August 25, 2020 Minutes

About Hillsborough County Parks

The Parks & Recreation Department operates numerous parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreation centers. The department also provides programs, events, and activities to Hillsborough County residents year-round.

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08_25_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 
1 
 
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC 
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board 
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDbO2roim0 
 
PRESENT: 
Anthony Sanchez 
Nathan Gennara 
Joe Guidry, Jr. 
Aaron Casteel 
Harold Jackson 
Rick Tschantz 
STAFF: 
Rick Valdez 
Greg Horwedel 
Dexter Barge 
Dave Ramirez 
Greg Brown 
James Crouch 
 
 
I. 
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER 
a. This meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez 
 
II. 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
None 
 
III. 
PRESENTATIONS 
a. Welcome 
b. Reopening of Amenities 
i. Rick Valdez stated that the amenities being looked at for reopening are splash 
pads, playgrounds, and skate parks. This was reviewed and supported by health 
advisors. Mr. Valdez would like a vote of approval from the Board today.  
ii. Rick Tschantz inquired about recommendation from health advisors.  
iii. Discussion ensued regarding support for amenities and return-to-competition.  
 
c. Return to Competition for Lacrosse and Soccer 
i. Rick Valdez summarized why these two sports are being combined. The plan is 
currently in review with the county attorney’s office.  
ii. Mr. Valdez stated that in addition to these guidelines and protocols, staff will be 
assigned to each location where soccer and lacrosse are being played and will 
be providing the sport’s organizations with proper personal protective 
equipment necessary to conduct proper health screenings and temperature 
checks. These additions will be funded through the Cares Act.   
iii. Discussion ensued regarding handling of compliance and new park phone 
number.  
iv. Mr. Tschantz inquired about timeline for soccer return to competition. 
Discussion ensued regarding timeline, approval process, and surrounding 
counties.  
v. 
 Dave Ramirez shared a baseball/softball return to competition update.  
 
 
 
08_25_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 
2 
 
vi. Discussion ensued about readdressing and modifying this plan if return to 
school causes a rise in COVID-19 cases.  
vii. Mr. Guidry expressed his support of this plan and feels it allows quick 
modification as the situation changes.  
viii. Mr. Sanchez spoke about the need to be clear about the potential for the 
program to be shut down if cases rise and the issues this could cause 
surrounding expenditures. Discussion ensued regarding adding stronger 
language in regards to this.  
 
IV. 
BOARD ACTION 
a. Aaron Casteel made a motion to recommend the opening of amenities. The motion was 
seconded by Joe Guidry, Jr.  The motion passed with no opposing members.   
b. Joe Guidry, Jr. made a motion to recommend the return to competition plan for lacrosse 
and soccer, with the addition of the safeguards discussed in this meeting. The motion 
was seconded by Harold Jackson. The motion passed with no opposing members.  
 
V. 
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 
a. Mr. Sanchez spoke about low registration numbers in the little league he is involved in 
and would like to receive feedback from leagues regarding sign-up numbers for last 
season versus this one.  
b. Mr. Horwedel committed staff to provide this information.  
 
ACTION ITEM- GATHER THIS INFORMATION BEFORE THE NEXT BEFORE THE NEXT VOTE 
  
c. Mr. Tschantz offered Mr. Valdez direction on the language to be added to the 
guidelines. Discussion ensued.  
 
 
VI. 
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS 
a. Mr. Horwedel and Dexter Barge expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the 
Board.  
b. Discussion ensued about cheerleading potentially being the next sport brought to the 
Board.  
 
VII. 
ADJOURNMENT 
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m. 
Respectfully submitted,  
Alison Hughes, Acting Parks Board Secretary