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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation

New adaptive playground expands recreational options

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation took another step in its commitment to provide playgrounds accessible to all children by opening its largest adaptive playground at the Lesley “Les” Miller All People’s Community Park and Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., in Tampa, according to a news release.

new adaptive playground has opened at the Lesley ‘Les’ Miller All People’s Community Park and Life Center in Tampa. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The 10,000-square-foot, ADA-compliant playground has an adventure theme, and is designed to encourage children of varying physical abilities to stay active and have fun.

In addition to the traditional elements of swings and slides, the playground also offers rope- and rock-climbing structures, musical elements, and synthetic turf.

It also features play equipment for children with sensory needs, including a sea serpent with textured scales and a matching game, two Quiet Grove sensory coves, spinner bowls, and two different types of rocker units that encourage socialization and teamwork.

The playground is surrounded by a 4-foot high fence, with four gates equipped with pool latches to keep young children from leaving unattended.

The adaptive playground was dedicated in memory of Rebecca “Becki” Forsell, founder of For Eyes Only, a support group for individuals with sight impairments. A car accident in 1996 left Forsell legally blind.

Forsell also founded Yes! Of America United that helps to empower, educate and enrich all people with disabilities.

Published June 23, 2021

Hillsborough singled out for recreational efforts

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has been singled out for two state honors from the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

The Hillsborough department won a 2020 Agency Excellence Award in the community building category, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation received state recognition for its efforts to serve and enhance the community through its facilities and programming. Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work to build relationships with the community, and to develop programs including the county’s Hiking Spree program. (File)

That award recognizes the department’s efforts “to serve and enhance the community through its 166 parks, 118 playgrounds, 53 community centers, and nearly 50 sports complexes,” the release said. It also notes that the department manages 55 youth sports organizations, serving  26,439 youths last year.

Among its accomplishments, the release says, are:

  • The transformation of Lucy Dell Pond park from an overgrown water basin that attracted illegal dumping to an attractive pond featuring an LED-lit boardwalk and native landscaping.
  • The creation of Carrollwood Village Park, which turned a decommissioned wastewater treatment facility into a park with an amphitheater, fitness challenge course, skate park, dog park, splash park, inclusive playground, and 24-hour gym for county deputies.

The department also offers a wide range of licensed after-school and summer camp programs, which includes the Positive Coaching Alliance curriculum.

The programming has a strong component for those with disabilities, and the programs’ fee structure is designed to make the camps accessible to all youth.

The department also has partnerships with community groups, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Tampa Bay Lightning, community HOAs and civic groups, including the Carrollwood Conservancy, and the Northdale Older Wiser Lives Seniors (OWLS), the release says.

Plus, the department fosters strong community involvement through more than 30 signature events, including the Northdale Family Fun Fest.

Other achievements include:

  • Efforts to change the way the urban forest is managed, including development of an urban forest master plan that calls for planting 27,000 trees by 2024
  • The All People’s Life Center, which hosts numerous tournaments, including those for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and other adaptive programming
  • The Ed Radice Sports Complex, which includes five softball fields, eight baseball fields, nine soccer fields, and 10 horseshoe pits.

Besides winning the department award, Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work developing and implementing Parks & Recreation programs, and building relationships with the community, the release says.

Lympany was involved with several of the department’s most popular programs, including Hiking Spree, Senior’s Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR), and Eco Adventure Camp.

Lympany works with a wide variety of community groups, including Outdoor Afro, which is dedicated to getting members of the African American community out on hiking trails, and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, the release says.

Published September 23, 2020

Keystone Park slated for upgrades

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Major upgrades are on tap for the Keystone Park & Recreation Center in Odessa.

A renovated community center, expanded playground, resurfaced tennis courts and the creation of a walking trail with exercise stations are some of the higher priorities for a $2.5 million improvement project.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has outlined several enhancements to the Keystone Park & Recreation Center in Odessa. The park is budgeted for $2.5 million in improvements this year. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

Additional parking, along with drainage and lighting improvements, are also expected from the project, which is funded through Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program.

The entire scope of the project will be finalized after public input is received and analyzed by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

An open house is set for Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

At the meeting, a short presentation will be given on the project, and parks and recreation officials will be available to answer questions.

Attendees can also fill out comment cards on park upgrades and desired requests.

From there, work will be prioritized based on the highest demand of requested changes, and maintenance and operational feasibility.

The design and permitting process is expected to begin sometime this year.

The entire project could be complete as soon as spring 2019, according to Kyla Booher, planning and development manager for the county’s parks and recreation department.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors. Possible improvements for the complex include a renovated community center, expanded playground, resurfaced tennis courts, and the creation of a walking trail with exercise stations. Additional parking and drainage and lighting improvements also are expected.

Besides a community center, the 26-acre park features a playground, baseball field, multipurpose field, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, two picnic shelters and a park restroom building.

As part of planned upgrades, the county may look to reconfigure some of those amenities, Booher said, “so that it lends more towards a friendly site that is accessible.”

That could include the transformation of its lone baseball field to an open field space for special events and more informal sports activities. An AAU baseball team, the Tampa Thunder, is no longer a tenant of the park.

Accommodating more after-school youth is another general objective.

Proposals call for a new or expanded playground and a multipurpose court.

Other feasible upgrades range from new signage and security cameras, to additional water fountains, benches, picnic tables and other miscellaneous amenities.

Public meeting on Keystone Park improvements
Where: Keystone Park Community Center, 19729 Gunn Highway, Odessa
When: Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Details: The park and community center are slated for upgrades beginning in late 2018. The scope and specific type of the improvements won’t be decided until after residents have had an opportunity to give their opinions.
Information: Hillsborough County Citizen Engagement at (813) 272-5272.

Here’s a look at some possible renovations and improvements to the Keystone Park & Recreation Center, based on the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s master plan.

  • Renovate/expand community center
  • Restroom renovations
  • Replace and/or resurface tennis courts
  • Install basketball court cover
  • Construct more paved parking lots
  • Re-sod multipurpose playing field
  • Remove & relocate basketball court
  • Install band shell with concession
  • Expand playground area and install sun shades
  • Explore alternatives to the baseball field location
  • Remove miscellaneous surplus buildings
  • Consolidate drain fields
  • Add miscellaneous amenities: new signage, water fountain, benches, picnic tables, security cameras, landscaping

Published January 10, 2018

Hiking Spree showcases regional parks, trails

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Take a hike — that’s what the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation wants you to do this winter.

The county’s Hiking Spree program returns for its second year, with a new set of diverse trails for residents and visitors to explore.

The program began in November and runs through March 31.

Here’s how it works:

  • People may walk any of 20 designated trails on their own, with friends, as part of a group, or with a member of the Parks & Recreation staff. There also is a wild-card hike of sorts: Hikers choose their own trail, which can be anywhere.
  • Participants can receive a brass medallion or Access Hiker patch after completing eight of the 20 hikes.
  • The program works strictly on an honor system. Nobody monitors your progress.
  • Anyone can participate. There are no age or physical restrictions, and you don’t have to be a Hillsborough County resident.

It’s designed to offer something for everyone from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of the trails are at well-known regional parks, such as Lettuce Lake, Upper Tampa Bay, and Lithia Springs.

Lettuce Lake Park’s Boardwalk Run is included on this year’s Hiking Spree. It is one of 20 trails people are encouraged to try out this winter. (File)

Others are at more obscure preserves, including Alafia Scrub and Blackwater Creek.

Those who want a more leisurely walk can go to neighborhood and recreation centers, including Northdale, All People’s, and Valrico, which are part of the program, too.

Each trail has a classification and difficulty rating. Distances range from about one-third mile to more than 4 miles.

Hikers can walk paths near their homes, but also are encouraged to explore new terrain.

“We’ve basically highlighted 20 trails that we thought people would like to see,” said Dana McDonald, special events coordinator for Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

“We wanted to make sure there were acceptable trails. We wanted to make sure there were some easier trails for people who just started out — a little bit more primitive trails for people who really want to get deep into nature.”

While still new, the outdoor initiative already seems to be a hit.

About 1,000 people participated in the inaugural program last year.

Thousands more are expected to take part this year. In fact, more than 3,200 people have already registered for this year’s challenge.

The hiking event promotes the county’s parks and trail offerings, encouraging people to get active outdoors and experience “natural” Florida.

Set across fall, winter and early spring, it’s also timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season.

“It’s a way to kind of get out and turn off the cellphones, turn off the electronics and just kind of be out there, take some time for yourself,” McDonald said.

“It’s a great way for families to explore nature,” she added.

Hiking Spree is modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably in Akron, Ohio. There, the Summit Metro Parks community hiking event draws some 12,000 participants annually.

Parks & Recreation officials hope to surpass that mark one day.

“We want to take as many people out to our parks as possible,” McDonald said. “We just want to make sure people see it and they experience it.”

For information or to register, visit hcflgov.net/hikingspree.

Here’s the list of parks and trails for the 2018 Hiking Spree:

  • Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve, Riverview: River Bend Trail (1.5 miles)
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation, Plant City: Two Rivers Loop (1.9 miles); Enchanted Forest Run (1 mile)
  • All People’s Life Center, Tampa: Nature Trail (0.40 miles)
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Nature Trail (4.1 miles)
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Central Loop (4.2 miles)
  • Branchton Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Gray Fox Fitness Trail (.75 miles)
  • Channel Park Trailhead, Tampa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail—north to Wilsky Road Trailhead and return (3 miles)
  • Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve, Ruskin: Nature Trail (.70 miles)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs Trail (.70 miles)
  • Eureka Springs Conservation Park, Tampa: Serenity Loop (.35 miles)
  • Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, Gibsonton: Nature Trail (3.5 miles)
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run or Boardwalk (2.1 miles)
  • Lithia Springs Conservation Park, Lithia: Fish Hawk Trail North (3 miles)
  • Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Plant City: Nature Trail (2 miles)
  • Northdale Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Owl Fitness Trail (.45 miles)
  • Peterson Road Neighborhood Park Trailhead, Odessa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail—south to Ehrlich Road and return (2.4 miles)
  • Ruskin/Baudette Neighborhood Park, Ruskin: Quiet Pines Fitness Trail (1.2 miles)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat, Eagle and Otter Trails (1.7 miles total)
  • Valrico Neighborhood Park, Valrico: Rolling Acres Fitness Trail (.40 miles)
  • Wild-card trail (choose your own)

Published January 3, 2018

Local athletes celebrate paralympic achievements

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Whenever she competes, 12-year-old Danielle Kanas gives it her all.

And that mindset has worked for the Martinez Middle School seventh-grader, who ran, swam, threw and jumped her way to 15 gold medals and six national records this summer at the Adaptive Sports USA Junior Nationals in Middleton, Wisconsin.

From left, Eric Lowry, 17, of Land O’ Lakes; Logan Krepop, 15, of Parrish; Andy Chasanoff, coordinator of Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay; and 12-year-old Danielle Kanas, of Lutz. The athletes won the Small Team Division at the National Junior Disability Championships, in Middleton, Wisconsin, combining for 18 gold, 11 silver and four bronze medals. (Kevin Weiss)

Kanas — a single-arm amputee, missing her left arm below the elbow — recently added another achievement to the ever-growing collection of honors in her trophy case.

She received the “Spirit of Excellence” award at the annual Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Award (PSTB) Luncheon, held Sept. 30 at All People’s Life Center in Tampa.

The club’s highest honor, it recognizes courage, strength, determination and demonstration of a positive attitude as a role model.

Her life circumstances are distinct.

She was found in her infancy at a train station in China.

When sent to an orphanage in the Asian country, doctors determined the circulation in her left arm had been compromised, causing irreversible damage to her left hand and the lower part of her arm below the elbow. Both impaired areas were amputated.

She came from China to the United States as a toddler, settling in New Jersey with her adoptive mother, JoAnne Kanas.

Over the years, she’s received multiple prostheses, as well as occupational therapy beginning at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia and now at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa.

Yet, those challenges have not stopped her from living a well-rounded life.

Beyond athletics, Kanas is a “straight-A” student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, a Girl Scout, and patient ambassador at Shriner’s Hospital for Children—Tampa.

She’s also a talented guitar player, who’s served up renditions of the national anthem at various Shriners conventions.

Her advice to fellow amputees is to be ambitious, and not hesitate to try new things.

“Every time you try something new, it’s exciting to see what happens next, and to see what you can improve on,” Kanas said.

The involvement in athletics, meanwhile, elicits a smile on JoAnne Kanas’ face, noting it’s helped her daughter gain confidence over the years.

“It’s just fun to see her. She puts on her game face,” JoAnne Kanas said. “When you watch her compete, she’s serious. She goes out there and tries her hardest. I just like to see her enjoy it.”

Kanas’ favorite event is javelin. It’s clear why: her 19.66 meter throw is a national record — by 6 meters— for her age group in Adaptive Sports.

“I like to watch how it goes far in the distance,” Kanas said. She wants to break 20 meters next season, she said.

Besides the countless victories, Kanas recalls the memorable experience of traveling, for the third straight year, to the junior disability championships, the oldest and largest continuously held competitive sports event in the country for athletes with physical disabilities, ages 6 to 22.

Throughout the July trip, Kanas enjoyed dining out with teammates and excursions.

“It felt good to meet other people. We got to build friendships,” she said.

Kanas, however, isn’t the only local athlete shining in Paralympic sports.

Eric Lowry, a 17-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident, is another.

Lowry, who has spina bifida and competes from a wheelchair, also earned several medals this summer.

That includes a gold medal for his 190-pound bench press, an Adaptive Sports Junior national record.

Lowry, involved with Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay (PSTB) for nearly 10 years, said he recently picked up weightlifting, originally to complement track & field, swimming and archery events.

“I think it all goes together because you need strength to participate against your peers,” he said.

He offers advice for fellow amputees similar to Kanas’ suggestions.

“Try something before you give up, and if you like it keep doing it,” said Lowry, who attends Focus Academy, a charter school for special needs students in Tampa.

Andy Chasanoff, coordinator for PSTB, regularly coaches both Lowry and Kanas.

He said both are models for the program, stressing their positive attitude, hard work, enthusiasm and overall consideration for other teammates.

“They’re not only good athletes, but also they’re great kids,” Chasanoff said.

“They’re respectful, polite, honest. And, they want to be seen as athletes.”

Under Chasanoff’s guidance, Lowry, Kanas and 16-year-old Logan Krepop, of Parrish, led PSTB to its second straight Small Division Title at the national event.

“It’s never been about (the medals). It’s been about doing your best,” Chasanoff explained.

“I ask one question at the end of the meet: ‘Did you do your best?’ If you do your best, it doesn’t matter where you finish. They just happen to be very good, and we’re very humbled by it. But, it’s nice to see, and watch them grow,” he said.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay
As a signature program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, the mission of Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay is to promote health, independence and personal growth through sports for people with physical disabilities. Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay (PSTB) is one of more than 100 community-based programs established by the Paralympic Division of the United States Olympic Committee.
It provides year round sports and recreation programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and recreational and competitive sports opportunities for area children and adults with physical disabilities.

Here are few facts about the program:

  • More than 300 athletes participate in at least one PSTB program or event each year.
  • Ongoing programs are offered for athletes at all levels, from recreational to competitive elite, in multiple sports such as wheelchair basketball, track and field, tennis, swimming, and archery.
  • Periodic clinics are offered, in additional sports such as power lifting, golf, and water skiing.

Published Oct. 11, 2017