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Park Project On Track For Construction

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

WIMAUMA - A Sun City Center-based group is helping get a project to benefit Wimauma children on track.

The Interfaith Council last week donated $6,200 toward building a quarter-mile track at the Bethune Park Recreation Center, 5809 Edina St.

Barbara Lauer, president of the council, said the money came not only from the council, but also from volunteers at the Nearly New Shop in Sun City Center.

"They Nearly New Shop volunteers do tremendous work and they raise a lot of our money, which is impressive since it's only open two days a week," Lauer said.

The council's donation is the first step toward adding a track to Bethune Park, which already features soccer and softball fields.

Carla Miles, president and founder of the Hope Fund, hopes to start construction on the track in spring.

The mission of the Hope Fund, which was started in 1995 and is a 501(c)3 organization, is to help children in Wimauma learn, grow and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment.

"I've gotten two private estimates; the first was $100,000 and the second was $60,000. But the second estimate didn't include any of the prep work, like digging out the grass and sodding," Miles said. "We're currently waiting on a third estimate from the Florida Department of Transportation, but it'll probably be somewhere between the first two.

"We're very grateful to the council for helping get us off on the right foot."

The track is of particular importance to Bethune Park, which has organized a Run-Walk Kids Marathon for about 65 children the past three years.

Since October, the group of children, ages 5 to 11, has walked or run one mile around the Bethune Park grounds every Tuesday. This year, the goal is for the kids to surpass 600 miles as a group by April, when the marathon ends - they are currently at a little more than 300 miles.

In past years, the goal was for each child to complete 26 miles at his or her leisure over the six-month period.

The marathon is the brainchild of Bruce Andersen, a Sun City Center resident who volunteers at the park.

"We like this approach because it encourages teamwork," Andersen said. "In the past, some of the kids just weren't able to complete the 26 miles, so this is a way for everyone to be included.

"Not only does it promote health and exercise, but it encourages kids to keep at something and learn to accomplish goals."

Andersen also said the children would not be the only ones who would benefit from the track.

"I think it would be a good thing for the community in general," Andersen said. "It would be a good place for anyone in Wimauma to walk and exercise."

For information on the Hope Fund, call (813) 634-4268.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813)865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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