Monday, May 21, 2012
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is preparing to compete for another gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer.
This article is sponsored by Citi. Sanya Richards-Ross, 27, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but her accomplishments off the field are just as worthy of worldwide recognition. Sanya, a Fort Lauderdale native, holds the American record in the 400-meter and is a three-time Olympic medalist, winning a gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and another gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay and an individual bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Sanya is now one of 13 athletes whom Citi is sponsoring in its Every Step of the WaySM program. This innovative digital program benefits U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls and athletes of all ages in communities across America. Already a …
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Much of what the center has to offer will be on display.
Have you ever visited the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center? If you’ve never been, or haven’t been in a while, Saturday’s a good opportunity to get a taste of what’s currently offered there. The rec center is celebrating its 5fifh anniversary Saturday and is holding a free-to-attend open house event. But at the rec center, open house means a lollipop swim meet, Guinness Book of Records attempt and free food. The celebration is 9 a.m-noon at the center, 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey. The city-owned center opened in its expanded capacity in 2007 coming with a $14 million price tag. New Port Richey was recognized this month as a “Playful City” for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition is given out by “KaBOOM,” a …
Summer's almost here. It's time to make the great outdoors your playground. Patch contributor and New Port Richey local Devin Greene shares his recent day on the river, so you know just how much you have to look forward to.
It is early Monday afternoon, a perfect time to make the Weeki Wachee River my office. I embark on my journey from Buccaneer Bay, likely the start of the same path that Hernando DeSoto and many Native Americans took before him, but with a somewhat different purpose. The natives most likely used this river for hunting, fishing, and fresh water; I’m using it for a little R & R. My kayak is loaded up with all the necessities for a smooth, enjoyable ride. No rapids on this river, so freezer bags will suffice for storage of my phone, in case I’m capsized and have to call for help; credit cards, in case I need Sea Tow; and a lighter, in case I need fire. Hopefully, I won’t need to reach into the bag at all until I’ve reached my destination, …
Thursday, May 10, 2012
But it's only temporary.
City officials are pledging to pay a local public relations firm to market the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center over the next several months. City Manager John Schneiger said the city is pledging $3,500 per month to deChant Public Relations to spread the word about the center. The firm is run by former City Councilwoman Marilynn deChant and business partner Lia Gallegos. The deal is for three months of service, with the option to extend to the end of September, while the city’s elected officials mull hiring a long-term marketing person. The agreement takes effect as soon as it is signed, Schneiger said. “We really do feel a sense of urgency that we’ve got to get going on this,” Schneiger told the City Council Tuesday. The New …
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
So far, less than 100 kids have signed up for the program, which is slated to begin next month.
Last year, the New Port Richey City Council proposed raising the fees for the recreation center’s summer program to a level that was unaffordable for most families. Due to intense media coverage and public outcry, the council wisely backed off the plan. However, there was little in the press regarding the council’s decision to drop the proposed increase and remain at the rates that were in effect at the start of the 2011 summer camp. When registration for the 2012 summer program opened in April, it became evident that not many people were aware that the fees remain the same as last year. Normally the recreation center has a line out the door on the day registration opens with people rushing to fill the approximately 170 open slots before …
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
It will cost adults more to use the city facility.
Residents living within the New Port Richey city limits will soon pay a little more to use the city's recreation center. But they will still pay less than people who live outside the city limits. The City Council voted Tuesday to approve higher fees for use of the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. City officials are faced with the reality that the recreation center’s revenues are nowhere near close to covering its costs. The new fees are based on the recommendations of a consultant who was paid to help them conceive ways to help the center pay for itself. The city also backed away from a proposed summer camp fee hike it passed last May, instead charging city residents $50 a week and non-residents $60 a week. The new fees take …
Members of Tampa Bay Aquatics are concerned that potential changes to the city's recreation center pool operations will put swimmers at a disadvantage.
Young swimmers are worried that possible changes to the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center’s pool operations could leave them high and dry. Teenagers in the New Port Richey branch of the Tampa Bay Aquatics swim team (and their parents) are concerned city officials could consider shortening the swim season at the center where the team practices. “They’ve built that time, and all of a sudden they’re going to rip that away from them,” said Julie Underwood, a parent of two Tampa Bay Aquatics members. Swim team folks are also concerned that there might be a risk that a city employee who coaches the team could lose his job. City officials have not made any decisions about the pool or staff at the recreation center. They delayed a …
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Friday is your deadline to enter a team in the contest that shows off your physics and flinging skills.
Think you can design and build an award-winning catapult that can hurl water balloons farther than anyone else’s? Now’s your chance to prove it. River Ridge High School’s Engineering Academy is launching its first Spring Fling Catapult Competition Wednesday, May 2, at 6 p.m. at River Ridge High. The deadline to submit applications to enter is Friday, April 27. Teams of people of any age and from anywhere in Pasco County can sign up to join the test to see whose machine, be it trebuchet, mangonel or ballista, can fling a water balloon the farthest. The contest raises money and attention for the Engineering Academy. It costs $100 for a team to enter. Call (727)774-7200 for a form and return it by the end of the day April 27 to the school …
Friday, April 20, 2012
The eight-week camp offers a host of activities.
Press Release submitted by Pasco County Communications Specialist Ed Caum. The City of New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center is now registering children for summer day camp for children 6-12 years old. Camp will be June 18-August 10, 2012: Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The camp offers eight weeks of fun-filled, indoor and outdoor activities, arts & crafts, games, field trips, special events, guest speakers, swimming and more. Residents: $400/8 weeks; Non-residents: $480/8 weeks Registration will continue through May or until camp is full. Visit the center 6630 Van Buren St, New Port Richey, FL 34653, or call 727-841-4560.
The Nature Coast's premier kayak competition features a 5-1/2 mile river and open-water course.
Press Release submitted by Pasco County Communications Specialist Ed Caum. Paddle from the scenic lagoons and inlets of Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park through the open Gulf of Mexico waters and up the Pithlachascotee River to downtown New Port Richey. Intermediate and expert kayakers are invited to test their skills against some of the best racers - with the record for this course being just under 48 minutes. Awards will be given to the 1st three finishers in three classes; over 15 feet, under 15 feet, and tandem. Novice paddlers, or those who just enjoy paddling, are invited to try the "fun paddle" class. No awards ... just a lot of enjoyment on the water - and the satisfaction of saying you completed the course. Registration fees…
Greg Giordano
4:35 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Your idea of a free event is a good one. This Saturday's 5th Anniversary celebration is an example of yet another free event the recreation center is holding. There are plenty of other free or extremely low-cost events for the community-at-large throughout the year. I don't think more events are the ONLY answer to the problem. Increasing membership is the key. The city council approved the … more ›