North Greenwood Recreation Options Could Expand

The North Greenwood Panthers soon could have a home.

City leaders will talk about a $300,000 project to add a multi-use field near Jack Russell Stadium at their work session meeting Monday, and could vote on the project at the City Council meeting Thursday.

With the recently expanded North Greenwood Library and Recreation and Aquatic Center nearby, it seems only natural to develop the old fields into an athletic Valhalla, members of the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have said in the past.

Usable green space is also limited in the area. The Philip Jones Field closed more than two years ago because of environmental concerns and the other open field near the Martin Luther King Center is owned by Pinellas County Schools.

The estimated cost to build two L-shaped fields, and fence and light them is estimated at $600,000, said Kevin Dunbar, parks and recreation director.

The two-part project would include building one full-size, lighted field capable of being used to play soccer or football. The second part of the project would add additional practice facilities to the site at a later date.

The work would include raising the field, adding irrigation, lighting and fencing it. Clearwater For Youth is also giving $25,000 to help pay for the project.

If you go:

What: City Council vote on North Greenwood ballfield

When: 6 p.m. Thursday (April 5)

Where: City Hall, 112 S Osceola Ave