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Time Out Called On YMCA's Plans For Rogers Park

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

A golfer tees off at Rogers Park Monday afternoon.

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 18, 2008

TAMPA - With renovations under way at Rogers Park Golf Course, the Tampa Sports Authority has called for a review of a controversial contract that allows the YMCA to use the course in exchange for paying for upgrades.

The authority's board of directors voted Monday night to schedule an emergency meeting with community leaders while the Tampa City Council and authority review the contract. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA plans to renovate the course's former clubhouse for its youth golf program, First Tee of Tampa Bay, a proposal that has raised concerns that the public park will be privatized.

Board member and city Councilman Tom Scott wants language added to the 10-year, rent-free contract to clarify that the YMCA would not have exclusive control of the park and that First Tee scholarships would go to needy children.

"We need to clarify those things before we move ahead with this project," he said.

Built in 1952 with donations and volunteer labor from the black community, Rogers Park was the only golf course and public park open to blacks during segregation.

In 1999, a grass-roots group succeeded in getting then-Mayor Dick Greco to back down on a proposal to put the YMCA in charge of the golf course. The group sees the current contract, which was approved two years ago, as another attempt to privatize the course.

"They never asked for community involvement," said James Ransom, grandson of G.D. Rogers, for whom the East Tampa park is named. "They basically imposed this on us."

Contract changes would require approval from the sports authority board, the council and Mayor Pam Iorio, who believes there is nothing wrong with the contract.

"This is a good deal for the city," Iorio said. "The YMCA is willing to come in and spend their own money to renovate this public building and offer this wonderful program."

With budget cuts and revenue shortfalls, she said, the city can't afford to fund upgrades.

YMCA and sports authority officials say the course, which is managed by the authority, will remain public. First Tee teaches golf and other skills to minority and poor children. Officials say priority would be given to children who live in surrounding neighborhoods and that scholarships will be available to help cover YMCA membership fees.

YMCA officials have estimated that up to 500 children a year will participate in the program.

Reporter Kathy Steele contributed to this report. Reporter Christian Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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