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Testimonial Letter for Hillsborough County Parks Department Regarding the Carrollwood Village Park
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department’s application for an National Recreation and Parks Association (NPRA) Innovation Award, specifically, the Innovation in Parks Design Award. As an interested observer, I have been an active participant in the Carrollwood community meetings relative to all the initiatives in the community acceptance, design, and utility of a 20 acre park in the heart of Carrollwood Village.
Many of us imagined what the future of this acreage would yield as we rolled up our sleeves in 2013 to get this project underway in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department (Parks Department). Today, although not completed, it is already yielding tangible results in the cultural health of the greater Carrollwood community. A clear example of the benefit of this park is the attraction of Carrollwood residents who live several miles away. On a lazy Saturday in March, I went to the park to read in solitude behind a wooded area on the South side of the Park. After two hours, I took the path to the parking lot. When I emerged from the woods I was delighted to see four families flying kites, a party of about thirty young adults and children playing kickball, kids running about with trailing capes, and adults exercising on the resistance machines. The youthful exuberance that was in the air was something I had not seen in years, since most children remain indoors playing with their digital media devices. What will this park be when it is completely finished with an outdoor amphitheater, a challenge playground and splash-pad, a challenge course for young adults – seniors, a boardwalk and pavilion, a nature/conservation workshop building, and two dog parks? In its infancy the Park is already in high demand, and is positively impacting families and individuals throughout the greater Carrollwood area.
Innovation starts at the very initial planning stage, and the Parks Department did exceptionally well. The design also included a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department recreational facility, incidentally providing a much needed security presence. Through numerous meetings the Parks Department solicited input from the communities and prioritized every amenity to challenge many levels of athletic activity, environmental safety, and health aspects. The Parks Department’s focus on change and expectation management was exceptional. Through community notices and open floor meetings the Parks Department provided tremendous information to the community, and allowed the community to participate in the design, which at this phase (Phase II) is tremendous and has been well accepted by our community.
Upon completion the Parks Department will have delivered more than just a design concept three years ago. It will deliver a “model” neighborhood park whose sweeping design yields inclusive amenities which positively impacts a person of any age. The Carrollwood Village Park and the Carrollwood Cultural Center combine to provide an unrivaled cultural experience for our residents. Kudos to the Parks Department.
Thankyou
Philip Davis, a Carrollwood Resident.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department’s application for an National Recreation and Parks Association (NPRA) Innovation Award, specifically, the Innovation in Parks Design Award. As an interested observer, I have been an active participant in the Carrollwood community meetings relative to all the initiatives in the community acceptance, design, and utility of a 20 acre park in the heart of Carrollwood Village.
Many of us imagined what the future of this acreage would yield as we rolled up our sleeves in 2013 to get this project underway in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department (Parks Department). Today, although not completed, it is already yielding tangible results in the cultural health of the greater Carrollwood community. A clear example of the benefit of this park is the attraction of Carrollwood residents who live several miles away. On a lazy Saturday in March, I went to the park to read in solitude behind a wooded area on the South side of the Park. After two hours, I took the path to the parking lot. When I emerged from the woods I was delighted to see four families flying kites, a party of about thirty young adults and children playing kickball, kids running about with trailing capes, and adults exercising on the resistance machines. The youthful exuberance that was in the air was something I had not seen in years, since most children remain indoors playing with their digital media devices. What will this park be when it is completely finished with an outdoor amphitheater, a challenge playground and splash-pad, a challenge course for young adults – seniors, a boardwalk and pavilion, a nature/conservation workshop building, and two dog parks? In its infancy the Park is already in high demand, and is positively impacting families and individuals throughout the greater Carrollwood area.
Innovation starts at the very initial planning stage, and the Parks Department did exceptionally well. The design also included a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department recreational facility, incidentally providing a much needed security presence. Through numerous meetings the Parks Department solicited input from the communities and prioritized every amenity to challenge many levels of athletic activity, environmental safety, and health aspects. The Parks Department’s focus on change and expectation management was exceptional. Through community notices and open floor meetings the Parks Department provided tremendous information to the community, and allowed the community to participate in the design, which at this phase (Phase II) is tremendous and has been well accepted by our community.
Upon completion the Parks Department will have delivered more than just a design concept three years ago. It will deliver a “model” neighborhood park whose sweeping design yields inclusive amenities which positively impacts a person of any age. The Carrollwood Village Park and the Carrollwood Cultural Center combine to provide an unrivaled cultural experience for our residents. Kudos to the Parks Department.
Thankyou
Philip Davis, a Carrollwood Resident.
HERE IS PHASE 2 PLANS FOR YOUR PARK. SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED LATER IN 2019. https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/library/hillsborough/media-center/documents/county-projects/carrollwood-village-community-park/master-plan-phase-ii-amenities.jpg?la=en&hash=A5DA1124E01A97DAF09E6A0CFB0BF78B9F439C50
Carrollwood Park Conservancy
FONWRP is a committee of neighbors and leaders in NW Hillsborough advocating a P3 (public-private partnership) to convert decommissioned land, currently a sewage plant into a public park of 50+ acres.
Call to action! Add your name to the supporter list. Email FONWRP.NEWS@GMAIL.COM
Take a shady stroll along the paths at #sunkengardens
Project for Public Spaces
How do you know when a public space is comfortable and welcoming? Check these five indicators:
play:ground
Really interesting article on the history and evolution of the jungle gym features us as “one of the most celebrated possibilities for the playground of the future.” Thanks Chicago Tribune!! “Outside the fence of play:groundNYC on Governors Island, there is a handmade sign that asks parents to relax, if only for a moment, to breathe and let go: “Your kids will be fine without you.” A child made the sign while playing at The Yard. It is, at a glance, a mess of spare tires and scrap wood, crates and fabrics. It is also one of the most celebrated possibilities for the playground of the future — an empty lot full of tools and nails and stray material waiting to be assembled into whatever a kid might imagine.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-jungle-gym-chicago-history-1120-story.html
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-jungle-gym-chicago-history-1120-story.html