09/23/2002CITY OF CLEARWATER
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
September 23, 2002
Present: Sarah Wiand Chair
Jonathan Wade Sr. Vice Chair
Kim Cashman Board Member
Larry Lindner Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director, Parks and Recreation Dept.
Ron Doran President, Clearwater Country Club
John Bailey Past President, Clearwater Country Club
Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant
Absent: Thomas Fletcher Board Member
James Appelt Board Member
Steve Swanberg Board Member
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 Call to Order – Chair Wiand called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Clearwater Country Club, 525 Betty Lane North.
ITEM #2 Clearwater Country Club Overview & Tour -- Mr. Dunbar noted the City owns golf course grounds surrounding 5.7 acres owned by the club. A 30-year lease between City and the
club effective this year financed upgrade of the club. Mr. Bailey gave a brief history of the club, which was founded as Clearwater Golfers Club in 1927. He noted the club is managed
by a 9-person board of directors, and all facilities are open to the public. Some community activities include hosting high school golf tournaments, allowing Clearwater High School
students to practice at no charge, sponsoring clinics for needy children, and giving discount rates for charity. He noted social membership has declined, and golfing itself has been
hit by the economy. A membership drive to target younger families is planned.
ITEM #3 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of August 26, 2002 – Motion to approve was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #4 Correspondence – Mr. Dunbar reminded members the NRPA conference next month in Tampa is offering a 50% discount to board members who wish to attend citizen board-related sessions.
He also invited members to the NRPA social October 19 at Sheraton Sand Key.
ITEM #5 Old Business
Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar updated the following projects:
Community Sports Complex - Groundbreaking ceremony October 16. In addition to providing a new stadium, the location is opportunity to program another venue for concerts, trade shows,
art shows, etc., as well as major athletic events.
Skate Park - City is developing a counter offer to purchase Joe DiMaggio complex from St. Petersburg College.
Clearwater East/West Trail: Cliff Stephens section – Completion clears way to apply for FRDAP grant for Ross Norton aquatic facility.
Allen’s Creek Park (Maple Swamp) – Project completed; playground installed.
North Greenwood Recreation Center – Project on schedule; board will meet there October 28.
Ross Norton Complex - Design committee meets this week; construction expected to begin in mid-spring.
Glen Oaks Golf Course Improvements – Public Works Administration providing assessment of land at $1.38 million and will fund all improvements. Parks and Recreation will maintain the
property.
Crest Lake Dog Park - Work expected to begin next month; completion planned by year end. Park will be hexagon layout and include 3 dog runs, irrigation to clean soil, donated fire hydrants,
and pet and owner water fountains.
Relative to Crest Lake Park, Mr. Dunbar said City Commission approved purchase of the Park Lake Motel properties, which will be developed as a gateway for Crest Lake, possibly containing
public art. Mr. Dunbar said a cultural arts plan is being developed for the City wherein a percentage of new construction fees would go toward creating public art.
Upcoming Recreation Events – October events include Animal Planet exhibit and Jazz Holiday, both at Coachman Park. Next month, the Verizon Music Festival-Tampa Bay kicks off November
2 at Coachman Park, featuring Al Jarreau.
Mr. Dunbar reported $12 million went into Clearwater economy last fiscal year from events at Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex. Forty-two of 52 weekends were booked. A package of hotel
and restaurant discounts is being developed for visiting players.
ITEM #6 Adjournment - Members adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Next meeting is October 28 at North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Complex.