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Letter to the editor

'Leave our parks open,' public says

The commission listens to young letter writers and others on budget cuts, especially those closing facilities.

By LORRI HELFAND, Times Correspondent
Published August 11, 2007

LARGO - Parents e-mailed City Hall pleading to keep resource officers at Largo schools.

Residents confronted Mayor Pat Gerard at the grocery store, asking her to keep the library open on Sundays.

And kids wrote city officials, warning of tragic consequences if they closed nature parks on weekdays.

"You will see about 300 or 400 turtles each year on the streets because they will be looking for new homes with food," a kid named Angel W. warned.

And as budget talks began this week, there was yet another group, Largo's Finance Advisory Board, that weighed in, urging officials to scale back proposed cuts to city services.

The parents, the library patrons, the appointed committee members and especially those plucky kids - they've all been heard.

No formal decisions have been made yet, but Thursday night City Commissioners suggested keeping several services that were on the chopping block a month ago.

The original list of proposed reductions included cutting the Fourth of July celebration, eliminating city support for school resource officers and closing Bayhead Teen Center, two outreach centers, the George C. McGough and John R. Bonner nature parks during the week, and the Largo public library on Sundays.

Now City Commissioners are leaning toward keeping the library open on Sundays and the nature parks open all week, and funding at least one outreach center at Lake Palms.

Resource officers weren't discussed Tuesday, but police Chief Lester Aradi previously said he expects to keep the resource officers.

Most commissioners suggested cutting the city's Fourth of July celebration from the budget, but they don't intend to cancel the event. They said they're confident the city will secure a sponsor to cover costs estimated at about $30,000.

City leaders also have seen a handful of complaints from residents who want maximum property tax cuts.

Commissioners didn't discuss the tax rate this week, but they will likely decide to reduce the property tax rate below the maximum set last month.

Officials also have received heartfelt letters from some who took part in city outreach programs when they were kids.

But children at McGough Nature Park's summer camp arguably led the biggest and most effective campaign. They wrote letters as part of camp activity, some with a heartfelt indignation worthy of Lisa Simpson.

"I am disturbed by the whole fact that you are closing down George C. McGough Nature Park!" a girl named Madeline wrote. "The city needs the Nature Park. It helps people learn to respect nature and respect the environment."

Some introduced city leaders to their favorite park creatures, such as the great horned owl J.R., rat snakes named Thunder and Houdini, and a slew of turtles that swim in a pond there. A few read those letters to officials at City Hall.

Others highlighted their fears that wayward animals would be left to fend for themselves if the parks were closed during the week.

"If kids can't feed the turtles they will have to go to another park to get food," wrote a girl named Gina. "They might get runned over. Don't close both parks!!"

Thursday night, commissioners giggled over the kids' turtle comments.

"We don't want them to be hit by a car so we better keep the parks open," joked Gerard.

The pleas also touched City Commissioner Andy Guyette, who wants to keep the property tax rate as low as possible, but said he wants to keep the parks, especially McGough, open.

"That is one park that really helps those kids," Guyette said.

Other commissioners commented that adults also frequent the parks, which host various events, including festivals, adult nature walks, Scout and school field trips.

Recreation, Parks and Arts director Joan Byrne said there are few additional costs to keep Bonner open as well since the same staff serves both parks.

"I think that's a deal, myself - $75,000 a year to keep both of those parks open," Gerard said.

Fast Facts:

What's next?

Another 2007-08 budget work session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday. Watch it live on Largo channel 15 or later on streaming video at largo.com. Public meetings to adopt the property tax rate and budget are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 11 and Sept. 20 at City Hall, 200 N Highland Ave.

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 20:57:31]