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Hernando Today

Parks Dept. Stepping Up Enforcement

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: November 4, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Clean up after use.

That has always been part of a written agreement local sports league representatives had to sign before using one of the county parks to play soccer, baseball or some other activity.

And while many of the approximately 20 leagues followed that agreement by picking up trash after a game or raking out the field, there were some that didn't, County Parks Director Pat Fagan said.

With the transfer of four parks employees and a cut in his department budget, Fagan said he has stepped up enforcement of that cleanup clause in the field use agreement.

Failure by a league to do so will result in a disciplinary action still to be determined.

"Each league that we have a problem with or a concern will be sent a letter that the facility was not left clean," Fagan said. "If they blatantly disregard (that letter), I will take whatever action is necessary to get their attention. We haven't come up with the penalties."

But Fagan doesn't expect it to go that far. Sports league officials are aware of the department's tight fiscal constraints and should be willing to go the extra step to keep parks clean and usable, Fagan said.

"We're going to do everything we can to work with the leagues," Fagan said.

In September, county commissioners voted unanimously to reject a proposal from Fagan to charge user fees at local parks and boat ramps to help pay for park maintenance Fagan said the move was necessary because of budget cuts that forced him to trim his staff by four. He expected the fees to pump $325,000 to the parks and recreation department's general revenue.

But commissioners, after hearing loud opposition, were adamant about not shoving more costs on the leagues and others.

Commissioner David Russell said everyone is being forced to cut corners and now is not the time to nail parkgoers will more fees.

Commissioner Diane Rowden said it was unfair to dangle the loss of employees' positions as "bait" to raise fees, especially when there may be an option of transferring them to another position in county government.

"It's just another tax and I just can't support it," she said.

As it turns out, Fagan said he was able to transfer the four employees to other positions within county government.

He said he has noticed that the leagues have already stepped up to the plate and have begun cleaning up more after games. County staffers continue to clean the restrooms and mow the lawns.

But the sports league members are asked to pick up trash after games and rake the clay-grass fields.

Players' cleats create holes in the fields which fill up after it rains, causing a muddy mess. It is to the leagues' advantage to keep the playing surfaces in good shape, Fagan said.

He stressed that the county is not trying to come down hard on the players or league staffers.

"We need those leagues as much as they need us," he said.

Currently, each league provides $1 million general liability insurance to cover accidents during games. Fagan said he will see if that coverage needs to be increase now that the county will be asking league members to take on more work in maintaining the fields.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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