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Pasco County Parks and Recreation

Tennis center secures management

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Plans to serve up more tennis opportunities for Zephryhills residents — while also creating a regional asset — have moved yet another step forward.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 9 unanimously approved a 20-year contract with Tennis P.R.O. Florida, LLC, to operate and mange the proposed Zephyrhills Tennis Center.

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, shown here. Collard was the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006. He most recently served as the tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania. (Kevin Weiss)

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, who was the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006.

Most recently, he was tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Under the agreement, Tennis P.R.O. will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the facility, which will include providing lessons and running concessions. The firm also will handle memberships and fundraising.

Moreover, Collard’s company will pay $300,000 upfront for capital improvements to the facility — covered court, hitting walls, indoor and outdoor playground and so on.

The agreement also calls for the proposed facility to be open at least 80 hours per week, as weather permits.

“I’m very excited about starting as soon as possible,” Collard told council members.

“I’m already working on the marketing, trying to find out what can we do to make it a big success. We want the community to be involved. We’re also going to have a foundation, where we’re going to try to do a lot of outreach programs,” he said.

Council members unanimously agreed in May to enter negotiations with Tennis P.R.O. LLC, to operate and manage the proposed tennis facility. The firm was selected over Management Partners and Net Results.

The planned $2.19 million complex will include eight clay and two hard surface courts, two sheltered courts, two mini-courts and several pickleball courts, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

It also will feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second floor, if added, will include an observation deck overlooking the courts with concessions and a lounge for players.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), two sheltered courts, two mini-courts and several pickleball courts, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.
The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a community room, and two office spaces. The project could break ground as soon as March.
(File)

The complex will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

Officials say the project could break ground as soon as March, with construction estimated at 12 to 16 months.

Once complete, it will be renamed Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team. Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

City Manager Steve Spina said the city will receive no revenues in the first three years of the complex opening, to help Tennis P.R.O. recoup its upfront costs. For the remainder of the agreement, however, the firm will pay rent to the city based on a percentage of its profits.

Spina said the public-private partnership resembles the one Zephyrhills has with the East Pasco Family YMCA, in which the city owns the building property, but outsources programming and facility management.

Meanwhile, recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments will be used to finance most of the facility’s construction costs, city officials say. The city also is looking into additional funding from USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

Memberships, or hourly court rental fees, will be required to access the tennis facility, though Zephyrhills residents will see a price break compared to non-residents.

And, while those figures haven’t yet been configured, they are expected to mirror other clay-court tennis centers in nearby communities.

The eight-court Cindy Hummel Tennis Center, in Auburndale, has yearly memberships ranging from $75 to $171, for unlimited court access. Elsewhere, the 10-court Plant City Tennis Center offers individual annual passes for $350, and family annual passes for $700. Hourly court fees range from $1 to $7 at both facilities.

“If you go to Plant City, if you go Auburndale, if you go to Tampa — to have clay courts you have to have fees,” Spina said.

Aside from serving east Pasco residents, officials believe the new tennis complex could become a draw for college and USTA-sanctioned events.

“We think this is more than a local tennis club; we think it will be a regional asset,” Spina told the council.

“This is a feather in our cap,” said Alan Knight, council president.

“I’m excited about it,” said Lance Smith, council vice president. “I think it’s going to bring some people in here, and we don’t really have any idea how big this is going to be. …I think it’s going to be a great success. I’m looking forward to seeing it come along.”

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Firm selected to manage planned Zephyrhills tennis center

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The Zephyrhills City Council has selected a firm to run the city’s proposed tennis complex, the latest step in guiding the ambitious project forward.

During a May 22 meeting, council members unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with Pennsylvania-based firm Tennis P.R.O. LLC, to operate and manage the proposed tennis facility.

Construction could begin by year’s end.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge and concessions.
(File)

The council also considered Tennis Management Partners and Net Results, before making its choice.

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006. He currently serves as the tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Once finalized, the public-private partnership agreement will first call for Tennis P.R.O. to offer input to the facility’s final engineered site design and architectural plans.

Elsewhere, the firm will be responsible for local tennis operations, and facilitating other elements such as membership and fundraising.

City Manager Steve Spina said the arrangement mirrors the one Zephyrhills has with the East Pasco Family YMCA, in which the city owns the building property, but outsources programming and facility management.

Councilman Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the concept.

“Having a professional firm that knows what they’re doing and can operate it properly is the way to go, in my mind,” Smith said.

The planned Zephyrhills Tennis Center will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

Renderings unveiled in November show the estimated $2.19 million project includes 10 courts — of which eight are clay and two are hard surface. Plans also show three mini-courts and one exhibition court, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

The planned tennis facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team. Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, tragically died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

The complex also is expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces.

Recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments will be used to finance most of the the facility’s construction costs, city officials say.
But, additional frills — such as a clubhouse and observation deck — would likely need to be financed by the city and other funding sources, including, USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

Once operational, memberships will be required to access the facility.

However, Zephyrhills residents will get a price break.

Officials believe the tennis center could become a national draw for college and USTA-sanctioned events.

Meantime, the facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team.

Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Earlier this month, the council voted unanimously to send the proposed tennis center name to a committee made up of city staffers who will vote on an official recommendation to the council, which is standard procedure under a city resolution that governs the naming of city facilities.

In other action, Zephyrhills City Hall will permanently close June 9, to make way for construction of a new city hall complex, at 5335 Eighth St. The temporary quarters will be housed at 5344 Ninth St.

Beginning June 12, city council meetings will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., for approximately one year.

Board meetings, including airport authority and planning commission, will also be at the library, during that period.

Published May 31, 2017

New tennis center on tap for Zephyrhills

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Pasco County residents longing for greater tennis opportunities soon will have that wish granted.

Todd Vande Berg, planning director for the city of Zephyrhills, unveiled plans for a two-story, outdoor tennis facility, designed to United States Tennis Association (USTA) standards.

The Zephyrhills City Council gave Vande Berg a consensus to proceed with an engineered site plan and an architect plan, at its Nov. 14 meeting.

The facility, presently known as the Zephyrhills Tennis Center, will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge, and concessions. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)
This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge, and concessions.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The estimated $2.19 million project will likely include 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court.

The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces.

A second level, if added, will house an observation deck, players lounge, and concessions.

The facility was initially expected to feature a “50-50 mix” of five clay and five hard surface courts. However, the USTA advised Vande Berg to plan for additional soft surface, clay courts.

“Most people prefer playing on a soft court,” Vande Berg said. “Wherever you go now, most courts in Florida are going with a majority clay courts.”

Though ground has yet to break on the forthcoming project, the planning director has already received several inquiries for its use.

“A lot of interest is out there,” Vande Berg said. “I’ve gotten calls from people in New England who want to run the facility. We have colleges asking if it’s going to be available this summer for training.”

The facility, too, opens the door to hosting local and regional USTA-sanctioned events.

“We could bring in some pretty good sized tournaments,” Vande Berg said.

“It will be an economic draw for not only Zephyrhills, but all of Pasco County,” he said.

“You could bring in probably 50 to 100 kids and their families that would be staying the weekend to play in tournaments,” he added.

Vande Berg said the tennis center will be funded over the next two fiscal years. He noted that recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments should total about $2.13 million, all but financing the entire project.

Other possible funding sources include: USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

“This isn’t a city of Zephyrhills project. This is a countywide project,” Vande Berg said. “There’s going to be a lot of countywide people using this facility.”

Memberships will be required to access the facility, though Vande Berg indicated that prices will be “more economical” for Zephyrhills residents, compared to non-residents.

“We need to fully vet that aspect out,” he said, “to see exactly what our community is comfortable with…”

Vande Berg and City Manager Steve Spina have sought direction from other tennis facilities in nearby communities, including Auburndale and Plant City.

The eight-court Cindy Hummel Tennis Center, in Auburndale, has yearly memberships ranging from $107 to $240, for unlimited court access. Meanwhile, the 10-court Plant City Tennis Center offers individual annual passes for $350, and family annual passes for $700.

In east Pasco, many residents have pleaded for additional tennis facilities and programming.

During a May open house at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills, several residents told The Laker/Lutz News the foremost reason they use Zephyr Park is because of its tennis courts.

One east Pasco resident, Fred Hall, was particularly vocal about the subject. “The single most used thing in (the) park is the tennis courts,” Hall said, in May. “Those are used in the morning from 7 a.m., until the lights go off at night. Seven days a week.”

Published November 23, 2016

Tennis pro wants to grow sport in Pasco

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Jeanette Marcus wants tennis to flourish in east Pasco County.

Marcus, a certified USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) instructor, operates the Dade-City based Tennis 4 U/Tennis Para Ti Inc.

The 56-year-old Marcus, a bilingual instructor, offers developmental and intermediate lessons for both youth and adults at her two-acre tennis facility, 35949 Bozeman Road in Dade City.

Jeanette Marcus, left, is shown here with John Isner, one of the top-ranked players on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour. (Courtesy of Jeannette Marcus)
Jeanette Marcus, left, is shown here with John Isner, one of the top-ranked players on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour.
(Courtesy of Jeannette Marcus)

For novices, she teaches the “basics,” including proper racket grip, groundstrokes, serves, singles and doubles strategy, and court etiquette.

For more avid players, she remedies shoddy technique.

Her youngest client is four years old. Her oldest? 89.

“The biggest thing with tennis,” she said, “is you have to have fun.”

Marcus, also a former assistant pro at Lake Jovita, says east Pasco is lacking in public tennis programs and opportunities — especially for underprivileged youth.

“It’s like there’s nothing here,” said Marcus, who moved to Dade City from Lutz about eight years ago. “Pasco is very limited.”

One problem, Marcus said, is the lack of public tennis courts throughout east Pasco.

“When you get into central Pasco and east Pasco, the parks (department) doesn’t recognize putting the money in courts,” she said. “Dade City has two courts, Wesley Chapel has four courts and Zephyrhills has five courts.”

The absence of USTA (United States Tennis Association)-sanctioned programming and leagues, too, is another issue.

“You’ve got to be a member at all these (country) clubs to be able to play on a league,” Marcus said. “A lot of the kids that I teach can’t join a country club.

If you cannot afford to pay a membership at a country club, you don’t have an opportunity to play.”

Despite living in Dade City, Marcus — along with fellow tennis buddies — often travels to Hillsborough County to find open courts.

“Lutz has well-maintained courts, they have lights, and there’s always somebody on them,” said Marcus, who also drives to Hillsborough Community College and Davis Islands for matches.

She added: “I’ve been working for years trying to get a new tennis center to east Pasco.”

Her wish may soon be a reality.

In Zephyrhills, plans are underway to construct a 10-court tennis facility on 4.7 acres of land at the District at Abbott’s Square.

The estimated $1.9 million project will likely be funded over the next two fiscal years, according to Todd Vande Berg, planning director for the city of Zephyrhills.

Half the courts will have Har-Tru, a brand of clay surfaces, Vande Berg said.

“A lot of facilities are going more towards the soft courts versus the hard courts,” the planning director said. “It’s so much easier on the body — the joints.”

The facility, Vande Berg added, will open the door for additional tennis opportunities and events, including USTA-sanctioned tournaments.

“The goal is to develop comprehensive tennis programs, and have memberships and league play,” he said.

The forthcoming project has Marcus excited.

“When Zephyrhills builds this, it’s going to be nice,” she said. “You’ve got to have a court where your kids can practice on.”

One request of hers is roofing.

“The rain is a very frustrating thing,” Marcus said. “I don’t consider tennis to be an outdoor sport anymore. Our big, big events — the U.S. Open in New York, the French Open, Wimbledon — they’ve all had to make indoor courts.”

Vande Berg said partially covered courts are a possibility if partnerships are forged between local steel and aluminum companies.

“It would really be a windfall, especially in Florida with the rain that we get,” he said. “There would be demand. …There’s a cost, but there’s a real opportunity there.”

Funding options for the tennis facility include recreation impact fees, Penny for Pasco, various USTA grants, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation and Pasco County Tourism.

Published November 2, 2016

Cyclists gear up to Spin the Suncoast in inaugural ride

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Cyclists looking for a new challenge may enjoy an event that’s debuting on Sept. 21 on the Suncoast Trail.

Spin the Suncoast is presented by DRC Sports and sponsored by Suncoast Trailside Bicycles, Pasco County Parks and Recreation and Southwest Florida Watershed Management District. It aims to appeal to all sorts of cyclists, said Chris Moling, the ride director.

A look at some cyclists involved in another ride organized by DRC Sports, the organizers of the inaugural Spin the Suncoast Ride, set for Sept. 21.
A look at some cyclists involved in another ride organized by DRC Sports, the organizers of the inaugural Spin the Suncoast Ride, set for Sept. 21.

Riders will be able to choose four distance options: nine miles, 28 miles, 50 miles and a Century Challenge of 100 miles.

The start, finish and registration take place at Suncoast Trailside Bicycles at 16216 State Road 54, in the Target Shopping Center, Moling said. The ride begins at the State Road 54 trailhead, with cyclists starting between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies will be on hand to make sure riders make it safely across State Road 54 to get to the Suncoast Trail trailhead on State Road 54, Moling said.

Emergency crews will be on standby, in case any medical emergencies arise during the event, and there will be support and gear stops for riders along the route.

The event will take place rain or shine.

The paved state trail winds through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The nine-mile ride will head north from the trailhead, take the shortest loop and enjoy a scenic ride to the trail entrance to the Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

The 28-mile ride includes a fully supported stop at Crews Lake Park, with food and beverages, as well as music and restrooms.

The 50-mile ride includes a support stop at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex with snacks and beverages.

The 100-mile ride, which attracts more serious riders, involves riding the trail to its north end, plus a ride toward the Starkey Wilderness Preserve, and then back. There are limited road crossings, giving riders plenty of space to spin their wheels.

Cyclists from as far away as Miami and Tallahassee already have signed up to join the ride, Moling said. More than 100 have registered as of last week, and organizers believe the number could climb to around 600.

The race was organized at the request of cycling enthusiasts, Moling said. They said, “Hey, there’s nothing really happening on the Suncoast, so to speak,” he added.

If there’s enough interest, the ride could become an annual event, Moling said.

Besides the support provided by ride organizers, cyclists also will get a T-shirt, a continental breakfast, and barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs after their ride, Moling said.

Trail support for riders will end at 3 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds will be used to help fund some cross-country scholarships in Hernando County.

If you go …
WHAT: Spin the Suncoast Century Challenge Bike Ride, an event aimed to attract all types of cyclists.
WHERE: Registration and check-in at Suncoast Trailside Bicycles at 16216 State Road 54, near the Suncoast Trail on State Road 54
WHEN: Cyclists can start their ride any time between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
COST: Early registration through Sept. 17 is $40. Registration on race day is $45.
INFO: Call (352) 637-2475, or email

Published September 10, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Pasco County closes offices July 4

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Pasco County government, including constitutional offices like the county clerk, as well as the courts will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Government offices and courts will re-open July 7.

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s office will be closed both July 4 and July 5, re-opening the following Monday.

All libraries in the county will be closed July 4, but will reopen July 5 at regularly scheduled times.

The Pasco County Parks and Recreation centers will be closed July 4, but parks and beaches will remain open from dawn to dusk.

Pasco County Animal Services will be closed that Friday, including the adoption center and the intake/reclaim shelter. However, and animal control officer will be available for emergencies.

The adoption and intake center will reopen July 5 from noon to 4:30 p.m., and the administration offices will re-open July 7.

Pasco County Public Transportation will not run buses July 4, but will resume normal weekend service on July 5.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the general public on July 4, but will remain open to licensed commercial haulers. Both will re-open to the general public July 5.

 

Public weighs in on Pasco’s future parks and rec plan

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When residents consider the future of Pasco County’s parks and recreation’s programs and facilities, they have plenty of suggestions for the county to consider.

Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan. (Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department)
Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department)

Some want to see more opportunities — such as pathways — to enjoy the beauty of natural areas owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Others want to create a “blue way,” providing water access to coastal areas.

Some think more should be done to encourage gatherings on large green spaces, to foster a greater sense of community. And, some want to do a better job of marketing the county’s gems, such as the rolling hills of Dade City.

These were just a few thoughts that popped up during a discussion last week at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, where David Barth, of AECOM Technology Corp., asked those gathered to help define what steps could be taken to help Pasco County become a premier county where people want to live, work and locate their business.

The county hired AECOM, a professional consulting firm, for $125,000 to develop a 10-year comprehensive parks and recreation system master plan. The plan must be considered in a broad sense, Barth told the crowd of about two dozen.

“It’s important to understand lifestyle and demographics,” Barth said. For instance, park planning in urban areas is different than it is in suburban or rural places. Since Pasco is a mix, different considerations must be made for different areas.

The planning also must consider existing facilities and programs — not only those which belong to the county, but also those which are part of the public realm, including schools, museums and libraries, Barth said.

“We need to understand what’s happening today,” he said. “What are the priorities in 2014?”

But it’s also important to consider whether plans made before are still relevant, and whether there are emerging forms of recreation that the county may want to consider.

The May 1 workshop was one of three public sessions, but is just a small part of the planning effort. A steering committee made up of various stakeholders also weighed in and there will be a random survey conducted to collect more information.

Gathering input from people is just one part of the process. The work also involves evaluating current conditions, using demographic information, considering trends, and looking at current and desired levels of service. The work also will include a random survey to solicit public sentiment.

One issue that didn’t even come up at the public session is the shortage of athletic fields for youth sports, a complaint that has been raised repeatedly in recent years. As the county puts together a plan, it must consider the costs of implementation and various funding options for carrying out the plan, county parks and recreation director Rick Buckman said.

Essentially, there are two payment plans. One involves using existing revenues to “pay as you go.” The other involves coming up with additional revenues, which could include additional taxes, Barth said.

Planning efforts are expected to continue for several months. As the work goes on and the vision for the plan solidifies, debates are likely to intensify over program and facility priorities and how to pay for the plan.

The Pasco County Commission will have final say over the long-range plan and decisions regarding how to pay for it, including using existing revenues or seeking additional support through new taxes, more public-private partnerships or other means.

Published May 7, 2014

Pasco Parks and Recreation wants public to help shape its future

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Pasco County’s Parks and Recreation department is developing its new master plan, and it wants the public’s help.

Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan. (Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation)
Pasco County has a broad array of parks and recreational facilities, including nature trails. The county is in the midst of creating a new master plan.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Parks and Recreation)

The division is hosting community meetings to gather as much input as it can to consider the county’s existing parks and recreation master plan, and make changes for the future.

The plan covers the county’s parks, trails, open space and recreational programs. It also considers parks and recreation programs provided by cities and prominent nonprofit groups, such as the YMCA, said Rick Buckman, the county’s Parks and Recreation director.

As the county moves forward in its planning, it will continue to collect information about existing conditions, population changes, trends, current and desired levels of service, maintenance, programming standards, and other issues. The goal is to produce a plan that will help determine the future role of the county’s parks and recreation services, to assess how trends affect the services it provides, and to consider how other private and public parks and recreation services fit into the picture, Buckman said.

For instance, the county needs to consider how parks and recreation affects the county’s quality of life, and to consider how that role will be carried out as redevelopment and future development occurs, he said.

The master plan also will consider all of the potential ways to achieve the level of service residents and leaders within the county want, Buckman said. That includes considering various funding mechanisms and partnerships.

Parks and recreational services offer many benefits, even to people who never set foot on a park property, Buckman said. For instance, nearby businesses can benefit from families coming and going to parks for ball games. Property values also can increase when people live near an amenity such as a large regional park or walking trails.

The county also is interested in hearing from young people. Buckman said his department wants to know what kinds of facilities and activities appeal to the younger set.

To help encourage public participation, the department has set up three public forums to solicit input. Each meeting will include a review of scope of the master planning efforts, a visioning exercise, and a discussion of priority needs and gaps.

The county wants to include everyone in this process, Buckman said. It’s not just seeking people who are advocates of parks and recreation.

Pasco Parks and Recreation community meetings

Come share your ideas as the Pasco County Parks and Recreation department prepares its new long-range plan. The department wants to hear from people of all ages as it plans for its future facilities.

Community master plan meetings are:
• May 1 at 6:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes

• May 2 at 6:30 p.m., in the Pasco County Commission Board Room

8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey

The youth workshop is May 3 at 1 p.m., a the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.

For details, call (813) 929-2760

Published April 30, 2014