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YMCA Reassures Residents On Rogers Park Pact

Tribune file photo by JAY NOLAN

Annie Tirado, 12, practices chippiing in front of her brother, Esteban Tirado, 11, at Rogers Park.

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2008

TAMPA - Nearly 30 residents attended a community forum Thursday night to air concerns about a 10-year, rent-free contract that allows the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to headquarter a youth golf program at Rogers Park Golf Course.

The East Tampa facility, at 7911 N. Willie Black Drive, is owned by the city and managed by the Tampa Sports Authority. The course, opened in 1952, was the only one open to blacks during segregation.

The Tampa City Council approved the contract two years ago, but the agreement only recently came under criticism. The YMCA plans to renovate a former clubhouse for its affiliate program, First Tee of Tampa Bay. A local construction company is donating the estimated $250,000 construction cost.

The contract troubles residents who remember the city's 1999 proposal to put the YMCA in charge of the golf course. Then, a grassroots group, Citizens Who Support Keeping Rogers Park Public, succeeded in getting the city to back down.

The group's members see the contract as another try to privatize the course.

"We are just so afraid that you're going to take it from us because everything is usually taken from us," Mary Alice Dorsett said.

City, YMCA and sports authority officials repeatedly have said the course will remain public. Priority for First Tee, they say, will be given to children who live in surrounding neighborhoods, and scholarships will go to those who cannot afford YMCA membership fees.

YMCA officials estimate up to 500 children a year will participate in the program, which teaches golf and life skills.

"We will do what we say we will do," YMCA director Tom Looby said. "I hope you will give us a chance to build real trust between us."

To reassure opponents, the YMCA gave the sports authority a letter stating there will be no change in the park's ownership or management. But the letter is not legally binding, and critics want the city to amend the contract.

"I don't agree with how it was done," said Kay Andrews, publisher of the Florida Sentinel-Bulletin. "You don't do a thing and then come back to talk to us later."

Council Chairman Tom Scott has said he wants language added to the contract about scholarships. On Monday, the sports authority is expected to discuss additions to the letter.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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