3:42 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY -- On the morning of August 11, 2006, a meeting took place between Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid and Alachua County Public Schools Superintendent Dan Boyd concerning the possible future use of Diamond Sports Park. Earlier this week it was announced that the privately owned and operated park would close on August 20, 2006. The owner also announced that the property was for sale.
At this mornings meeting Reid and Boyd discussed and envisioned a unique and innovative inter-local cooperation between their respective agencies. The plan calls for the acquisition of the 66-acre site by the Alachua County School Board for the future development of a secondary school. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners would assure the continued operation of the park's recreational facilities. Upon completion of the proposed secondary school, the recreational facilities operation and use would be shared. The specifics of the shared arrangement would be detailed in an inter-local agreement.
Both the Alachua County School Board and the Alachua County Commission will begin discussions of the plan this Tuesday, August 15, 2006, at their respective meetings. The School Board meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Kirby-Smith Administrative Center, 620 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL. The County Commission special meeting will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located in the County Administration Building located at 12 SE 1st St., Gainesville, FL.
The realization of this proposal would be contingent upon the School Board's purchase of the property and compliance with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan and the State of Florida School Planning Process.
In speaking of the project Superintendent Boyd said, "This is an excellent opportunity for the school district to acquire a site for a secondary school in a location that we know will meet the future needs of students in this community."
County Manager Reid followed saying, "I believe the School Board of Alachua County’s acquisition of this property for future use, and the inter-local agreement, will assure that this property stays under public control, and will meet future educational and recreation needs of the residents of our County."
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