Parks and Recreation Department - City of Clearwater
Parks and Recreation Department - City of Clearwater
Parks and Recreation Department - City of Clearwater
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<strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Recreation</strong><br />
<strong>Department</strong>
Introduction<br />
Calendar year 2005 saw the continuous assertion <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Recreation</strong> <strong>Department</strong> as<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the top quality <strong>of</strong> life service providers in the State <strong>of</strong> Florida. Once again new facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> programs were added that only continue the long legacy <strong>of</strong> high-quality <strong>of</strong>ferings with the<br />
addition <strong>of</strong> the new Ross Norton <strong>Recreation</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquatic Complex <strong>and</strong> Extreme Sports Park<br />
<strong>and</strong> the completing section <strong>of</strong> the first leg <strong>of</strong> the East/West Trail with the overpass connection<br />
<strong>of</strong> McMullen Booth Road <strong>and</strong> the collaboration <strong>of</strong> <strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Recreation</strong> with Public Works<br />
Administration to open Kapok Park.<br />
The department’s impact on the quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>and</strong> what makes <strong>Clearwater</strong> so special was<br />
evident in how our citizens overwhelmingly respond when asked what is positive in <strong>Clearwater</strong>.<br />
The following report summarizes many <strong>of</strong> the successes <strong>and</strong> accomplishments in the year 2005.<br />
Administration <strong>and</strong> Projects<br />
Several key projects were completed <strong>and</strong> several new ones were funded during 2005. The<br />
following highlights their successes.<br />
Administration <strong>and</strong> Projects Highlights in 2005<br />
<br />
<br />
Implemented RecWare, a comprehensive s<strong>of</strong>tware program, that supports the <strong>City</strong>’s<br />
recreation <strong>and</strong> athletic programs in program registration <strong>and</strong> membership <strong>and</strong> fiscal<br />
management, which will ultimately provide 24/7 access to citizens for registration.<br />
Completed construction <strong>of</strong> the McMullen Booth Overpass,<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the East/West Trail, Ross Norton <strong>Recreation</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Aquatic Complex <strong>and</strong> Extreme Sports Park to include the<br />
state’s largest outdoor skatepark, <strong>and</strong> celebrated the gr<strong>and</strong><br />
opening <strong>of</strong> Kapok Park. Kapok Park conserves <strong>and</strong> provides<br />
26 acres <strong>of</strong> wetl<strong>and</strong>s while creating a breathtaking nature<br />
park. The park contains many park amenities including trails<br />
that connect to the <strong>Clearwater</strong> East/West Trail.
Received a Florida <strong>Recreation</strong> Development Assistance Program grant from the Florida<br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Environmental Protection, a recreation grant from Pinellas County, a grant<br />
from the Long Center Foundation for the construction <strong>of</strong> a limitless playground to replace<br />
the “Sunshine Playground” at the Long Center, <strong>and</strong> a L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Water Conservation Fund<br />
grant for the creation <strong>of</strong> Myron A. Smith Bayview Park.<br />
<br />
Coordinated 14 Volunteer Beautification<br />
Projects at various facilities equating to<br />
1400 volunteer hours. Supported<br />
departmental efforts through the<br />
coordination <strong>of</strong> 29,650 volunteer hours<br />
equating to $460,000.<br />
<strong>Recreation</strong> Programming<br />
Expansion was the theme for the <strong>Recreation</strong> Programming Division in 2005 with the addition<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Ross Norton <strong>Recreation</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquatic Complex <strong>and</strong> Extreme Sports Park, completion <strong>of</strong><br />
the renovation <strong>of</strong> the McMullen Tennis Center <strong>and</strong> renovations to the Long Center.<br />
<strong>Recreation</strong> Programming Highlights in 2005<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Completed Phase 1 <strong>of</strong> the Long Center Renovation Project, which<br />
includes a 2,000 sq. ft. fitness room <strong>and</strong> a renovated gymnasium.<br />
The Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) provided $108,784 for our three<br />
teen lounges. Also, accepted a grant in the amount <strong>of</strong> $111,055 from<br />
JWB for middle school aged children to attend summer camps.<br />
Received two grants totaling $25,000 from the Long<br />
Center Foundation for scholarships <strong>and</strong> enhanced teen/<br />
youth programs.<br />
Taught over 12,000 swim lessons to children <strong>and</strong> adults<br />
in our five swimming pool complexes.<br />
Provided h<strong>and</strong>s-on environmental education to over<br />
4,500 Pinellas County 4th graders through a cooperative<br />
effort between the Southwest Florida Water<br />
Management District <strong>and</strong> the Pinellas County School<br />
Board.<br />
Co-sponsored <strong>and</strong> facilitated the 25th Annual League <strong>of</strong><br />
Environmental Educators in Florida’s state conference.<br />
The conference was attended by over 175 environmental<br />
educators, administrators, regulators <strong>and</strong> students from<br />
throughout the State <strong>of</strong> Florida.
Offered 17 staff-led summer camp programs at six <strong>City</strong> recreation centers for a total <strong>of</strong> 1288<br />
children <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fered 20 contract instructor led specialty camps throughout the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Completed a renovation <strong>of</strong> the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. The new look courts<br />
have the same coloring as the U.S. Open series as well as new fencing, water fountains,<br />
benches, canopies <strong>and</strong> fence dividers. Also, hosted two charity women’s tennis<br />
tournaments (Big Brothers/Big Sisters <strong>and</strong> the American Cancer Society).<br />
Co-sponsored 15 youth <strong>and</strong> four adult groups, totaling over 4,000 athletes. These programs<br />
range from Shuffleboard <strong>and</strong> Lawnbowl players to the upcoming sport <strong>of</strong> Lacrosse. The<br />
Athletics Section also managed over 50 athletic tournaments this past year. These events<br />
had over $20 million <strong>of</strong> economic impact to our community.<br />
Events <strong>and</strong> Festivals<br />
2005 saw the completion <strong>of</strong> the Memorial Causeway Bridge which allowed the Events <strong>and</strong><br />
Festivals section to once again program more activities at the popular Coachman Park venue.<br />
In addition, more events were programmed at the Bright House Networks Field <strong>of</strong>f Old<br />
Coachman Road.<br />
Events <strong>and</strong> Festivals Highlights in 2005<br />
<br />
New <strong>of</strong>ferings in 2005 included the State <strong>of</strong> Florida Chili Championships, Hispanic Heritage<br />
Festival, Q-Fest <strong>and</strong> continued with many annual events including Next Big Thing, Fun N’<br />
Sun Festival, Turkey Trot, Wildsplash, <strong>Clearwater</strong> Celebrates America <strong>and</strong> Pirate Fest.<br />
<br />
Provided fundraising opportunities to more than 40 different<br />
<strong>Clearwater</strong> based non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations.<br />
<br />
Events at Coachman Park <strong>and</strong> Bright<br />
House Networks Field drew more<br />
than 210,000 attendees.<br />
Provided support for over 42<br />
community activities, rentals, ribboncutting<br />
ceremonies <strong>and</strong> co-sponsor<br />
events.
Cultural Affairs<br />
This section is now in full bloom <strong>and</strong> is providing a valuable resource to a community that has<br />
embraced the arts.<br />
Cultural Affairs Highlights in 2005<br />
<br />
<br />
Completed a Public Art Needs Assessment to establish the history <strong>and</strong> level <strong>of</strong> expectation<br />
<strong>of</strong> arts support in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Clearwater</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Clearwater</strong> Public Art <strong>and</strong> Design Ordinance was adopted by <strong>City</strong> Council in October,<br />
2005. This ordinance requires a percent <strong>of</strong> construction costs be dedicated to public art for<br />
both public <strong>and</strong> private development projects.<br />
<br />
Cultural Affairs hosted <strong>and</strong> coordinated Sister <strong>City</strong> exchanges<br />
with Nagano, Japan resulting in visits by:<br />
12 Nagano Middle School students, 3 chaperones in August.<br />
2 Nagano teachers in October - November.<br />
4 Nagano high school students in February.<br />
4 <strong>Clearwater</strong> High School students <strong>and</strong> teachers to Nagano<br />
in June.<br />
<br />
The 2005 highlight was the coordination <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>ficial delegation<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nagano <strong>City</strong> leaders <strong>and</strong> citizens who visited <strong>Clearwater</strong> from<br />
April 26 - 29. During this visit, our Nagano guests visited<br />
various sites <strong>and</strong> met with <strong>Clearwater</strong> counterparts to discuss<br />
economic development, trade <strong>and</strong> tourism opportunities.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Provided <strong>City</strong> performances for local residents <strong>and</strong> visitors with choral concerts <strong>and</strong> a<br />
summer musical production at Ruth Eckerd. These events involved over 760 local<br />
performers who entertained a community audience <strong>of</strong> 6,882.<br />
Established a downtown arts program in empty storefront windows designed to support<br />
artists while improving the look <strong>and</strong> feel <strong>of</strong> the downtown area. Held the first “Plein-air<br />
artist” competition.<br />
Facilitated numerous exhibits at the <strong>Clearwater</strong> Library including several events that<br />
highlighted artists with disability. VSA <strong>of</strong> Florida <strong>and</strong> Creative Clay <strong>of</strong> St. Petersburg held<br />
an exhibit, workshops <strong>and</strong> an artists’ reception to showcase the work <strong>of</strong> their participants.
<strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> Beautification<br />
<br />
The main area <strong>of</strong> focus in 2005 was to continue successful development <strong>of</strong> employees<br />
through education, training <strong>and</strong> development. <strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> Beautification updated <strong>and</strong><br />
exp<strong>and</strong>ed the Park Service Technician Apprentice Program, initiated the <strong>City</strong>’s first formal<br />
Mentoring Program in concert with Human Resources, <strong>and</strong> continued to maintain current<br />
status as the number one park municipality in the State <strong>of</strong> Florida in terms <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
certifications - Florida Certified Horticulture Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, ISA Certified Arborists, <strong>and</strong><br />
Limited Lawn <strong>and</strong> Ornamental Pesticide Certificates.<br />
<strong>Parks</strong> <strong>and</strong> Beautification Highlights in 2005<br />
<br />
Assisted in the development <strong>of</strong> alternative resource<br />
programs with the <strong>Department</strong>’s Volunteer<br />
Coordinator - Adopt-A-Park, Adopt-A-Trail, <strong>and</strong><br />
Group Volunteer Projects. Currently, contracted with<br />
seven civic or neighborhood associations to provide<br />
support at seven specific park facilities. Additionally,<br />
facilitated various group volunteer cleanup projects at<br />
Coachman Ridge Park, Memorial Causeway, Courtney<br />
Campbell Causeway, Lake Chautauqua Park, M<strong>and</strong>alay<br />
Park <strong>and</strong> S<strong>and</strong> Key beach areas.<br />
<br />
Completed numerous l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> beautification<br />
projects - Harbor Oaks medians, Carpenter Complex<br />
parking, Memorial Causeway palm relocation, Bayview<br />
Park sign, Morningside medians, Sports Illustrated sign<br />
on State Road 60, Edgewater Drive welcome sign, Atrium Park median expansion, NE<br />
Coachman Park cleanup, Soule Road Park sign, Crest Lake Park sign, PBI parking facility,<br />
Garden Avenue Park upgrades, Coachman Park upgrades, <strong>and</strong> Bayfront Tennis Court<br />
perimeter property enhancement.<br />
Completed numerous facility upgrades <strong>and</strong> special<br />
projects - Norton <strong>Recreation</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquatic Center<br />
renovations, renovation <strong>of</strong> McMullen Tennis Courts No. 9 -<br />
16 resurfacing, <strong>and</strong> renovations at Carpenter Complex -<br />
enhanced public parking <strong>and</strong> beautification in the Florida<br />
Power lot at Countryside Community Park, various<br />
assistance with the Long Center renovation projects,<br />
including management <strong>of</strong> the playground replacement,<br />
management <strong>of</strong> the new playground installation at Glen Oaks Park, upgrade <strong>of</strong> fencing at<br />
the Nursery <strong>and</strong> Sid Lickton Fields 1 <strong>and</strong> 2, demolition <strong>of</strong> the David Martin Field,<br />
management <strong>of</strong> the playground <strong>and</strong> amenity replacement project at Pier 60 Park, <strong>and</strong><br />
completed seaweed removal <strong>and</strong> storm cleanup at <strong>Clearwater</strong> Beach following Hurricane<br />
Katrina <strong>and</strong> the no-name cold fronts.
Summary<br />
When we reflect back on calendar year 2005, what will come to mind most is the expansion <strong>and</strong><br />
partnerships that have enhanced the quality <strong>of</strong> life in <strong>Clearwater</strong> through a unique internal<br />
partnership with Public Works Administration. Facilities like the McMullen Booth Pedestrian<br />
Overpass <strong>and</strong> Kapok Park have furthered <strong>City</strong> government’s ability to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> its<br />
residents <strong>and</strong> visitors. With the team environment in place led by our <strong>City</strong> Council, <strong>City</strong><br />
Manager’s <strong>of</strong>fice, volunteers, other service providers <strong>and</strong> <strong>City</strong> departments continue quality <strong>of</strong><br />
life as the number one piece <strong>of</strong> “What’s Right In <strong>Clearwater</strong>”.<br />
As we look into 2006, a new updated Long Center, including our first special needs playground,<br />
new aquatics center at Ross Norton, as well as the opening <strong>of</strong> Glen Oaks Park <strong>and</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>City</strong>’s trail system to the implementation <strong>of</strong> the Public Arts Ordinance during the fourth<br />
quarter <strong>and</strong> the completion <strong>of</strong> the Aging Needs Assessment to place a road map as we continue<br />
to strive to meet all <strong>of</strong> the needs <strong>of</strong> our residents <strong>and</strong> visitors. A major focus <strong>of</strong> the department<br />
will be the marketing <strong>and</strong> advertising <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> the many facilities <strong>and</strong> services that are available<br />
so that all <strong>of</strong> our residents <strong>and</strong> visitors will be aware that “It Starts In <strong>Parks</strong>”.