Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

No takers for rec centers

Plans to outsource them didn't pan out, but officials say they'll try it again next year.

By MIKE DONILA, TImes Staff Writer
Published October 31, 2007

CLEARWATER - A plan to have an outside contractor take over running the city's six major recreation centers and swimming pools has fizzled because officials couldn't find any interested takers.

But Clearwater leaders say they plan to try again next year in light of anticipated tax cuts by the state.

The idea was broached this spring as state lawmakers began talking about reducing the amount of property tax revenues local governments could collect.

Clearwater at first talked about outsourcing the North Greenwood facility to the local Boys & Girls Club and closing the beach recreation center.

That idea, however, upset many residents, so in July the city began a formal bidding process for outside organizations to run the centers.

Nobody came forward.

The two parties that expressed some interest - the local branch of the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA of the Suncoast - didn't think they would be able to cover their costs and still offer quality services.

"A lot of it had to do with the level of subsidy they needed to close the gap of revenues and expenses," said parks and recreation department director Kevin Dunbar. "I think there's still some interest, but the city will have to provide some funding."

The city managed to keep all the centers open when the state-mandated tax cuts didn't hit Clearwater as hard as initially expected.

Clearwater leaders now say some time next year they'll probably again open the bidding process to operate the centers.

But City Manager Bill Horne said they'll try to "make them more attractive, although we may have to incur more city costs."

In the original proposal, the city wanted any potential third parties to assume all operational costs. But the new managers would not have the ability to alter the programs or increase fees to help make up revenue losses.

The city's six major pools and recreation centers feature a number of camps and activities, such as basketball leagues, yoga classes and swim lessons.

They are well used, with more than 2.3-million visitors passing through their doors annually. The city this past year sold 17,000 recreation passes that grant users unlimited access.

But Clearwater underwrites the operations each year to the tune of more than $2.6-million.

Scott Goyer, president of the Clearwater-based YMCA, said he would welcome any renewed conversations about taking over a center next year if the two sides can find ways to increase revenues.

Carl Lavender, executive director of the St. Petersburg-based Boys & Girls Club, agreed.

"If we're in, then we're going to be in for as long as they need us," Lavender said. "It could be really, really cool. I'm looking forward to Round Two."

City Council member Paul Gibson, who has heavily criticized the centers' annual losses, said he thinks the city can restructure an agreement "more acceptable to an organization that chooses to bid on it."

"I think we now have a better idea of what they need and we can work something out," he said.

City leaders say it's too soon to tell whether programs or employees would be affected if the centers and pools were outsourced.

Currently, Clearwater's parks and recreation system has 240 employees. It maintains or contracts vendors for 700 pieces of property, including 37 neighborhood parks, 60 ballfields, the major recreation centers, pools and the Moccasin Lake Nature Park.

It is also responsible for the land along Memorial Causeway and much of Clearwater Beach's shoreline.

The centers are credited with doing more than providing physical activity: They connect teens with strong mentors, bring families closer, increase property values and reduce crime, city leaders say.

Making up the difference Recreation costs Facility operating revenues Difference Long Center $1.3-million $700,000 $600,000 Ross Norton $625,000 $75,000 $550,000 North Greenwood $800,000 $175,000 $625,000 Clearwater Beach $450,000 $125,000 $325,000 Countryside $500,000 $250,000 $250,000 Morningside $445,000 $140,000 $305,000

.

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 20:41:10]