07/26/2011
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 26, 2011
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan R. Wade Vice-Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Candace Gardner Board Member
Jerry Thompson Board Member
Absent: Brooks Hammac Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Also Present: Art Kader Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– April 26, 2011
Member Weatherilt said he was present at the April 26, 2011 meeting.
Member Gardner moved to approve the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Board
meeting of April 26, 2011, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
3 – Unfinished Business
3.1. Capital Projects Update
Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader reported installation of onsite utilities at
Joe DiMaggio are complete. The building’s slab is scheduled to be poured this week. Football
practice has begun; temporary portalets are in place.
The reaction to upgraded lighting systems at City facilities has been positive.
Major repairs are planned for the Moccasin Lake Park trail system and boardwalk. Many
boardwalks will be repaired or replaced. Others will be converted to shell trails where wetlands
dried when water was diverted in the Alligator Creek System to minimize flooding.
The City Council approved the contract to replace Pier 60 restrooms. The new facilities
should be complete by December. The concession operator will maintain and monitor the new
restrooms, saving the City approximately $62,000 annually.
Three new lifeguard towers have been installed; two more are planned. Visitors often
pose for photographs by the decorative towers. Lightning protection systems will be installed.
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Work to expand North Greenwood Recreation Center includes two large program spaces
and interior improvements, including offices. Partners will provide programming. The City will
continue to handle rentals and the aquatic center and monitor the building.
Public art, featuring a pedestrian-scale bust of Paul Owen, will be installed in the spring
at the Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex.
3.2. Charles Street Park
Mr. Kader said the City would not pave a path from the north side of Charles Street Park
to Pinellas Trail as the connecting property belongs to Pinellas County, crosses a swale, and is
within 75 feet of trail access.
4 – New Business
4.1. North Greenwood Community athletic fields
It was suggested the board send a letter to City Council requesting the reapportionment
of money to convert parking lots at Jack Russell Stadium to athletic fields in the heart of the
community. Lights and grass also would be needed. Discussion ensued regarding the
community’s need for athletic fields and economic development. It was stated that the cost of
incarcerating three children for a year would cover annual costs to maintain the fields.
Member Wade moved to request that staff draft a resolution and examine the feasibility
of developing the Jack Russell Stadium parking lots for multipurpose athletic fields for youth
sports. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Items Not on the Agenda
Phillip Jones Field
Mr. Kader said the City is working with the federal government and awaiting engineering
reports regarding restoration of Phillip Jones Field. Contamination of adjacent properties also is
a problem as the area once featured an incinerator plant. The City had made many
improvements to the field and was sorry to have to close it.
It was noted the site has a cultural history. Concern was expressed that the City is
losing places for youngsters to play sports. It was stated sports fields provide wholesome
activities and need to be within walking distance as many kids cannot access other forms of
transportation.
Equestrian Park
Mr. Kader said rough grading is complete for the trail system on City property near Lake
Chautauqua. Tree surveys are underway. While the trail was planned for horses and walkers,
a separate shell path now will be built for pedestrians. He will verify that horse trailer spaces in
the parking lot are adequately sized. The City desires to purchase a horse farm to the
southeast that would enlarge the park. It was stated many County residents own horses but
have limited places to ride. It was felt a one-mile trail would be too small for horses. It was
recommended the City provide open area for horses as well as water.
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Camp Event
Schenique Harris said her son is a scholarship student at Iowa State and discussed his
actions to give back to the community and encourage kids to plan for their futures.
Ms. Harris reviewed her efforts to put together a camp for kids from 8 to 16 and their
families. She plans to talk to kids regarding the effect of violence on families and will display
photographs of those who died as a result of community violence. Professional and college
football players with local roots will participate. The event, which was hard to plan around
player schedules, will take place on Sunday, July 31, 2011 behind Clearwater Intermediate.
The City will assist with seating. The sheriff's youth Explorers also will attend. Ms. Harris was
thanked and commended for her efforts. It was noted that Ms. Harris had paid for the event's
insurance.
Mr. Kader said the City is excited about the event and encouraged Ms. Harris to
approach the City early next year to request its participation in next year's activities.
Next Meeting
It was requested that the October 25, 2011 be held at the Lifeguard building at
Clearwater Beach. Staff will provide parking information and slips
5 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. _
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Attest: / Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
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Board Reporte
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