10/22/2001CITY OF CLEARWATER
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
October 22, 2001
Present: Steve Swanberg Chair
Jonathan Wade Sr. Board Member
Thomas Fletcher Board Member
Kim Cashman Board Member
Larry Lindner Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Director
Steve Miller Recreation Programming Superintendent
Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant II
Absent: Sarah Wiand Vice Chair
Vacancy Board Member
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 Chair Swanberg called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Municipal Services Building Conference Room 130.
ITEM #2 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of September 24, 2001 – Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 Correspondence – Mr. Dunbar said City Commission has asked the Board to hold another Public Hearing regarding naming the new recreation complex at 900 North Greenwood Avenue
since (1) the name of North Greenwood Avenue is to be changed and (2) the Griggley family has withdrawn Terry Griggley’s name for consideration. A Public Hearing will be held at the
next board meeting, November 26, at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Chair Swanberg expressed concern the MLNP location may not be convenient to North Greenwood citizens. Member Wade agreed.
Members Cashman, Lindner, and Fletcher favored the MLNP location. It was agreed fliers with locator maps would be mailed to those who participated in the last hearing, and fliers would
be posted at Martin Luther King Center and other centers and city message boards.
ITEM #4 Old Business –
Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar discussed the status of the following:
North Greenwood Recreation Complex – Commission approved construction contracts for recreation and aquatic components. Construction begins this month; opening expected November 1,
2002.
Ray Green Park Expansion – Nothing new about last lot on site; homeowner does not want to sell. Complex will be designed around it.
Community Sports Complex – Working with Phillies to research alternative locations for stadium. DiMaggio site now could become location of a large soccer complex. Also, USA Baseball
has requested an RFP to relocate its headquarters to Jack Russell complex.
Skate Park – At beginning of fiscal year, another $120,000 added to skate park budget. Site on hold until college makes decision on property lease for the DiMaggio Center in spring.
This is the primary site currently being considered for this facility. Mr. Dunbar noted the rec program at Joe DiMaggio has grown;
for example, more than 250 youths are coming to teen dances. Mr. Dunbar noted interest in skate parks is still high.
City-wide P&R Master Plan – Community meetings are finished. Focus groups provided good input. Will update City Commission at October 29 Work Session. Next steering committee meeting
is November 6 at Harborview Center. Members encouraged to attend.
List of capital projects for new fiscal year will be available at next board meeting.
Upcoming Recreation Events – Mr. Miller highlighted Verizon Music Festival and recreation programs including camps, Times Turkey Trot, Christmas Under the Oaks, and the Holiday parade
and events.
Members commented Jazz Holiday seemed successful. Mr. Dunbar said the organizers asked the city to partner more with the event this year. Approximately 10,000 attended Saturday’s performance.
Members commented that many patrons were seated too far from the stage because of paid seating in front. It was suggested that paid seating be limited to the evening when the headliner
performs.
Sub-Committee Assignments – Meetings have been arranged as follows: Member Swanberg and Member Lindner, meeting with Mr. Dunbar tonight. Member Wade and Member Cashman meeting with
Mr. Miller tonight. Member Cashman and Member Wiand meeting with Ms. Melanie Hasburgh November 5.
ITEM #5 New Business –
Volunteerism Proposal – Volunteer Coordinator requested members donate their time once or twice annually for department activities such as special event concerts, athletic tournaments,
tennis tournaments, Officer Friendly Bike Jamboree, etc. The coordinator periodically will provide lists of available opportunities.
Not on Agenda
Member Lindner asked when a review of McMullen Tennis Complex would be completed. Mr. Miller said that item was on the agenda for the Program Sub-Committee meeting tonight.
Mr. Dunbar updated the board on the Long Center lease negotiations. Some areas envisioned of upgraded programming for the Long Center include a therapeutic recreation program staffed
with full-time certified TR staff; strong swimming programs; and partnership with Clearwater for Youth to provide competitive athletic programs in basketball and volleyball.
ITEM #8 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
The next meeting will be November 26 at Moccasin Lake Nature Park.