09/07/2011 - Special
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 7, 2011
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan R. Wade Vice-Chair
Brooks Hammac Board Member
Candace Gardner Board Member
Jerry Thompson Board Member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Department Director
Felicia Leonard P & R Admin. Support Manager
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – New Business
2.1. Pier 60 Park Grant
Ms. Leonard presented a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant
proposal for “Pier 60 Park”.
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of Pier 60 Park, and the necessary improvements.
Ms. Gardner moved that the Parks and Recreation Board fully support the City’s application to
FRDAP for improvements to Pier 60 park. The motion was seconded by Mr. Whitcomb. Motion
was unanimously approved.
2.2 North Greenwood Athletic Fields
Mr. Wade states that it’s a good time to bring the idea of recreation fields to the City Council for
approval at the Jack Russell stadium site. Mr. Dunbar then presented the history of the Jack
Russell Stadium site, and explained that the site has been recognized as an economic
development site by city officials. Mr. Dunbar suggested that the first step in getting recreation
fields at the site would be to garner City Council support to move in that direction. Mr. Dunbar
further stated that the City is in need of practice fields in concert with the
partnerships/development occurring at the North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Complex,
and the North Greenwood Library. Discussion ensued regarding the need for recreation fields
in the area. Mr. Shaw iterated that kids need a place to go where they can walk from their
homes. Mr. Wade stated that the previous draft memo didn’t mention the synergy around the
new developments, and that multi-purpose fields at this location only makes sense. Mr.
Thompson asked what this facility would cost and brought up the Winning Inning lease. Mr.
Shaw asked if it makes sense to lease a facility to Winning Inning for $1 per year when it serves
mostly non-residents? Mr. Wade stated that the Winning Inning is a great partner to the area
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neighborhood, and that they bring in many visitors to the area. Mr. Dunbar also stated that the
Winning Inning makes the property accessible to the public through the Boys & Girls Clubs, and
that the contract provides need maintenance of the facility and gives the facility productive use.
Mr. Thompson stated that he still has a problem with the $1 per year because businesses are in
business to make money. Mr. Whitcomb stated that the first step would be to request fields
from the City Council. Mr. Shaw agreed that the Board has to start at the Council level.
Mr. Jonathon Wade moved that the Board send a memo to the City Council requesting that the
City look into making multiuse fields at the site, and to add language including the new
partnerships/synergy in North Greenwood. Mr. Weatherilt requested a friendly amendment to
the motion that the memo request that the City Council look at the entire parcel for recreation
use. The motion was seconded by Mr. Whitcomb. Motion unanimously passed.
2.3. Mr. Whitcomb requested that a water fountain be placed at Morningside Park near the
restrooms and tennis courts. Mr. Dunbar stated he would check into that.
3—Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 pm at the Long Center
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