A proposed master plan for Pasco County’s parks and recreation facilities would cost an estimated $222 million over 10 years, according to a needs assessment from consultants at AECOM.
About $112 million of that amount would be targeted at new amenities for the county’s growing population.
A 2001 master plan projected about 51,000 more people over 10 years.
The actual number was closer to 119,000.
(File Photos)
New projections peg population growth at about 204,000 more residents, also over 10 years.
How much of the master plan realistically can be implemented and where the funding will come from has yet to be determined. Pasco County commissioners, on Feb. 16, got an overview of the issues confronting the county’s parks and recreation — now and in the future.
Commissioners were asked to consider potential funding options through increased impact fees, user fees, matching grants, assessments, taxes, or through combining multiple sources.
One option could be taking the issue to voters seeking additional funding through a 2018 referendum.
“We really think it’s going to take a combination of a lot of these things,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for long-range planning.
County staff presented the information to commissioners to seek direction before scheduling public meetings to map out various scenarios for the county’s master plan for parks and recreation.
However, commissioners requested a follow-up presentation, with additional details, as well as illustrations of potential projects.
“We’ll draft a community-engaged road show and bring it back to you,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker. “Then, you can try it on for size.”
After years of sharp budget cuts during the economy’s downturn, the parks and recreation department lacks funds just to maintain and operate existing parks.
The current budget falls short by about $14 million a year to cover existing needs, according to AECOM’s assessment.
The county now has about five acres per 1,000 people for parks and recreation activities. As the population grows over the next decade, the acreage per 1,000 people likely will shrink by half, if the county does nothing to expand parks and recreation, according to AECOM’s assessment.
In a survey, about 80 percent of 621 residents put repairs and upkeep as one of the county’s priorities. They also wanted more trails and sidewalks, more boat ramps, ball fields, community centers and a more equal distribution of facilities countywide.
About $15 million in new construction proposed in the county’s 2001 master plan went unbuilt, largely due to budget cuts.
AECOM consultants looked at five market areas in the county. While all areas need additional ball fields or recreational facilities, the market areas in south, north and central Pasco had the greatest needs.
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey cited 2009 data from the nonprofit Florida Taxwatch, which placed Pasco near the bottom in per capita spending on cultural and recreation facilities.
Residents might want to pay more to see improvements, she said.
“There is no money for parks and recreation in our budget,” Starkey said. “Their budget has been slashed, and the current parks they have are falling apart. We’ll have to close parks if we don’t find a budget source. And, if you think we have it now in our general revenues, where? In the sheriff’s budget?”
On revenues for parks and recreation, commissioners appeared to have a consensus that voters should decide what they want, and have a say in how to pay.
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stressed a “think outside the box” approach that includes public/private partnerships. Past efforts seemed to rely too much on taxes, he said.
It comes down to what residents want and a referendum, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.
“If the residents want it and want to pay a little more on it, that’s what they need to do.”
Published February 24, 2016
