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Tampa Councilman: Revisit YMCA's Role At Rogers Park

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 30, 2008

TAMPA - City council Chairman Tom Scott wants the city to revisit a 2-year-old contract that allows the YMCA to operate a youth golf program at Rogers Park.

City staff members also were asked today to look into designating the East Tampa park and the old clubhouse as historic landmarks and the possibility of relocating the Atlanta-based black golfers hall of fame to the park.

In recent weeks, a group known as Citizens Who Support Keeping Rogers Park Public has mobilized to protest the YMCA's involvement, saying it is the first step toward privatizing the course.

Designed and built with donations and volunteer labor from the black community, Rogers Park was the only golf course open to blacks during segregation.

Scott wants the contract to state that the First Tee of Tampa Bay program will target inner-city and at-risk children.

The 10-year, rent-free contract gives the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA permission to headquarter the nonprofit First Tee in the old clubhouse at the city park, which is managed by the Tampa Sports Authority.

The national First Tee program teaches golf and lifestyle skills to minority and poor children. Scholarships are offered to cover YMCA membership fees.

Scott said he has heard generally favorable comments about the program. As for the course going private, "That is not going to happen."

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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