led specialty camps. . Received $236,150 in continuation grant funding from the Juvenile Welfare Board for teen leadership development programs and middle school aged summer camps. . Athletics Youth Sports Section increased training of parents, coaches and administrators by encouraging participants to receive training on- line. e . Developed a city-wide community wellness campaign - Healthy Choices for a Healthy Clearwater. Was awarded a 2007 Healthy Hero Award by the Patel Foundation for Global Understanding. e . Athletic Section has increased the adult baseball program by 60% and 4 out of 5 programmable nights the adult softball program is operating at its maximum capacity for facility resources. . Taught 10,700 swimming lessons citywide. For the third consecutive year, McMullen Tennis Complex hosted a USTA Women's Pro Circuit event and was chosen as one of the five cities nationwide to be a pilot city for the new USTA Quick Start program. . Nearly 10,000 recreation memberships were sold at 8 recreation complexes. . Provided economic impact to the community through athletic tournaments yielding in excess of 17.5 million dollars. e OffIce on Aging This was a very dynamic year for this section as several important programs for our elder residents were offered through a collaboration with numerous partners, to make a positive impact on the residents' quality of life. Office on Aging Highlights in 2007 . The Aging Well publication expanded to include informative articles on available resources for seniors. Articles provided by publication partners including: Morton Plant Mease Health Care, Florida Department of Financial Services, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Alzheimer's Association, Florida Foster Grandparent Program, Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, Pinellas County Health and Human Services and the Pinellas County Falls Prevention Coalition. Magazine distribution expanded to 45 distribution sites throughout Clearwater and direct mail. . Worked with area partners to implement the File of Life program in Clearwater. A File of Life provides critical information to first responders in the event of an emergency. Clearwater recreational facilities and libraries are program distribution points. Partners include the American Red Cross, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and the Alzheimer's Association. e e . Approximately 51 senior programs were offered at recreation centers in 2007. The Office on Aging provided an additional 10 programs at the Recreation Centers. The additional programs focused on promoting Life Safety issues. The Office on Aging worked with other City departments (i.e. Police and Fire Department, emergency management and therapeutic programs) to facilitate the programs. Programs offered through the Office on Aging included hurricane awareness, senior crime prevention, safety phone program and the File of Life program. . Worked with Neighborly Care Network, Senior Citizens Services and the City of Dunedin to launch a new transportation option for area seniors. The EZride service is a membership program, providing seniors with trips at an affordable rate. The City assists with promotion, staff and volunteer support and limited financial support. The service provides a reliable, sustainable, community-based transportation option for seniors. EZride utilizes hybrid vehicles resulting in the first hybrid-based senior transportation program in the United States. e Cultural Affairs The following highlights several of the many outstanding accomplishments in 2007. Cultural Affairs Highlights in 2007 . Instituted an "Art in Unexpected Places" program that strives to place local artists work in public and private spaces. Venues included the Municipal Services Building lobby, City Hall lobby, Clearwater Regional Chamber Community Room, the Ruth Eckerd Hall Grand Concourse and downtown storefronts. Initiated the first City Hall exhibition and reception devoted to the work of local Hispanic artists. . Collaborated with the Clearwater Arts Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and Pinellas County Schools to provide the following opportunities during 2007: > Cultural Affairs Division partnered with Clearwater Arts Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall and Pinellas County Schools to present the All-County Chorus Performance for 450 middle school and high school students. > Cultural Affairs Division partnered with Skycrest Elementary and Clearwater High School by providing assistance with arts activities. e \::'...~J1:..1''!1'~_~f;:'!~;i:_:.,_ ~ ., , ~, , ).. - \ \ -1'1 :\.' ^ .... ~~;'lf ~~,~. ' ~. III ~ ;e:L~ :,.i;f\.~.ll -. \ ..r-:.~. 1...[" If~ - (L ~,! t t ;' f' e . Completion of a Public Art & Design Master Plan that identifies projects and outlines priorities and recommendations for 2007-2020. The Plan also included policies for loans, donations, and de- accessioning of artwork and was approved by the City Council on May 3, 2007. . The division's "Public Art & Design Program" conducted three "Imagine Art Downtown" charrettes to gather public input for upcoming projects in the downtown area. . Collaborated with the Pinellas Library Cooperative System and was selected as one of 117 communities to receive a National Endowment for the Arts "Big Read" grant. Parks and Beautification The investment this community has made in landscaping and horticulture is administered by this group of extremely dedicated professionals. With just under 700 properties to maintain including over 1,500 acres of parkland, the staff, which includes 22 certified horticulturists, 18 certified arborists, 32 certified pesticide applicators and 2 certified turfgrass professionals, gives the City an outstanding return on its investment. The following highlights some of the specialized undertakings of this work unit. e Parks and Beautification Highlights in 2007 . Completed landscape enhancements at Landry median, Countryside Blvd. medians, Crest Lake Dog Park expansion and Parking Lot construction, Clearwater Pass Bridge triangle, Valencia Park, Sand Key Bay Park, Windward Passage cul-de- sac, Ream Wilson Trail improvements, and the Court Street median. . . Installed new playground equipment at Countryside Community Park and Valencia Park, and replaced equipment at Marymont and Bay Park. . Coordinated the demolition of the dilapidated portions of the Jack Russell Stadium structure. . Assumed responsibility for all palm pruning from Urban Forestry. . Completed an up-to-date inventory of boardwalks, docks, and piers on City parkland. e e e . Established a Mentor Program for all new and newly promoted employees - the first in the City! . Facilitated numerous training, including: one employee completed the 2-year Maintenance and Management School sponsored by North Carolina State; seven employees acquired their Arborist certification; two employees acquired their Private Applicator pesticide license; and, one employee acquired their Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification. Events and Festivals This was another banner year where all-time attendance records were set in the Times Turkey Trot, Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Ford Ironman 70.3. Events were held in every month of the year. Events and Festivals Highlights in 2007 . New offerings in 2007 included the San Gennaro ItalianFest and Knology Sea Blues Festival and continued with Raise the Roof Christian Concert, Fun N Sun Festival, Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Turkey Trot, Wildsplash and Clearwater Celebrates America. . Total number of people attending special events this year exceeded 320,000 people. . Administered over 112 special events applications and events held in Clearwater through the Special Events Ordinance. Summary The year 2007 was one of the most challenging in the history of the department and one of the most gratifying. As illustrated throughout this report, the community has embraced its parks system as evidenced by the very high utilization numbers, while enjoying several of the new facilities and programs which continue to set Clearwater apart from any other community. Clearwater is truly the ultimate place to live, work and play.