09/26/2005
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
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September 26, 2005
Present:
Jim Appelt
Steve Swanberg
Jonathan Wade, Sr.
Ron Whitcomb
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Kevin Dunbar
Marsha Beall
Director, Parks and Recreation Dept.
Staff Assistant
Absent:
Tom Fletcher
Allen Weatherilt
Sarah Wiand
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Mr. Appelt called the meeting to order at 6:45p.m. at Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that
order.
ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of August 22. 2005 - Mr. Swanberg
moved to approve the minutes as submitted to members. The motion was duly seconded and carried.
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ITEM #3 - Old Business -
a) Capital Projects Update - Mr. Dunbar reviewed updates on the following projects:
. Community Sports Complex - Variety of upgrades being worked on: improved fencing, driveway areas,
lighting and electrical services.
. Crest Lake Park - Moving forward with designing a new parking lot for the Lake Park Motel property.
. Tennis & Basketball Court Resurfacing - Basketball court resurfacing completed at Woodgate Park;
tennis court resurfacing completed at Del Oro Park and Valencia Park. This encompasses a new wave of
projects coming up within the next year.
. Long Center - Plans are to close down the Fitness facility on October 6 for one week to transition over to
the new area. The new Fitness facility will open October 10. The newly renovated Athletic offices will
be ready at the same time. Revenue at the Long Center is up almost $65,000 over budget. This reflects
an increase even during the downtime the facility experienced during construction. Future opportunities
are bright as the City continues to seek increased opportunities in other centers. The philosophy is
programming first with effective staffing and second to increase rentals during down times.
. Ross Norton Recreation Complex - Completing the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Everything is
doing well, exceeded all predictions in its first year. Mr. Swanberg inquired as to the Skateboard Park.
Mr. Dunbar is pleased with the increased participation. Skateboard patrons and visitors are using the
teen lounge and other gathering rooms. There is an increase in participation from the surrounding
neighborhood.
. Fencing Replacement Program - Embarking on a renovation of the Countryside Sports Complex with
City of Safety Harbor. At the same time, renovating the Plex with upgrades on fencing, lighting, and
upgrades to building. City of Clearwater is working with another group to help match funds for this
project.
. McMullen Booth Overpass - Grand opening ceremonies were Thursday September 22, 2005. Activity
on trail has increased ten-fold. Mandalay Channel Bridge bids came in high. Will work with budget to
complete project. Goes before City Council late October or early November.
. Glen Oaks Park/Kapok - Glen Oaks now ties in to the Druid Road Trail. Kapok is now visible from the
East-West Trail and ties into it. Both will become magnificent parks.
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Parks & Recreation 2005-0926
. McMullen Tennis Center - Courts are being completed. Took the eight hard courts and turned them into
to a six court alignment consistent with the previous courts and all their amenities. Each court will be
fenced off, have access to a cabana, and water fountains. Scheduled to be ready by November 5.
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b) Upcoming Recreation Events - The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar was distributed to members.
Highlights: October 1 Clearwater Hispanic Heritage Festival at Coachman Park. Expecting 7,000-9,000 in
attendance. Offering live entertainment, food, crafts, exhibitors; October 2 is Florida Orchestra; October 13-
16 Clearwater Jazz Holiday; November 12-13 Christmas Under the Oaks.
ITEM #4 - New Business -
a) Pinellas County Recreational Grant - The last two years the County has offered grants to provide for active
recreation to unincorporated residences. In 2004 the City received a $50,000 grant in which the Long Center
applied towards building a Boundless Playground. City of Clearwater is now submitting a request to Pinellas
County for an additional grant. This year's project is to install outside restroom facilities at the Long Center.
The restroom facilities will not only support the Boundless Playground, but also the outside Athletic fields.
The restrooms will only remain opened when there is staff on site. This particular grant is based on the
participation level, which is why the Long Center was selected as possible recipient of these funds. The
Long Center provides 25% usage of the facility to unincorporated citizens of Pin ell as County.
b) Next Month's Meeting - October 24 - will be take place at the North Clearwater Performing Arts Academy,
1751 Kings Highway, Clearwater.
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mr. Wade stated issues with the air conditioning at Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Mr. Dunbar will contact Jim
Wood regarding this problem.
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New projects on horizon - A new project to refurbish Morningside Recreation Complex will be kicking off in the
next few months. The extent of the project will be based on future available funds and cost of construction. Mr.
Dunbar expressed attempts to look to volunteer program to reach out to corporate sponsorships, Bright Futures
program, and partnering with Adopt-a-Park.
Mr. Swanberg asked about the future of Joe DiMaggio Complex. Mr. Dunbar stated conversations are in hand
with a group previously based out of New Orleans. Also, the City is working with USA Partners for assistance in
funding. Members will be kept informed of the progress.
Mr. Whitcomb distributed an August 2, 2005 report from the Clearwater Senior Center Blue Ribbon Task Force.
They are recommending an Office on Aging staffed with an Advisory Council as a support to the City staff.
Mr. Dunbar encouraged members to visit the East-West Trail and witness the activities going on throughout the
community and how many lives have been impacted because of what the City of Clearwater has been able to
provide its citizens.
ITEM #5 - Adjournment - Members adjourned at 7:20p.m.
The next meeting will be held October 24 at North Clearwater Performing Arts Academy.
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Staff Assistan
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Parks & Recreation 2005-0926
2
CLEARWATER SENIOR CENTER BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE
. August 2, 2005
Mayor Frank Hibbard,
Vice Mayor Bill Jonson
Councilmember John Doran
Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton
Councilmember Carlen A. Petersen
City of Clearwater
Post Office Box 4748
Clearwater FL 33758-4748
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Dear Mayor Hibbard and Councilmembers Jonson, Doran, Hamilton, Petersen:
On behalf of the Clearwater Senior Center Task Force members, we appreciated the opportunity to
research the need for a senior center in Clearwater and assist you with this important decision.
Attached is a full report of our activities and research findings as well as some very interesting and
important demographics about the senior residents in Clearwater.
As you proceed through the process of evaluating the need for a senior center or any other senior
activity funded by the City of Clearwater, please keep in mind the following:
o Residents age 65 and over represent 21.5% of our community.
o The retirement Industry is Florida's second largest economic sector.
o Seniors represent $3.5 Billion In charitable giving in the state.
a Seniors represent $135 Billion In. spending power in Florida.
a 50% of Floridats new home construction Is for seniors
a There are 4.2 million jobs in Florida tied to mature citizens.
o The net tax benefit to the state after seNices rendered Is $2.8 billion.
a Florida Seniors donated 7.5 million volunteer days In 2004.
a Florida Seniors are paying $1 Billion in local school taxes.
o Mature Floridians are socially and economically important to Florida.
a 76 million Baby Boomers will begin retiring in 2010.
We are fortunate to have such a significant part of our community rich with senior residents. We
need to be prepared for their needs and the needs of their caregivers if we want them to continue to
reside in Clearwater as productive citizens. We continue to recommend the creation of an Office on
Aging staffed with an Advisory Council to create an overall needs assessment and implementation
plan for senior seNices which stinulate seniors physically and mentally as well as aiding them in
residing in their homes rather than expensive Institutional care.
Again, thank you for this opportunity to serve you.
Respectfully yours,
A~
. Debra Shade, Chairperson
The Clearwater.Senior Center Task Force
Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar
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EVENT DAY(S) DATE(S) TIME(S) LOCATION(S)
Clearwater Chorus 'Songs of the Sun. Nov. 20 2p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111
Season' Concert McMullen Booth Rd., Suzanne
Ruley, 562-4814
Festival of Trees Wed.- Nov. 23 Noon - 8 p.m. Harborview Center
Sun. Nov. 24 2 - 8 p.m. 300 Cleveland St.
Nov. 25 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 712-3993
Nov. 26 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 27 Noon - 5 p.m.
Turkey Trot Kick-Off Party Wed. Nov. 23 5 - 7:30 p.m. Clearwater High School
540 S Hercules Ave.
St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot Thurs. Nov. 24 7:30 a.m. Clearwater High School
540 S Hercules Ave., 562-4700
Boston Crusaders Drum Corps Fri. - Sun. Nov. 25 - 27 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher
Rd.
Coca-Cola Clearwater Classic Youth Fri. - Sun. Nov. 25 - 27 ECM, Joe DiMaggio
Soccer
Festival of Trees - Santa's Breakfast Sat. Nov. 26 9 - 11 a.m. Harborview Center,
300 Cleveland St., 712-3993
Tennis Social (18 and up) Fri. Dec. 2 6:30 - 8 p.m. McMullen Complex
1000 Edenville Ave.
IBC Fall State Boys' Baseball Fri. - Sun. Dec. 2 - 4 ECM, Tack, Joe D, Norton
Downtown Arts Stroll Sat. Dec. 3 Noon - 6 p.m. Cleveland St., Downtown
Clearwater
Holiday Parade Fri. Dec. 9 7p.m. Cleveland Street, Downtown
Clearwater
IBC Showcase Fri. - Sun. Dec. 9 - 11 Joe D, Jack Russell
Senior Health Series Wed. Dec. 14 11:30 a.m. -1:30 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher
p.m. Rd.
IBC/Winning Inning Boys' Baseball Mon. - Dec. 26 - 30 ECM
Sat.
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Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar
EVENT DAY(S) DATE(S) TIME(S) LOCATION(S)
9th Annual Commuter Choices Week Wed. Sept. 28 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. City Hall
112 S Osceola Avenue
Winning Inning Boys' Baseball Wed. - Fri. Sept. 28 - 30 ECM
Tennis Social (18 and up) Fri. Sept. 30 6:30 - 8 p.m. McMullen Complex
1000 Edenville Ave.
Clearwater Horseshoes Season Sat. Oct. 1 Ed Wright
Opener
Clearwater Hispanic Heritage Festivale Sat. Oct. 1 1 - 10 p.m. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.
Make Difference Children's Fishing Sat. Oct. 1 Pier 60
Florida Orchestra In The Park Concert Sun. Oct. 2 7 p.m. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.
Clearwater Cycling Classic Sat. Oct. 8 Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.
Fireside Concert Series Sat. Oct. 8 7 - 9 p.m. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane
ISA Shocktoberfest Girls' Fast Pitch Sat. - Sun. Oct. 8 - 9 ECM
Softball
Audio Adrenaline Tour Sun. Oct. 9 4 - 7 p.m. Bright House Networks Field
601 Old Coachman Rd
Senior Health Series Wed. Oct. 12 11:30 a.m. -1:30 Long Center
p.m. 1501 N Belcher Rd.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday Thurs. Oct. 13 6 - 10 p.m. Coachman Park
Fri. Oct. 14 6-10p.m. 301 Drew Street, 461-5200
Sat. Oct. 15 3-10p.m. www.clearwaterjazz.com
Sun. Oct. 16 3 - 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay Club Sports Co-Ed Softball Sat. Oct. 15 ECM
Oberto Cup Redfish Fishing Fri.. - Sat. Oct. 20 - 22 12-5p.m. Coachman Park, 301 Drew
Tournament Street, 562-4800 /
www.redfishcup.com
US Open Women's Water Polo Fri. - Sun. Oct. 21 - 23 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher
Rd.
Bulletween Girls' Fast Pitch Softball Sat. - Sun. Oct. 22 - 23 ECM
Corona Light Big Shot Volleyball Sat. - Sun. Oct. 22 - 23 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Clearwater Beach
Tournament
Halloween Spooktacular (10 and Fri. Oct. 28 7 - 8 p.m. Countryside Recreation
under) 2640 Sabal Springs Drive
Tennis Social (18 and up) Fri. Oct. 28 6:30 - 8 p.m. McMullen Complex
1000 Edenville Ave.
Parent's Night Out Halloween Party Fri. Oct. 28 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Morningside Complex
(grade K - 8) 2400 Harn Blvd.
Halloween Party (all ages) Fri. Oct. 28 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Clearwater Beach
69 Bay Esplanade
ISA/Winning Inning Boys' Baseball Fri. - Sun. Oct. 28 - 30 ECM, Joe D, Tack, Norton
Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar
EVENT DA YeS) DATE(S) TIME(S) LOCATION(S) I
Halloween Enchanted Forest (all ages) Sat. Oct. 29 7 p.m. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane
Trail of Terror 3 (6 and up) Sat. Oct. 29 7:30 - 9 p.m. Countryside Recreation
2640 Sabal Springs Drive
Club Dread (10 and over) Sat. Oct. 29 7:30 - 10 p.m. Countryside Recreation
2640 Sabal Springs Drive
Fall Classic MABL/MSBL Wood Bat Thurs. - Nov. 3 - 6 Tack, Joe D, Bright House, Jack
Adult Baseball Sun. Russell
US Open Men's Water Polo Thurs. - Nov. 3 - 6 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher
Sun. Rd.
Beach Fun Fest Sat. Nov. 5 2 - 5 p.m. McKay Park
605 N Mandalay Avenue
Clearwater Horseshoes Wellcare Open Sat. Nov. 5 Ed Wright
ICS State of Florida Chili Festival Sat. Nov. 5 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Coachman Park
Make A Difference Fishing Sat. Nov. 5 Pier 60
State of ~Iorida Chili Cookoff Sat. Nov 5 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.
$35 Entry Fee I Fee Admission
Extreme Dodgeball Sat. Nov. 5 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Rockaway Pier, Clearwater
Beach
MABUMSBL Banquet Sun. Nov. 6 5-9 p.m. Coachman Park
Fall Classic MABL/MSBL Sun. - Nov. 6 - 13 Tack, Joe D, Carpenter, Brigh
Sun. House, Jack Russell
Senior Health Series Wed. Nov. 9 11 :30 a.m. - 1 :30 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher
p.m. Rd.
Frenchy's Gumbo Tennis Classic Fri. - Sun. Nov. 11 -13 McMullen Complex
Fireside Concert Series Sat. Nov. 12 7 - 9 p.m. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane
Christmas Under The Oaks Sat., Sun. Nov. 12 - 13 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Coachman Park
301 Drew Street, 723-0888
Amazing Reptiles and Amphibians of Sun. Nov. 13 1 - 2:30 p.m. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
the World 2750 Park Trail Lane
Mason Dixon Classic Car Show Sun. Nov. 13 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bright House Networks Field
601 Old Coachman Rd.
Spectators Free
Parent's Night Out Thanksgiving "Pow Fri. Nov. 18 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Morningside Complex
Wow" (grade K - 8) 2400 Harn Blvd.
AAU Fall Classic Boys' Baseball Fri. - Sun. Nov. 18-20 ECM, Norton
Florida Pirate Festival Fri. Nov. 18 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Coachman Park, 301 Drew
Sat. Nov. 19 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Street, 562-4800,
Sun. Nov. 20 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.piratefair.com
Admission $10
Myrtle Wilkins Annual Table Tennis Sat. Nov. 19 Long Center, 1501 N Belcher ~
Rd.