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Morningside Park doesn't need to add gymnasium

The last Penny for Pinellas vote included funding for a new recreation complex at the Morningside-Meadows park in east Clearwater. I believe the city plans to build a facility similar to the Ross Norton Recreation Complex.

Last week, I visited the Ross Norton Recreation Complex.

Last week, I walked past the Morningside Park at various times of the day and evening.

Ross Norton is completely enclosed with access only through the main entrance. There is a day charge of $1.87 plus 7 percent tax for anyone using any part of the facility. There was no one using the weight room. There were no people using the gym. The teen room was empty. The community rooms were empty. Besides the staff, the only people there were three skateboarders.

Morningside Park is a neighborhood park. People were playing tennis. Children were in the play area with parents watching and chatting. The mail carriers stopped there for lunch in the pavilion. Other residents were hitting tennis balls, shooting baskets, enjoying a picnic at the tables under the trees.

I certainly hope that the present building will be rebuilt or remodeled to give better meeting, craft and activity space. However, at present I question the need for a gym. I question the need for a weight room. I question the need for a teen room.

Let Morningside continue to be a neighborhood park.

Child's grandparents give heartfelt thanks to many

Re: A new heart, an answered prayer, story, April 25.

Thank you for the wonderful and heartwarming story about Maddie Grace. Correspondent Jill Ann Perrino and photographer Douglas Clifford did an excellent job of capturing a truly special event.

We would like to thank Westlake Christian School, Rob Starner, the staff, and Linda Sumpter and her kindergarten class for their support, love and prayers.

It was a wonderful welcome, and it made many happy memories for Maddie to hold close forever.

The outpouring of love from all the children and their parents, teachers, staff and friends certainly put a smile in our hearts. It was a Miracle Monday with all the heart flags and banners.

Many thanks to the police and fire escorts. They are our heroes in time of need and also to help celebrate the joyous occasions.

A special thank you to Darren Osgood for keeping us all connected and informed with his creative Web site for Maddie Grace and her family.

For everyone's kindness and generosity of spirit, we are so very grateful. From our hearts to yours, thank you.

Willa Carson will be missed, but her work continues on

Re: Willa Carson.

It was with much sadness that I read of the passing of a fine, strong woman. A person who dedicated her life to making a difference. A founder of the Free Clinic and a true friend to those who wanted to have a future. Willa helped so many people reach their goals.

I didn't "know" Willa, although I certainly knew of her work. I had met her at many functions over the years. She was dedicated to her community. She was such a huge achiever that even Gov. Bush awarded her a "Point of Light" designation.

She will be genuinely missed by all of the people in Pinellas County. Her work will continue. Because of her devotion and her love and respect for all the citizens, we all will feel the loss.

Goodbye, Willa Carson, and thank you.

Blame creature at leash's other end - not dogs

Re: Dunedin Causeway not a place for dogs, letter, April 4.

With all due respect to the author of the letter, the problem is not the pooches; it's the ignorant and inconsiderate dolts who are responsible for walking them and cleaning up the obvious byproducts of a freshly walked dog.

Instead of making a blanket statement such as "ban all dogs from the causeway," how about lobbying for tighter police enforcement in fining these inconsiderate individuals who allow their dogs to soil the sidewalk and sand without picking it up? Maybe 100 hours of community service picking up dog feces and debris from along the trail will help them mend their ways.

I enjoy taking my two whippets to the causeway for a good walk whenever we are in the area and also have noticed the feces. Regrettably, it is not just on the causeway but in every public green space in the state and probably the country as well. One of the responsibilities of pet ownership is picking up after your dog. Unfortunately, as with parenting, many of these individuals choose to let the rest of us clean up their mess.

[Last modified April 28, 2006, 07:56:03]