Valrico Businessman Leading Fight For After-School Programs, Rec Centers

A Valrico man is on a mission to save the county’s after-school program and county parks and recreation centers.

Terry O’Grady organized and led a rally Aug. 11 that drew more than 300 people, all opposed to the elimination of the county’s after-school programs at recreation centers. They also oppose cuts in the county’s budget that would leave the majority of county recreation centers and parks without staff.

“Don’t let them tell you it’s over. We can do it,” Terry O’Grady told the standing room-rally that drew families from every corner of the county.

Undaunted by a 4-3 commission vote in July to cut after-school programs () and mothball services at 31 of the county’s 42 recreation centers, rally organizers said they thought they could save the after-school programs and the majority of recreation centers.

Parks officials say the 1,800 children served by the after-school program will be absorbed by the school district's HOST program (Hillsborough Out of School Time), the YMCA or other private after-care programs. (.)

O'Grady gives that idea short shrift.

"I am a businessman and this is all about supply and demand. The county wants to put another 1,800 kids into the after-school care market. That equals more demand with less supply. What do you think private businesses will do? Of course they will raise their prices."

O'Grady urged his audience to contact commissioners.

“We can do this, but you need to get on the phone tomorrow and call the commissioners. You need to e-mail them. You need to let them know this is what the people want," O’Grady told a boisterous Brandon audience.

Parks and recreation centers are the lifeblood of many communities, said Lois Kessler, a 30-year veteran of the county parks department who is now retired.

“Neighborhood parks and rec centers are important to families and communities. I don’t know what will happen to these neighborhoods if the parks go away. We have to fight this. Don’t give up,” Kessler told the audience. 

O’Grady has no children in the after-school program and says he has no interest in going into politics.

“I have no skins in this game. My kids have gone to college. I am planning to retire. But what I do have is friends who need this after-school program. I have friends who need the recreation centers.”

O’Grady and his supporters are backing the “” plan proposed by County Commissioner Ken Hagan.

The Hagan Hybrid would keep more recreation centers staffed and keep the after-school program at those centers. The county commission will consider the idea Aug. 24. Hagan crafted his hybrid plan with input from O’Grady who presented his own budget plan to the commission at a last month.  

O’Grady said he thought Commissioners Kevin Beckner and Sandra Murman — both of whom voted to eliminate the after-school program last month — would now for vote for the Hagan Hybrid.

Also at the meeting, a petition protesting the vote to abandon after-school programming and to close recreation centers drew hundreds of signatures. More than 2,000 people have now signed the petition, according to rally organizers.

O’Grady said the rally was only the beginning. “It was a great turnout. I was very encouraged.”

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