[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6062911,"mediaKeyId","3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a","parentId",3275227,"title","Volunteers organize Adopt‑a‑Park planting at Orioles Park; board hears youth applicant Krishna","audioSeconds",106,"startMs",1989000,"endMs",2095000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a&start=1989&end=2095","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a/thumbnail_1989000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6062911/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Volunteers-organize-AdoptaPark-planting-at-Orioles-Park-board-hears-youth-applicant-Krishna","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062911-dbfb9fa98695282177452626572325b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445404&Signature=TZ~kPwYmgZHcCsy2GvUNbfBDz4KoOnyJjtLI8RzCAMMgLB7p7WNv3rIiK4SjABSyIpZwPAIXeb4ZUvcJGJ1~qGFWjLyVF01umaJLnopkcLfyLgGoQYPYZOsfSc3sR6~fzY09eGpi8jhUH5HdGOjwiup6-2mXOnPrkJwoq6Azwq9RNwGL6V0w-4Vhje8PHyGFbhi0GbHOzyFaMW6XWwWV4DwM5O3eiQxov98pr21XHHvmwJblzRr1sgEceBvStaU5v9I~zcKaw5DWIZmq2N4PPyX8SjNI0oM2fl6QywQFqK8UAgTFZOM65mAEFfTJAl0TAiiUQMf3om763KGifx5Nkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Oldsmar, FL","date","2025-05-12T12:55:22Z","article","Board member Donna is organizing volunteer work under the city's Adopt‑a‑Park program to enhance the median at the Orioles Park entryway; Parks staff said plant material has been ordered and crews have completed preparatory pruning and irrigation work. The department said volunteers will help maintain the planting once installed.

Why it matters: volunteer partnerships can extend maintenance capacity, improve park aesthetics and build community ownership without significantly increasing operating costs.

A Parks and Recreation staff member summarized the plan: \"We do have the plant material on order. The guys in the parks department have division have, done some of the crepe myrtle work, to clean up some of the crepe myrtles. We're working on some irrigation stuff that's right there. So as soon as we get all of the plant material in, we'll go ahead and we'll we'll plant that and then have the Adopt a Park group help to maintain that over the course of time.\"

Staff said the Adopt‑a‑Park program paperwork has been provided to Donna and that the group will not be responsible for heavy maintenance; staff will coordinate irrigation and training. Staff and Donna said the next potential Adopt‑a‑Park candidate is Bicentennial Park once the Orioles Park project is established.

The board also returned to agenda item 3 to hear from Krishna, an applicant for a team position. Krishna introduced himself at the podium: \"So my name is Krishna, and I go to Eastlake High School. And I'm in tenth grade. And why I like to join your thing is because I I would like to have extra opportunities. Like, I play soccer sometimes, but, like, I wanna do more, like, volunteering and, like, stuff.\" The board welcomed Krishna and indicated they look forward to his participation in August; no formal appointment vote was recorded at the meeting.

Staff asked interested volunteers to contact the parks department to be connected with Donna and to complete any required forms.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Oldsmar Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board discussed an Adopt‑a‑Park planting project at Orioles Park and staff said plant material is on order; the meeting also introduced Krishna, a 10th‑grade Eastlake High School student who attended to be considered for a team/board appointment.","taxTitle","Oldsmar, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",54788,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6062916,"Board raises Bicentennial sidewalk safety; staff blames heavy mower use and thin sidewalks",144,1466000,1610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a&start=1466&end=1610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a/thumbnail_1466000.jpg","/articles/6062916/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-raises-Bicentennial-sidewalk-safety-staff-blames-heavy-mower-use-and-thin-sidewalks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062916-6116d2e950d508ae1b342ea2e7888073/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445404&Signature=kU8wQwbN2oCyFNuy0ldLCYOTegTI2Ld1ygypmQReVx46W~t3YerwuA5mx~96P5opiuKMIq5bewO6iVhozUm792G4~W4ROhjWIb1SHELn83CQ4uIcMZ-r3o2lK6~lkYfLwy-FlKPqbZEOJSeBTwW3ZUBjGkjsyRqe4AJX8kf7oBTcBlP5winU4capv1wbsTTQ3bx3ln7h0QGvSdbqDDl1l78gp9abqCn8fRciFpyPtX3W882YukFqWX~ip8Z3JQV1jihTh8KTsGTtvsvC2ShIOp2cUBTCG8n7~3YW~IDHYtK-AitaJrf0lXbVvpPGDS0jq4fclgjj5RdPjhdXgRkMkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members used the May 12 meeting to call attention to cracked and uneven sidewalks in Oldsmar parks, particularly around Bicentennial Park and behind the library. Parks staff said some damage is caused by a heavy slope mower used to maintain steep banks and that many park sidewalks were constructed thinner than street sidewalks and lack vehicle‑grade reinforcement.

Why it matters: trip hazards in parks affect visitor safety and may require capital repairs or changes to maintenance equipment and practices.

A board member, Suda Antis Colon, asked staff to note uneven sidewalks behind the library and on adjacent streets. Parks staff replied that sidewalk repairs on city streets are a Public Works responsibility but that sidewalks inside parks are a Parks and Recreation responsibility and that staff will prioritize immediate trip hazards.

Staff explained the slope mower used for steep bank mowing is very heavy and requires counterweights, and that the machine can damage lightly reinforced park sidewalks. \"That machine does damage our sidewalks quite a bit,\" a Parks and Recreation staff member said. The staff member added that park sidewalks were typically installed at about four inches thick and were not designed for heavy vehicular use; replacement work will look to reinforce sidewalks that are expected to receive vehicle loads.

Staff said they will assess Bicentennial and other park sidewalks and address imminent hazards immediately; larger replacement work will be prioritized within budget and may require coordination with Public Works.","Board members flagged cracked and uneven sidewalks around Bicentennial Park and behind the library. Staff explained a heavy slope mower used for steep banks can damage park sidewalks that were not built for vehicle loads and said prioritization and replacement will occur as budget allows.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6062920,"Advisory board to form working group with staff to rework park user survey for August review",74,442000,516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a&start=442&end=516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a/thumbnail_442000.jpg","/articles/6062920/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Advisory-board-to-form-working-group-with-staff-to-rework-park-user-survey-for-August-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062920-98e57cb220371d2cb7b247b21f1a8c8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445404&Signature=TMMDLA-qt8iUWut1nn8ONlL4Sm3G4~g~8yZ8zTq44K~v6NHs8oBhQp29iQXW8hirRSs-pXkLloe7PhOpq6DZ5rutx4hR2Wds7w493x9TDRf0n9lcsiv3r9oSQ9dtOBkp8RgbZPk-X7Dq9lj1Tg9p8aoejdpbbfW-GtkyY9YKPzmU2Usbw7z0VPKgxqPG2k6NXteJd4OtGQSvcyEhRrcHfxahXD5PBoiNp~1lbSNS74Zz7wMSzyqUMqxMiD75b2PHD6QblHiCkEnWBpaP2eQAryTl39TVKg1xDrpyrsAIpXc-1CPvgg-TeJfNV0on2m0TGG7JUQKeVGrooQDmIIm-4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 12 meeting, Oldsmar Parks and Recreation staff asked the advisory board to nominate a board member to work with staff on a revised park‑user survey that will expand outreach to non‑park users. The staff said it will bring draft questions back to the August meeting for board review and approval before implementation.

Why it matters: an updated survey can change how the department measures park use, identifies barriers for non‑users, and prioritizes programming and capital projects.

Chip, Parks and Recreation staff, explained the city typically conducts two surveys a year and distinguishes a community input survey from a park‑user survey: \"The park user survey is more of a who's visiting our parks, how long does it take you to get to our parks, what do you do in our parks, how much time do you spend. It just kinda gives us a little snapshot of actually who's coming to our parks,\" he said. Chip asked the board to nominate a volunteer to work with staff (John and Mike) to develop the next set of questions and return the draft in August for board approval.

Board member Steve Phillips volunteered to work with staff on the survey; Chip said staff will then schedule meetings with the volunteer subgroup to develop questions and an implementation schedule that includes intercept surveys and online outreach.

The board directed staff to bring a draft to the August meeting for discussion and formal approval of survey questions and approach.","Board members agreed to nominate a volunteer to work with staff to develop the next park‑user survey; staff will present draft questions at the August meeting and then implement intercept and online survey methods.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6062924,"Sheffield 'Party in the Park' draws hundreds; staff cite logistics, electricity and parking as lessons",296,1004000,1300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a&start=1004&end=1300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a/thumbnail_1004000.jpg","/articles/6062924/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Sheffield-Party-in-the-Park-draws-hundreds-staff-cite-logistics-electricity-and-parking-as-lessons","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062924-efc72fea55d0ec78b31f02e179b83edd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445404&Signature=ktb8X6BmB9~wHU7Dgr9SPdLpuSaENPv1rceFWBKIRtcCeBpqCgifMLXEAe68KRs76-kDcae8B3yCZTBuDbX4DQwyGh5ZPWXSNBZNV9tCOs4DsMDGfImML~N7t9F5erYePOBmeYZ1NWPUkHre6CTZet2kBlI8gDUm7I1Uwkj-fi5YGE-MHpSs2Z7WEaVr5UZgfLo3TL6mf6k8Cpj2TCFgfzjinKeoepuaqcchdvIM~Bb-fvITwkOSJh9qVGtvIyhU7Z3w1Pis1JWlVNgfWCf~YbVm3zsptD7USN5qiKEMhcdFqrQx-NDjcz6Ay7fsl7hfVKt1PbEMt5acVQt90fvcIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oldsmar Parks and Recreation staff and advisory board members described the recent Party in the Park events as successful community gatherings, with one Sheffield Park event drawing an estimated 350 to 400 visitors and prompting a post‑event evaluation to address parking and power constraints.

Why it matters: the events drew new attendees to underused park space and tested the department's ability to host large community events away from traditional venues.

Chip, Parks and Recreation staff, credited John and his operations team for planning and execution, saying the department \"estimate[s] 350 to 400 for that event, cycling through there.\" He said the event exceeded expectations and drew many new faces to the area.

John, Parks and Recreation staff who led logistics for the event, told the board there were multiple logistical challenges to address in future planning: \"There are logistic challenges,\" he said, and described staging concerns such as parking, electricity and crowd circulation. Staff said most inflatables and some equipment ran on independent generators and that one generator required refueling during the event.

Board members noted Pinellas County Sheriff's Office provided a presence at Sheffield Park, which staff said helped community members feel the event was managed. Chip said staff will perform a full evaluation of the event and may consider future activities at Sheffield Park — possibly movies or seasonal events — while being mindful of site power limitations. He said the site has more acreage than Ariels Park but that electrical capacity is the biggest issue.

No formal policy change or vote occurred; the board applauded staff and asked for a written evaluation to inform future special‑event planning.","Two 'Party in the Park' events, including a large one at Sheffield Park, attracted an estimated 350–400 attendees, city staff said. Organizers praised staff execution but noted electricity access and generator reliance remain logistical challenges.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6062928,"Oldsmar parks add benches, filtered bottle‑fillers and buy mower after FDEP grant; LED retrofit planned for sports fields",111,753000,864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a&start=753&end=864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275227-6afd2896936c5e871c0b93feffabd72a/thumbnail_753000.jpg","/articles/6062928/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Oldsmar-parks-add-benches-filtered-bottlefillers-and-buy-mower-after-FDEP-grant-LED-retrofit-planned-for-sports-fields","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062928-2fe9ea076ce2a766294eeac9892cb664/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445404&Signature=enQ~xaLi28CzZw-hFuYt4dXm88yBW7z62S98UWu32~SgX71fURottSBk~7oSrxbO76Wg5SlVRot9wUuh2h77G3~qRilFlX9RqGxUnT2FfgMpfZf6xzedP~5uI9jqYwcciqIbvdj36tf-FI42F62f2hXl8r2-rx28e3JdGDZushEjCxFssnHWAT4LkBrJF~U8PtBFEv8lpgCMuKA17b2y6nQMNUp3hJmZVLV8EKwuQ2vChoe8wJCQXIFkoZi-Z27P5tV9gG0HueBH5CzvX71bLl3n~SNyNhNr-bYRF1W4Ff-ZXpticZ73wDLpmCudnScu7s8Q2epUVsDFe9Ou7Keo7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oldsmar Parks and Recreation staff reported on completed park improvements and equipment purchases during the May 12 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, saying grant funds paid for new benches, picnic tables and three filtered bottle‑filler water stations and helped cover half the cost of a $93,000 batwing mower. Staff also said a contractor will begin an LED lighting retrofit at Ultima Sports Complex fields 1, 2 and 7 on May 27.

Why it matters: the work affects park amenities, staff efficiency and field safety and playability across the city; the grant reimbursements reduce the net cost to the city.

Chip, Parks and Recreation staff, told the board that the new bottle‑fillers and benches are installed at Ariels Park, Sheffield Park and Bicentennial Park and that the bottle‑filler installations were part of a grant award: \"That was all part of a Veil Go grant program that the city, was awarded. So we've actually completed that part of the project, and now we can go back for our reimbursement,\" Chip said.

Chip said the department also used grant funding to purchase a large batwing mower at a $93,000 list price and expects to be reimbursed for 50% of that cost: \"We were able to get funded half, you know, 50% reimbursement for that as well.\" He described the mower as large equipment intended to cut down mowing time.

On lighting at the Ultima Sports Complex, Chip said Musco Lighting will stage equipment the day after Memorial Day and begin the LED retrofit on May 27: \"The day after Memorial Day, the 27th, Musco Lighting will be starting to stage, their equipment for the retrofit of, fields 1, 2, and 7, to new LED sports lighting,\" he said, adding the work should improve brightness and safety.

Board members asked questions about grant cycles and noted the city will reapply if the Trail/Veil Go grant program opens again. Chip said the Trail‑grant cycle is administered through FDEP and that the city will pursue future rounds when available. He also reiterated that staff will submit for reimbursement once project work is complete.

The board did not take separate formal action on these items at the meeting; they were reported during the staff update portion of new business.","Parks staff installed benches, picnic tables and three filtered bottle‑filler stations using grant funding, purchased a $93,000 batwing mower with 50% reimbursement and said Musco Lighting will retrofit three Ultima Sports Complex fields to LED starting May 27.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Volunteers organize Adopt‑a‑Park planting at Orioles Park; board hears youth applicant Krishna

Board raises Bicentennial sidewalk safety; staff blames heavy mower use and thin sidewalks

Advisory board to form working group with staff to rework park user survey for August review

Sheffield 'Party in the Park' draws hundreds; staff cite logistics, electricity and parking as lessons

Oldsmar parks add benches, filtered bottle‑fillers and buy mower after FDEP grant; LED retrofit planned for sports fields