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Parents Fight To Keep Free Programs

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By HAROLD VALENTINE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

NORTHDALE - An emotional crowd of nearly 100 parents packed Northdale Park's recreation center, concerned about changes to free out-of-school programs.

Parents were alerted to likely changes to free park programs after a 112-page master plan was posted May 6 at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ parks. The $325,000 plan was developed by URS Corp. of Tampa and Bucher, Willis and Ratliff, a Kansas City, Mo.-based firm.

Mark Thornton, the county's Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department manager, heard about the May 28 meeting the day before and decided to be there.

"I know there's a lot of information floating around, and I've fielded a lot of e-mails," Thornton said. "Some are way, way out there. I'm glad to see a good crowd."

Vicki Kenny kicked off the meeting, sharing in the crowd's sentiment not to change the free programs. Kenny, who has three children with her husband, Kevin, said the program's benefit to her children have been immense.

"We're hoping the county is not going to change things," she said. "We like that our kids are here and not in the neighborhood doing God knows what. They're happy."

But Thornton said changes are inevitable, mostly due to tax reform that has created an $88 million deficit in the county's budget.

Thornton cited County Administrator Pat Bean, saying "Nothing is going to stay the way it is in this county because of the budget."

Thornton said departments such as the sheriff's office and fire rescue eat up the majority of the annual budget for departments and are considered essential. Unfortunately, he said, social services are considered non-essential.

Of the $18 million devoted to free programs through the parks department, free out-of-school programs take up $16 million and is the largest single expenditure. Thornton said something has to give.

Parents barraged the department head with a variety of complaints.

"I want what you want," Thornton said. "I don't want to cut anything."

In developing the master plan with commissioners and residents, Thornton said he got the impression minimal fees, perhaps a maximum of $48 a week for parents who could afford it, were not acceptable and considered an additional tax.

But after the May 28 meeting at the park, he said his impression changed.

Most agreed with Kevin Kenny, who said he did not want county park programs outsourced to other nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA or the Boys & Girls Club, fearing a lack of quality and the potential for greater fees.

Kenny commended Thornton's unsolicited attendance that night.

"I requested information about the program, and he brought it," Kenny said. "Everything I've asked of these people, they have given it to me. Beating him up about the budget is useless. It's really about the commissioners."

Kenny and other crowd members encouraged attendance at the county commission meeting at 9 a.m. today, when county staff will submit budget recommendations. Thornton said the budget suggestions should be posted on the county's Web site immediately.

A third option in the master plan is to cut the program. With 5,800 children benefiting from the services, and 3,000 on a waiting list, Thornton said that is not an option.

Thornton said after budget suggestions are submitted to the county, he expects a series of public meetings for resident feedback.

"I've got a feeling it's going to be a long, hot summer," he said.

SPEAKING OUT

WHAT: Hillsborough County Commission meeting.

WHEN: 9 a.m. today

WHERE: County Government Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., second floor.

INFORMATION: Parents whose children benefit from free out-of-school programs at county parks are expected to attend. Up to 15 people will be permitted to speak, with a three-minute limit.

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

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