If Gov. Bush signs off on the budget, four communities will get a share of $400,000 for improvements.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published May 2, 2004
ST. PETE BEACH - A $200,000 state grant will pay for the first phase of a waterfront park planned at the old city hall site, according to the 2004-2005 budget approved Friday by the Florida Legislature.
Three other beach communities also would receive grants:
- Indian Shores, $50,000 for renovations to a park at 186th Avenue E.
- South Pasadena, $50,000 for playground improvements at Duryea Park.
-Belleair Beach, $50,000 each for Bayside and Morgan parks.
The state Recreation Development Assistance Program grants will not be official, however, until the budget and specific appropriations are signed by Gov. Jeb Bush.
The governor called for $6-million in recreation grants, the same amount as last year. The Legislature allocated $21.2-million which, if approved, will fund 132 of 296 recreation grant applications statewide.
The grants go to local communities for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation use and for projects that provide, renovate or maintain recreational trails, trailhead and trailside facilities.
"This is less than half of the grant requests, but it is better than last year's $6-million," said Terri Messler, state community program administrator and supervisor of the department's grant section. Prior to last year, Messler said the state had funded 100 percent of recreation grant requests for eight consecutive years.
With its grant, St. Pete Beach can begin a redesign of the 5.37-acre site on the Intracoastal Waterway. The old city hall, as well as an office annex and old police building have been demolished. In the first phase, restrooms, a picnic shelter, a children's play area, landscaping and sidewalks are planned for about three-quarters of an acre next to the existing gymnasium.
"We will coordinate this with the gymnasium renovation," said City Manager Mike Bonfield. "I would not expect work to begin until sometime next year.'
Future phases of the City Hall Park project may include a shoreline boardwalk and amphitheater, as well as a new community center.
Here are the other beach recreation projects in the state budget:
South Pasadena: Work is expected to begin in the fall on new playground equipment and improved handicapped access for the Kiddie Park section of Duryea Park, 7054 Sunset Drive.
Indian Shores: Improvements to the 186th Avenue E park including parking, a sheltered picnic area, a 40-foot fishing area along the seawall, and handicapped facilities at the adjacent beach access.
Belleair Beach: A new lighted tennis court is planned at Bayside Park at 444 Causeway Blvd. Morgan Park will get a picnic shelter.
