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E-Newsletter / November 2008

2009 Indoor Track Meet Named after Former University of Florida Coach and National Track and Field Hall of Famer Jimmy Carnes

GAINESVILLE, FL - The Board of Trustees of the Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) announced today that they have named their GSC Indoor Track and Field Meet, first held in February 2008, after Jimmy Carnes. The action was taken at the non-profit organization’s November board meeting.

Carnes, one of five USA Track and Field Class of 2008 inductees into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, was instrumental in the formation of the GSC in 1988 as the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee. He served as the first president of The Athletic Conference (1980-1984) and coached at the University of Florida from 1965-1978—leading the indoor and outdoor teams to 15 SEC top-three track and field finishes. He also served as National Chairman of AAU Men’s Track and Field in 1977; was the 1976 assistant men’s Olympic coach and was named as the head coach to the cancelled Moscow Olympics of 1980.

Carnes, 68, was instrumental in the formation of many Florida and national sports commissions. He served as the director of the Florida Governor’s Council on Sport and Physical Fitness where he established the Florida Sunshine State Games and the Florida Senior Games. He also formed the Florida Track Club, served as the executive director of the US Track Coaches Association and is a member of the US Track and Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2009 Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track and Field Meet, presented by the GSC, will be held at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at the University of Florida on February 7. It features competition for youth, open, and collegiate athletes. Additional information can be found here. More than 800 competitors are expected at this years meet as the inaugural event in 2008 featured more than 600 athletes and 700 other visitors from twelve states and throughout Florida. Participants’ ages ranged from five through 87.

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Thank you to everyone who supported and voted YES on November 4th to support land conservation, parks, and recreation facilities in Alachua County!

Recreation Projects approved by City and County Commissions for funding from 50% of sales tax revenue:

Alachua County
Improvements at Kanapaha Park-Community Center
Partnership with Gainesville - Senior Recreation Center
Gainesville/Archer Regional Bike Trail-Archer Braid

Alachua
Acquisition of land to expand City Recreation Center
Improvements to Recreation Center-Including Soccer and Softball Fields, Tennis Courts and new Multi-Purpose Building
Improvements to Recreation Center Roof and Ceiling
Acquisition of land for Cleather Hathcock Community Center
Improvements to Cleather Hathcock Community Center
Improvements to San Felasco City of Alachua Preservation Corridor
Improvements to Downtown Park
Phase II of Water Park at Recreation Center
Expansion of St. Matthew's and Maude Lewis Park (land purchase)
Light timers for Welch, Maude, Downtown and Criswell Parks
Conversion of Swick House to Civic Center
Sidewalk ADA Accessible Improvements-Recreation Center Property

Archer
Completion of the Archer Community Center Auditorium
Building of Skate Park
Completion of Renovations to ³Old Fire Station² Recreation Center
New Picnic Area and Playground
New Jogging Trail
New Swimming Pool and Bath House

Gainesville
Improvements to Alfred A. Ring Park
Improvements to Citizens Park/Northeast Pool
Improvements to Cofrin Nature Park
Improvements to Cone Park-Including 8-Land Rubber Surface Track
Improvements to Depot Park
Improvements to Greentree Park
Improvements to Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park
Improvements to Lincoln Park
Improvements to Loblolly Trails
Improvements to Nature Parks
Improvements to Neighborhood Parks
Improvements to Northeast Park
Improvements to Northside Park
Northwest Soccer Complex
Improvements to Possum Creek Park
Improvements to Rosa Williams Center
Partnership with Alachua County - Senior Recreation Center
Acquisition of and Improvements to Smokey Bear Park
Improvements to TB McPherson Recreation Center
Improvements to Thomas Center Building A
Improvements to Westside Park/Pool

Hawthorne
Improvements to City Athletic Fields
Improvements to Lindsey - Philips (Johnson Lake) Park
Improvements to the trailhead of the Hawthorne - Gainesville State Trail

High Springs
Renovation of the Historic High Springs Elementary School/Community Center (establish a Youth Center-Senior Center)
Renovations of the High Springs Civic Center
Improvements to High Springs Civic Center Park
Construct Public Restrooms-Taylor Park

Lacrosse
Improvements to Tennis Courts
Improvements to Basketball Courts
Installation of fans at picnic pavilions
Improvements to Playground
Improvements to Lighting

Micanopy
Replacement of Ball Field Bleachers
Acquisition of Ball Field Scoreboard
New Cardiovascular trail
Community Center
Upgrade of Concession Facility
Miniature Golf Course
Recreation facility fencing
Recreation facility lighting
Regulation-size lighted basketball court
Volleyball court

Newberry
Purchase of Barry House as Community Center
Purchase vacant lot next to Martin Luther King Park
Construct Small Community Center next to Martin Luther King Park
Develop Triangle Park (walking trails, pavilions, etc.)
Add Covered Basketball Courts at Newberry Sports Complex
Add Tennis Courts at Newberry Sports Complex

Waldo
Improvements to Sid Martin Park
Improvements to Waldo Community Center
Improvements to Waldo Veteran's Park

 
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