We've got a major situation to deal with. Due to budget shortfalls, Hillsborough County Commissioners are considering MAJOR changes to reduce operating costs at county parks. We all need to contact all the commissioners by phone or email immediately because this issue will be decided very soon.
These are some of the options they're considering:
- Laying off rangers; I'm told they are planning on laying off 54 this year and another 54 next year, which will be pretty much all the rangers
- Limiting park hours. A sign at the kiosk at Trout Creek Park on Fletcher says they are considering limiting the hours to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closing parks some days during the week
If they follow through with any of these proposals, virtually all runners will be impacted. Personally, I think it makes MUCH more sense to close the parks some whole days rather than cut back on the hours. I enjoy running at Lake Rogers Park, and I have always considered the fact that it is only open from 8 to 6 to be a real problem for two reasons: one, it's impossible to get in a run there before work or after work with those hours. There's just not enough time after it opens or before it closes, and, two, it needs to open earlier or stay open later because most people want to run when it's cooler, right after sunup and right before sundown. To open even later and close even earlier would be ridiculous. I ran at Trout Creek Saturday - fortunately, it opens earlier. We had finished our 6 mile run before 8a.m. It would have been much too hot if the park had not opened until 9:00.
I will be very upset if they decide to restrict my access to county parks and I will remember that when election time rolls around. If you agree, please email or call the county commissioners, all of them. This issue will be decided VERY soon.
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/about/contactus.cfm
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