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Concession stands might open in parks
By AARON SHAROCKMAN CLEARWATER -- Watching beachgoers make the long trek from the shore to their car at Sand Key Park gave County Administrator Steve Spratt an idea. Parched parkgoers shouldn't have to lug around that cooler, and Pinellas County could make some money selling them cool drinks. And why, he thought, shouldn't you be able to rent a paddle boat or canoe while you're at it? Seeing a need to quench hordes of slogging and sweaty warm-weather visitors to the park just south of Clearwater Pass, Spratt set out to see if the parks department could bring concession facilities to several parks it runs. He took the idea of concession stands to parks director Liz Warren, who quickly agreed. That made Sand Key Park's assistant supervisor Sandy Johansen's day. Johansen, who has seen her share of heat-exhausted park visitors, thinks the addition of a concession stand would keep her park's guests cooler. "Right now we have to send them to the Sheraton for something to drink, and to them it looks like a long way. It's really not; but in the heat, everything's a long way," said Johansen, who has been working at the park for 13 years. The number of parks that might receive a new watering hole hasn't been decided, Spratt said. He also wants to explore adding other amenities at Pinellas County parks, including paddle boat and canoe rentals, and possibly cafes and lodges. To approve the concession stands, the county would have to change rules that prohibit solicitation on park property. There already is an exception for the concession stand and souvenir shop at the county's largest park, Fort De Soto Park on the southern tip of Pinellas. Spratt, who took over as administrator in December after a stint in Miami-Dade County government, said the county commissioners initially were open to the idea. "It's a really good concept," said Warren, who has been in Pinellas for just more than a year. "I come from a county (Sarasota) with a lot of concession opportunities, so it's something I'm used to. We're looking at a lot of opportunities to benefit the customer, and certainly a place to grab a bottle of water and a hot dog would do that," she said. Spratt uses a Miami-Dade example to illustrate Pinellas possibilities. Matheson Hammock Park in Miami-Dade includes a snack bar-type facility during the day selling hamburgers, hot dogs and light refreshments. At night, The Red Fish Grill rolls out linen napkins, candlelights and a more extensive menu for park visitors who want to finish their day along the sandy beach. There's nothing preventing that from landing in Pinellas, Spratt said. Warren and Spratt met Friday for two hours discussing capital projects, including the construction of concession stands at county parks. The meeting was very productive, Warren said, and is "getting the ball rolling." "Parkgoers shouldn't have to walk anywhere for something to drink," Spratt said. "If it's a service they want, we should do everything to provide it for them. At the same time, it has great revenue potential for the county." Until now, the county's parks have been passive, meaning they don't provide such activities as softball or recreational programs. Because the county has some of the country's most beautiful recreational facilities and because Spratt always is asking, "What do you do with the park?" Warren thinks Pinellas is taking advantage by making the area as attractive as possible to residents and visitors. "With his experience in Miami-Dade and my experience in Sarasota County, we've been able to bring a lot to the table; and those ideas have meshed perfectly," Warren said. This isn't the first time Spratt is making news in connection with local parks. In March, Spratt stepped in and helped mediate an ongoing dispute between Lealman fire officials and community leaders over $3-million earmarked for a new fire station at the expense of money for recreation projects. Spratt brokered a deal that included a new fire station and a children's playground adjacent to the Lealman Park, at 37th Street and 54th Avenue N. In Miami-Dade, Spratt oversaw the parks department. "Once you are in that business and are exposed to the potential, you can look at another park property and sort of transfer that potential," Spratt said. "I can look at a park like Sand Key and see what it needs to be successful."
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