Letter to the Editor: Pricey Playground Planned for Pier 60 Park

The following was submitted to Patch by Carl Schrader, president of the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition:

The Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition became aware of the Pier 60 Park playground expansion at our September 12, 2011 meeting when a city employee presented this information to us.  Since grant funds were going to be used, which is sometimes the case with capital projects; the grant conferring agency required a public presentation.  Our organization is frequently the audience for these types of presentations so this was not unusual.

During the presentation the speaker was interrupted on more than one instance by audience members made up of neighborhood representatives.  The concern was that there were other parks that needed attention more than this park.  The speaker said that this was not on the table for discussion as the focus was the enhancement of the Pier 60 Park.

Now almost two years later it seems there are even more groups that do not want this enhancement made to the park.  As citizens we need to ask ourselves why our city leaders are going forward with this project when no one is overwhelmingly supporting it.  City representatives have told us time after time that there are no funds to support frivolous endeavors.  This project seems to be rising to that standard.

The Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition unanimously voted to oppose this project at our May 6^th meeting.  The Clearwater Beach Board of Directors also voted unanimously to oppose this project.  Now it is up to you the citizens of Clearwater to let your voices be heard too. You can do this by contacting your city council members and letting them know either through email or by telephone that they should reconsider this project.  Our city council members are scheduled to discuss this item at their May 16^th meeting which starts at 6:00 PM.

The Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition serves to help the residents of Clearwater.  We discuss and review many issues.  Through it all we try to seek solutions and compromise with the goal of looking out for the residents of Clerarwater.  I hope that you will join us and make your opinion known that the playground enhancement to the Pier 60 Park is not a good use of City of Clearwater funds.

Sincerely,

Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition

Carl Schrader

President

Related coverage:

• Sandcastle Playground Cost A Concern to Residents
• Clearwater Beach Association to Hear More on Sandcastle Playground Plan
• Pricey Playground Eyed for Clearwater Beach

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