TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Visit Was More Than Recreational

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2008

Updated: 01/24/2008 08:57 pm

APOLLO BEACH - It was all about recreation at last week's Apollo Beach Civic Association meeting.

Mark Thornton, Hillsborough County's director of parks, recreation and conservation, discussed his professional background and addressed the status of several projects going on in the area during the meeting at the Apollo Beach Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd.

"Recreation is the area of my job that most directly impacts the largest number of people," Thornton said.

About 15 members of the civic association listened to Thornton speak and asked questions for nearly two hours.

"He seemed very genuine," said Barbara Compton, president of the association. "Not surprisingly, he let us know that everything comes down to money and how much is available."

The topics ranged from the status of after-school programs at county parks to updates on projects near and dear to Apollo Beach residents, such as a nature park, a dog park and a skate park.

"I don't think the county commissioners would ever vote to cut after-school programs, but we'd certainly be open to modifying them," Thornton said.

As for the nature, dog and skate parks, there is no time frame for those projects. Thornton said those projects were put on hold due to a lack of operating money once construction would have been completed.

"There are enough capital dollars for those projects, but the county will not build something they can't take care of," Thornton said.

The association meets the third Thursday monthly at the Apollo Beach Recreation Center.

"We encourage anyone interested in these projects and in our area - especially young people - to attend our meetings," Compton said.

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT