Hillsborough's Recreation Consolidation, Layoff Plan Set For Brandon Airing

Greater Brandon residents will get their chance to comment on a proposal to consolidate Hillsborough County's recreation centers into fewer, larger centers, a move that officials say would cost jobs and save dollars.

The Brandon meeting to discuss budget-saving options proposed by Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation officials is scheduled for June 9, followed by a meeting June 22 in Riverview (see chart below).

"Operational efficiencies" would save an estimated $7.5 million annually, with most of those savings realized in a reduction of staffing, from 534 to 391 full-time staff equivalent positions, according to the department's "strategic plan."

The savings would be generated in large measure by a consolidation of recreation centers.

A standing-room-only crowd greeted parks director Mark Thornton at the first in a series of countywide meetings . 

Under consideration, according to the strategic plan, is:

• To consolidate the department's offerings into 12 larger, regional facilities.
• To keep open nine of the county's 42 recreation centers, including six that would receive additions.
• Centers in Brandon, Westchase, Town ‘N’ Country, Thonotosassa, Gardenville and Ruskin would gain, on average, 15,000 square feet, for such things as gymnasiums and exercise and multipurpose rooms.
• University Center, Northdale and All People's would remain open and unchanged.
• New centers would be built in Keystone, Progress Village and FishHawk.

The county currently runs 42 recreation centers, with a combined 242,000 square feet. The proposed plan would result in 12 centers with a combined 250,000 square feet.

The county is proposing the consolidation of some recreation centers because some smaller centers only offer one or two programs “like tiny tots or after-school programs. The larger centers would allow the parks department to provide a larger variety of programs,” said Kemly Green, community relations coordinator for the department.

“The intent is to have 12 regional centers around county that will be a short distance for most residents. The parents might have to drive a mile or so more to get to a larger center but that larger center will have more programs under the director’s recommendations.”

The smaller centers that would be closed would still be available for rent by community groups.  

“All of this is a recommendation,” Kemly said. “The county is going through the budget process now and we are all going through expenses to see how we can save money. He’s really looking to hear from the community and get feedback.”

The strategic plan can be viewed online. A PowerPoint presentation detailing the plan also is available online.

In addition to the proposal to close 30 centers and to expand and regionalize the remaining 12 centers, county officials are considering contracting with local businesses to perform park and athletic field maintenance, selling naming rights, sponsorships and advertising and using technology for online registration and payments.

Meetings to discuss the strategic plan are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. and the public is encouraged to attend and comment on the plan.

 For more information, call Rina Rojas at (813) 635-3501.