Months of dedication and hard work culminated on June 14, 2008 when over
350 community members volunteered to construct a playground in the Lake Belleview
Community of Clearwater. Let Them be Kids-Clearwater had done what it set
out to do; improve the community capacity, honor one of its own and build
a playground for kids and families to enjoy for years to come.
In the Lake Belleview community, the number of neighborhood association
participants and community volunteers has consistently dwindled over the
past years. Beginning in January, a small group of community stakeholders
recognized the need to increase community capacity and identify emerging
community leaders in the Lake Belleview community. The committee sought
to accomplish those objectives through the execution of an event that would
bring a large number of community members together again. This event was
the volunteer construction of a playground.
The committee, facilitated by Felicia Leonard from the City of Clearwater’s
Park and Recreation Department, brought together many stakeholders including
City of Clearwater staff, the Belleair Elementary Principal, representatives
from local non-profit organizations, neighborhood residents and corporate
supporters, David & Goliath and Acheiva Credit Union. “This truly
represented a community grass-roots effort, and the project was only successful
because of team members’ diverse skills and dedication. This committee
is certainly a model for other neighborhoods”, says George Cretekos,
Vice- Mayor who was active in all of the committee meetings.
Sponsor Appreciation
Honoring a Hero
To honor Clearwater’s only fallen soldier for his ultimate sacrifice,
the committee chose to dedicate the playground to Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz,
who died serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Exactly
2 months after his death, volunteers built the playground. Present
during the construction
were Spc. Huerta-Cruz’s family, Pascual Cruz, Maria Huerta, Roger
Cruz and Humberto Huerta Cruz.
Captain Andrew Lynch joined the volunteers after a long drive from Washington
D.C. the previous day immediately after being discharged from Walter Reed
Hospital. Captain Lynch was injured in the vehicle, when an improvised
explosive device killed Spc. Huerta-Cruz.
The day came to a close with official dedication ceremonies, officiated
by Clearwater’s Vice-Mayor, George Cretekos. Also present to recognize
volunteer contributions and Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz were U.S. Congressman
Gus Bilirakis, US. Congressman C.W. Bill Young, representatives from the
US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and well as local City Council
members. As part of the ceremony, the Huerta-Cruz family was presented
with Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz’s certificate of citizenship. In addition,
US. Congressman C.W. Bill Young presented a flag to City Manager Bill Horne
to fly over the site that was once flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington
D.C.
For the many who were involved in this day it was a very moving reflection
of the human sprit. Citizens from all different walks of life came together
to make positive change in their community. This is what the word “grassroots” is
all about.
As you past by South MLK Ave. and see the beautiful equipment and children
playing on it without a care in the world, please remember the “village” of
citizens who worked together to make this dream a reality and also Spc.
Huerta-Cruz who made the ultimate sacrifice so our children have the right
to play with the freedom that every citizen and visitors alike enjoys.
-Kevin Dunbar Director of Parks and Recreation City of Clearwater
Post script-I would like to thank all that made this
happens, the volunteers, My city staff (who are the best) the sponsors,
the Huerta-Cruz family and
of course Let Them Be Kids…you made this day one I will never forget,
thank you - Kevin
