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Letter to the editor

Once dangerous area upgraded

A new dog park and other improvements are part of the $150,000 project.

By JACKIE RIPLEY, Times Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2007

CAROLWOOD 

Acres of soft grass to roll in and other dogs to romp with is about as good as it gets for Onyx, a black and white pit bullterrier.

"He'll be running around with other dogs and playing out there," said Juan Rivera as he held back an eager Onyx. "Some people are afraid of him because he's a pit bull, but he only gets aggressive if somebody comes into the house and tries to steal something."

Rivera, 19, and Onyx are regulars at the county's recently opened dog park in Logan Gate.

A chain-link fence surrounds the 3-acre area and divides the small dog park from the section for big dogs.

"It's better now because they've got it closed off," Rivera said. "Dogs used to run into the woods and get lost."

A thick stand of woods that provides a backdrop to the park was once dangerous, not only for the neighborhood's pets but also for its children.

That's the area where 13-year-old Stephen Tomlinson was found strangled two years ago.

The teen's former neighbor and youth minister, Joshua Rosa, is charged with his killing and is awaiting trial.

Earlier this year, another youth was stabbed during an altercation at the park.

Outraged neighbors implored the county to do something to improve safety at the park after Stephen's death.

"It was certainly a tragedy," said John Brill, spokesman for the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department. "But it's hard to patrol these types of parks."

In addition to adding security lighting, the county also cleared underbrush near the back of the park so deputies can more easily patrol the area.

Creation of the 3-acre dog park, which sits at the rear portion of the 10-acre site at 7374 Monterey Blvd., was not the only improvement.

The $150,000 project also included rehabbing the basketball court and playground equipment.

"We added sidewalks, shelter with park benches, a water fountain and drinking dishes for dogs," Brill said.

The county wants to improve the neighborhood's two other smaller parks. Plans call for a gazebo, walking trail and an overlook near one of the ponds where passers-by can enjoy the view or drop a fishing line.

The homeowners association said it will contribute $20,000 toward park improvements, which are projected to cost nearly $90,000.

Brill said the county is trying to make up the shortfall.

Ron Tomlinson said he's glad the county is making the park safer, even if it was too late for his son, Stephen.

"It took a person to get stabbed, and for my son to get murdered," Tomlinson said. "It should have come sooner, but they finally did their job."

Jackie Ripley can be reached at ripley@sptimes.com or at 813 269-5308.

[Last modified November 29, 2007, 08:06:54]