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Budget Is First Step Toward Park

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

WESTCHASE - Residents in Westchase could get a new park that would include play sets, an improved water area and shaded seating. But first, leaders have to figure out whether they can afford it.

Ted Kempton from the design firm Hardeman-Kempton & Associates showed Westchase Community District supervisors park ideas for land near West Park Village.

The supervisors want to develop land near the band shell to give residents more playground options and asked the firm to offer suggestions. The firm has designed other interactive areas such as Heroes Plaza in front of the Tampa Bay History Center, Freedom Park in Lakeland and the FishHawk Sports Complex.

Kempton said the community should start by improving its existing interactive water fountain area. He said the water volume needs to be increased.

"Right now, you can barely even see it," Kempton said. "By increasing the flow you also increase the auditory sensation and it's easier to pick up visually."

He also suggested leaders fence in the area and add ornamentation.

For the park south of the water area, he suggested:

• Add shaded seating to the band shell.

• Add several shaded play areas that include a sandbox, water fountain and other interactive play items.

• Add rolling berms for more interaction with the landscape.

• Leave a large area on the south side of the property as open space.

Kempton said the park also should have manufactured play equipment but it should not be the primary equipment.

"You want to focus on elements like swings that will give you the most bang for your buck," Kempton said. "You want to avoid the trendy equipment; it's the tried and true items that always work."

Kempton said most importantly, the community decides what is appropriate for the area. Supervisor Greg Chesney said the additional park would relieve crowding at the other parks in Westchase. But other supervisors weren't sure the plan could fit into this year's budget.

Kempton said the cost of a park can have a wide range, from $200,000 for something small to $2 million for a larger park like Lakeland built. Play equipment alone can cost $100,000, Kempton said.

Supervisors said they may have to wait to build the park until the new budget year, which starts in October.

"When we do the new budget this summer, we'll have a better sense of where we are," Chesney said.

Because a park could take eight months to plan and build, Susan Edgerly wondered whether the firm should begin drafting a plan sooner. The planning process could cost about 10 percent of final costs.

Supervisors weren't sure how to proceed because Kempton said he needed a ballpark budget before he could begin planning. The supervisors decided to take the topic up at next month's meeting after they have had time to determine priorities for the park.

Kempton said leaders should consider all residents when planning the park.

"Playgrounds are not just for kids, they are for every member of the community," he said.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523.

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