Service Corp Recreation Initiative

On Friday, May 22nd, Service Corp President Jerry Zinn, Treasurer Bea Racicot, Shores Recreation Association Vice-President Raul Oliviero, General Manager Joe Smith, and I met with St. Johns County Commissioner Mark Miner, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation (SJC Parks & Rec) Assistant Director Wil Smith and Recreation Supervisor Betsy Clarkson to discuss the Shores Service Corp Recreation Initiative.

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The two hour meeting provided the Service Corp with strategies and direction in implementing a wide-range of recreational activities for the residents of the Shores. This meeting was a direct result of the joint boards meeting of the Service Corp Board and the St. Augustine Shores Recreation & Social Association (Rec Assoc) on April 2nd of this year.

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During the campaign for the Board of Directors, I had a number of homeowners express concerns for more recreation. That input was used in developing the "Service Corp Recreation Initiative" which I have printed below.

While the meeting used the document as a focal point, Assistant Director Smith and Supervisor Clarkson provided their expertise in recommending a strategy for us to make our recreation dreams a reality. The Service Corp will be planning a "Family Fun Day" where families will be able to participate in games and contests, have access to the pool, and build a strong nucleus of volunteers to aid in expanding our recreation effort.

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Review the document below, and if you would like to join us in the planning and delivery of these exciting plans, contact the Service Corp office at 797-6441. There are no limits to what we can offer. Fishing tournaments, movie nights at the Riverview Club, pancake breakfasts, etc. We will need the imagination, commitment, and effort of homeowners to make our community a better place for all!

St. Augustine Shores Service Corp
RECREATION INITIATIVE

UNSUPERVISED ACTIVITIES: For Youth & Adults

1. Basketball – Possible locations: Riverview Club, North Holiday Lake Park, Tennis Court/Baseball Field area
2. Volleyball- Same as Above
3. Skateboard Park - North Holiday Lake, Next to Twin Lakes
4. Dog Park- North and/or South Holiday Lakes, Tennis Court/ ball field area, Next to Twin Lakes, Hartley Pond area

NEEDS:
§ Basketball courts, goals & nets (convert old shuffleboard courts)
§ Volleyball poles and nets
§ Skateboard park can utilize terrain off North Holiday Lake Park
§ Dog Park would need fencing and scheduled clean-up

SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES

1. Youth/Adult/Senior Softball/Kickball/Volleyball/Soccer
A. Integrated with established leagues in partnership with SJC Parks & Rec
B. Create “Shores Units League Competition” : i.e.: teams from units 1 -3- 5, vs. teams from units 4 – 6,, vs. teams from units 2-7-8, compete monthly in softball/kickball/volleyball/soccer; winner holds the coveted “Shores Champion” trophy for a month until the next competition

2. FAMILY FUN DAY at Riverview Club
§ Open pool to Shores community for the day
§ Softball/Kickball/Volleyball/Soccer competitions at Riverview Club field (build “unit League” core with parents)
§ Sack races, dunking booth, egg toss, etc.
§ Pie/watermelon/hot dog eating contests
§ Have booths in Riverview Club to sign-up volunteers for Shores recreation activities
§ Booths for other youth activities sponsored by SJC Parks & Rec
§ Band(s) and/or DJ for dancing
§ Performance by local dance troupes
§ Hot dogs and sodas outside; perhaps meal inside

3. SUMMER YOUTH DANCES
§ 3 or 4 over the summer for 11 to 16 year-olds
§ 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
§ Band(s) or DJ
§ Strict Rules with plenty of parent & SJSO visibility
§ Dance performances & Line dancing lessons
§ Light refreshment
§ Use to attract more adult volunteers

4. SUMMER/FALL NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS
§ At various venues within the Shores:
o North Holiday Lake Park
o South Holiday Lake
o Baseball Field in south
o Riverview Club
o Twin Lakes area
o Hartley School Pond
§ Bands of any & all types play from 5 p.m. 8 p.m.
§ Residents bring chairs or blankets to enjoy music
§ Opportunity to grow more volunteers for future rec activities

5. SHORES RUN
§ Promote, train, and involve Shores & area residents
§ Create a “Shores Running Club” for all ages & gender
§ Identify a charitable organization to contribute in a 5k run/walk (i.e.: Alzheimer’s, autism, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)

6. INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF GOLF
§ Shores residents who are non-golfers of any age, are introduced to the sport at the Shores Country Club by SJC Parks & Rec and Shores Golf Club staff (Menendez golf coach invited to participate with some of his students)

Respectfully Submitted,
C. E. “Gus” Kouremetis
Service Corp Director & Secretary