Recs and ReadsBy Anne McKay GarrisLike the library, things are changing at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center because the poor ole city of Clearwater is becoming poverty stricken and can't keep up the quality of life we have become accustomed to. Mind you, we can still afford boat slips and antique theaters and expensive city information services, we just can't afford the basic things like police, fire and EMS, libraries and recreation centers. We need to be thankful, I'm told, that we at least have a part library/part recreation center in our community. Last week, I reported on the cutback in library hours planned for the first of October. This week, it's the recreation center hours. The new hours will be from 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday and Wednesday; from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 8:00 A.M. to 12 Noon on Saturday. Staffing of the Rec Center is changing also. JP Atherholt will continue as director, but swim instructor Libby Pearce will be moving to Morningside. The rest of the staff will remain on the Beach. Our director, JP has been with the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department for sixteen years. Before that, while he was still in school, he was a seasonal employee, working as a life guard and camp counselor. He has been at the Beach for about five years. Growing up in Safety Harbor, JP developed an early interest in recreation. His favorite part of the program is working with children, learning to swim and enjoying the water program.
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