151-2001 LTC
. ..
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. /"') 1- {)(j)(} /
m
From:
Honorable Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin Date: July 10, 2001
and Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~ ~
City Manager ~ 0
NADADORES MA TERS (ADULT) SWIM TEAM REQUEST
To:
Subject:
The Administration is in receipt of a number of e-mails that have also been sent to the
Commission concerning the above referenced subject. The fol/owing information is being
provided as clarification of the contents of these e-mails:
In the early 1990's the Scott Rakow Youth Center developed an adult swim team as an
instructional class. This instructional class was offered to develop an adult swim program
in Miami Beach that provides both social and athletic components. The Scott Rakow Youth
Center Swim Team became the Nadadores Masters Swim Team.
In September 1998, the Nadadores formed a private organization, elected a governing
board and established team dues. The Nadadores requested to become a private (Not for
Profit) organization and on October 1, 1998 entered into a rental agreement for use of the
Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool. The rental fee for the pool was $27.96 with tax (based on
a 25% multiple use discount) and $40.00 for lifeguards for a total $67.96 for a two hour
rental.
On March 14, 1999, the Nadadores requested a fee waiver stating a hardship with pool
fees and the compensation of a swim coach. The Parks and Recreation Administration
submitted a requestfor fee waiver on March 15, 1999 and subsequent approval was given
by City Manager Sergio Rodriguez to waive the rental fees, not including staff, on August 8,
1999.
On April 9, 2001, the Flamingo Park Pool was closed for construction. In response, the
morning and evening adult open swim programs were relocated to the Scott Rakow Youth
Center Pool and scheduled based on available hours prior to or after the youth participating
in the Center's summer program.
On May 25, 2001, a meeting was held with Tom Dougherty, President of the Nadadores
Masters Swim Team, and Kevin Smith and Kenneth Wierleski ofthe Parks and Recreation
Department The meeting focused on the fact that the Flamingo Pool was demolished
which greatly reduced the availability of swimming opportunities to our residents, the
summer youth recreation program that would begin City wide on June 18, 2001, and the
need to expand the summer hours for the Scott Rakow Youth Center pool until 9:00 p.m. to
meet these summer recreation programs and adult open swim. It was also stated that this
issue would be further complicated by the anticipated demolition of the Normandy pool
--I -_~ ..._....
. .
sometime in the fall of 2001. It was stressed to Mr. Dougherty that the City and the
Nadadores have worked together in the past to find workable solutions that met the needs
of both the team and the community and they were once again requested to assist in
reaching an amenable solution.
Taking into consideration the existing parameters, the following options were presented to
Mr. Dougherty:
. Rental of the Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. I Saturdays before 9:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. I Sundays before 11 :00
a.m. and after 7:00 p.m., at a $35.00 rental fee (standard rental fee charged to all
groups) plus $20.00 per hour staffing fee.
. Rental ofthe Normandy Pool Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at
a $83.75 rental fee (standard rental fee charged to all groups is $125.00, but multi-
users, such as the Nadadores, receive a 25% discount) plus $20.00 per hour staffing
fee.
. Join the adult open swim Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the
Scott Rakow Youth Center at $1.25 per adult, no coaches would be allowed and all
pool regulations established for open swim would need to be complied with.
Mr. Dougherty was requested to take the above referenced options back to the Nadadores
Swim Team Board of Directors and, due to the impending schedule change to take effect
on June 18, 2001, promptly advise the Administration as to how the team wished to
proceed. Mr. Dougherty did not respond back to the Parks and Recreation Administration
as requested.
The Nadadores Masters Swim Team has expressed their preference for the Scott Rakow
Youth Center Pool. In order to accommodate this request the resident open swim program
currently in place would need to be displaced one night per week with the pool closing
earlier than scheduled to accommodate a private facility rental. This would impact a
number of citizens currently using the pool for open swim. Attached for your information is
a daily record of the adult swim program usage at the Rakow pool from when it began on
June 18, 2001 through July 2, 2001.
As indicated in the 13 days recorded, there have been eighty-eight (88) swimmers in the
morning and seventy-two (72) in the evening with the pool having to close five (5) evenings
due to inclement weather.
It is important to again emphasize that in the fall 2001 , the Normandy Pool is scheduled for
construction. This closure will further impact the Recreation Division's ability to provide a
balanced schedule of aquatic programs. Normandy's After-School Programs, Learn to
Swim classes and community open swim will also be moved to the Scott Rakow Youth
Center. The Administration is working diligently to reasonably address the requests for
recreational services of our residents, however it may cause some inconvenience while we
go through this construction process. The New Flamingo Park Pool is scheduled to open
in the summer of 2002 and these issues should be resolved by then.
Also, please note the attached letter sent by Mayor Kasdin as his response to the e-mails
he received concerning this matter. Mayor Kasdin stressed the fact that the Nadadores
were welcome in our City pools, offered the options for the group's consideration and
explained the impact that the renovations will have on our residents.
In light of such constraints it is the Administration's position that the Parks and Recreation
Department has offered reasonable options to the Nadadores Master Swim Team and it is
now up to the group to accept one of the options or make other arrangements at another
facility for the summer. The Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to
working with all interested user groups and will revisit this request again prior to the
implementation of the fall programs.
ShOUI~O~ h.~ve any additional questions regarding this issue, please advise.
JM~\~KS
Attachments
F:\CMGR\$ALL\L TC-01\nadadores.doe
City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation
Scott Rakow Youth Cent.er Pool
Adult Open Swim
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Dav Date # of Swimmers AM PM Notes
Monday 18 June 7 10
Tuesday 19 June 6 2
Wednesday 20 June 14 10
Thursday 21 June 8 4
Friday 22 June 1 0 Pool Closed Thunder
Saturday 23 June 0 0 Pool Closed Thunder
Monday 25 June 15 9
Tuesday 26 June 3 1 Poor Weather Thunder
Wednesday 27 June 12 7 Poor Weather
Thursday 28 June 4 5 Poor Weather
Friday 29 June 12 5
Saturday 30 June 0 9 Youth Swim in the AM
Monday 2 July 6 12
Total 13 days AM 88 PM 12 5 Days Poor Weather
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June 25, 2001
Dear Nadadores Swim Team Members and Affiliates:
I am in receipt of your email and thank you for taking the time to bring your concerns
regarding the Nadadores Swim Team's schedule and rate changes at the Scott Rakow
Youth Center. In opening, please note that, at no point, has the Parks and Recreation
Department, prohibited the swim team from utilizing City facilities. As you may be
aware, the swim team's fee waiver has expired and the City's fee waiver process is
presently under review. It is the objective to have an established fee waiver process for
all facilities and organizations that would be seeking fee waivers.
Additionally, as the City engages in park/facility renovations, there is impetus for
attracting all members of the Community to use parks facilities, particularly at the height
of the summer months. However, with Flamingo Park Swimming Pool closed for
renovations, and Normandy Park Swimming Pool closing prior to the end of the year, the
Parks Department is currently working to accommodate the needs of our residents with
exceedingly diminished resources. It is for this reason that the Parks and Recreation
Department has provided the following options for the Nadadores Swim Team:
. Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool - Mon. through Fri. - 9pm to 10pm I Sat. - Before
9:00am -After 8:00pm I Sun. - Before llam - After 7pm
*$35.00 rental fee + $20.00 staffing fee per hr.
. Normandy Swimming Pool- Tues., Thurs. - 8pm - lOpm *$83.75 rental fee + $20.00
staffing fee per hr.
As a point of reference, these issues were addressed at the May 25, 2001 meeting
between Tom Dougherty, Nadadores Team Captain, Kevin Smith, Parks and Recreation
Director, and Ken Wierleski, Recreation Supervisor II. I have been advised that at that
time, Mr. Smith requested that Mr. Dougherty disseminate the information regarding
these options to the Nadadores Swim Team and advise the Parks and Recreation
Department in order to proceed with the new arrangements.
I feel that it is imperative, that as long time friends and/or residents of this Community,
the Nadadores Swim Team work together with the City during this strenuous, but
exciting period of park renovations. It is certainly, not the intention of the City of Miami
Beach to make the Nadadores Swim Team feel unwelcome. As you have mentioned, the
team is an integral part of our community and it is the goal of the Parks and Recreation
Department to entice all members of the Community to enjoy and partake of our
facilities.
I assure you that, although we are unable to accommodate the Team's previous schedule
and fee waiver at this time, the City will gladly revisit the issue once our new fee waiver
policy is in place.
Again, I thank you for bringing this matter of mutual concern to my attention. I trust this
letter has addressed your concerns. Please feel free to contact Maribel Ramirez, Chief of
Staff, at 305.673.7030, should you require assistance with this or any other matter.
Sincerely,
Neisen Kasdin
Mayor
NKlmr
._"___.."......._...". .._.__.".. m....__.._......_.~_.".
From:
Sent:
To:
Lfhmiami@aol.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2001 12:55 PM
Mayor@ci.miami-beach.f1.us; matti@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; simon@ci.miami-beach.fl.us;
david@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; luis@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; nancy@cLmiami-beach.fl.us;
jose@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; recreation@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; pio@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Subject: Nadadores use of Rackow Pool
Honorable Mayor Kasdin, City Commisioners and Directors:
I am sure that you have by now read the letter which I received this morning
regarding the use of the Rackow pool by the Nadadores swimming team. ( A copy
follows this letter.) I am writing in support of the team being allowed to
keep their present schedule.
If what the letter says is true, itis surprising to me that you have a pool "-
manager that is not familiar with swimming, pool management and pool safety
issues. I am sure that your pool must keep statistics en users during that
time period and can verify whether or not this pool is required for other
community users besides the Nadadores. I see a willingness of the Nadadores
to share the pool, certainly they can have a few lanes to practice in.
I would think that the initiative that this swimming group has taken in
forming their own teams is something that should be encouraged in a sea side
community like Miami Beach.
What is most unfortunate of this issue is that it appears to be one of
prejudice against a minority group in Miami Beach. With Miami Beach's past
tarnished image of prejudice against minorities, I would think that we would
want to be always vigilant and sensitive in our treatment of minorities.
I urge you to look into this matter, and take appropriate action.
Sincerely,
Luis F, Hernandez
3 Island Avenue #12F
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-0080
Dear Members of the Miami Beach community, Nadadores Swimmers, and Friends
and Supporters of Athletic Alternatives on the Beach,
On Friday afternoon, June 14, the Department of Parks and Recreation made
it officially known to our Captain, Thomas Dougherty, that we are no longer
welcome on Tuesday and Thursday nights, our usual practice times, at the
Scott Rackow Youth Center Pool located at 2775 Sheridan Ave. on Miami Beach.
After almost six years of practicing at this facility on these same nights,
we were told that only 5 nights later, beginning on Tuesday evening, June
16, the pool would now be open for "community swimmers." Despite having
never been late with our pool rental fees or any other discrepancies, these
Tuesday and Thursday night workouts must be moved up to Normandy Pool on the
79th SI. Causeway. In addition, Director Kevin Smith told us that our not
for profit fee waiver is no longer valid and they will be increasing our
rental fee from $40.00 to $120.00 per practice. This could result in a
substantial raise in our presently $5.00 a person swimming fee.
Ken Wierliski, Director of Pools for City of Miami Beach Parks and
6/26/01
ri:1~C; i Vi.J
Page 2 ot ~
Recreation was unaware that many of our Tuesday & Thursday night swimmers
come by bicycle, skates & skate boards, and walking. Also unknown to Ken
Wierliski was that we attract a core group of over 25 swimmers on these
nights simply because of the location alone. It doesn't get more "community"
than this! This is truly incredible that he was unaware of this, after
almost 6 years of our participation at this facility. The Normandy facility
is not located near most of our swimmers who come by means of bikes, foot and
skates. This, he admitted had never been discussed with Director of Parks
and Recreation Mr. Kevin Smith or Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Ms. Sugar Flrtel when the decision was made.
This gradual removal from the Youth Center has a history. Last October,
with equally short notice, the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation gave
us notice that the Youth Center would be taking back our Monday night
practice to make room for more community swimmers. Our objection was met
with a compromise to "share" the pool with the community. What they didn't
tell us until after we agreed, was that they would take away our lane lines,
clock and there would be absolutely no coaching. The fact is, they never had
more than a handful of community swimmers to justify this. Those that came
didn't interfere with our workouts, and the community swimmers, we
made sure, always had plenty of room to swim, some even joined our group! .
What caused the only interference with those compromised workouts, was the
Scott Rackow Pool Manager: Mr. John Schaecter. Even on nights where there
were no community participants, if he heard swimmers agreeing to swim a set
together In the pool, he would come over with all the caring and
condescenSion he could muster, and tell us to stop. Even written workouts
were forbidden! We were treated like children who were not behaving simply
lor wanting to take the boredom out of lap swimming by making it fun.
In conversation with Ken Wierliski over this matter he reiterated Mr
~chaecter's feeling that, workouts, no matter how in~udible intimidated the
s~~~~~t~~:~~e;t" Furthermore, Mr. Wierliski, went dn to say that when
"bob" and "float" th~t t~ comm~nity swimmers:' who (he assumed) only wanted to
mentioned that this w e swoos of water Intimidated them as well I
as "non turbulentlanea~n~;"o~~ reason for lane lines; that they are'marketed
pool and flatten out the vortex ~aus~ they act as the shock absorbers in the
understanding was that "lane Iin wa er as the SWimmer paSSes. His
explamed to him that in a croWd: t~o'llntlmldated community swimmers." I
the I~ne markings on 95. They ke po: they are as mUch a safety feature as
ad~.ltted to not being a swimmer :~dswl~mers from COlliding. He honestly
m~ mg. thiS up, these are YOur tax dOIl~~s understandmg this! J am not
feeli~~ ~~~~ ~ea~~:e~oet "community sWimm:~~ ~:~~e;~~pp odrtues at work here!
dee I d" even conSidered a . ant and the
;:~:~!~ ~~:'f!: ~6~~e~ea~~~~~~fs~t,~~g~:;~7I!::7:,~~~gc~~%~~:; is
is that the Flaming~~:~odate those swimmers at th~~~ ~~~ IS down, they
SWimming. There were on::~shalways closing or ciosed at t~e h enter. The truth
Ig ts there for night swim . . ours we began
That mmg m any case
. Our pool never attracted .
given night was not of h . more than a few co . .
moving to Normand t elr concern. Logically havi~munlty SWimmers on any
disturbing to ev Y rather than Uprooting the'la g the smaller group
swimmers at an e~~ne. Perhaps if they could Sh~~er group Would be the least
city. But Mr. Wjerlis~iP~OI practice, this would be a ~s/~umbers of OVer 30
Mr. Kevin Smith's op' Sated today that Parks and R a I a~gument for the
who Want to sw' Inion was "even if there ecreallon Director:
~oing it now for ';~~~t ~a~e:~t ret the pOol to ::~~~i~, ~~m~unity swimmers
ayor and the Commissione S, ~ You are confused call th up. They've been
rs now what you think b em and let the
Perhaps OUr stronaest a out thiS as well.
arc;lUments are:
6/26/01
Page 3 of 3
. We are the community and even as friends of the community we eat, drink,
work out, and patronize the local businesses.
. We are about the only adult athletic alternative on the beach to
discos, shopping and dining. Isn't it time we have a City interested in an
athletic alternative?
* We have raised money over the years for these charities: South Beach
Aides Project, Quest, The Women's Fund, Episcopal Aids Ministry, Tanqueray
Aids Ride and Shelbourne House. Deny us that we are the community when we
have produced thousands of dollars of revenue for these charities including
almost $9,000.00 this year so far.
. We are the only USMS (United States Masters Swimming) team on Miami
Beach. We travel all over the world competing and representing our Miami
Beach community in a way which few people know: honest, disciplined, hard
working and charitable.
* We are open to everyone: both competitive & recreational, 18+, and
we don't care about color, sexual persuasion, or ethnic background.
And to think that the city of Miami Beach can't give us 4 hours a weekl
Let your city officials and representatives know how you feel. Send
email, call, and get anyone else who has ever supported our team to call as
well. Don't let ignorance ruin one of the greatest things on the beachl
Your Nadadores Board of Directors,
Thomas Dougherty, Chris DiGilio, Gary Angstadt, Rick Wolfe, Mario Chyzyk,
Ricardo Meschede, Dirk Weldon.
6/26/01
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01 JUN 27 PM 3: 26
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
L,; I
I"..j'
\,.! I I '...,~
TO:
JORGE M. GONZALEZ
CITY MANAGER
FROM:
MATTI BOWER
COMMISSIONER
DATE:
'June 27, 2001
RE:
NADADORES USE OF SCOTT RAKOW POOL
Attached please find copies of various emails I have received from swimmers of the
Nadadores Swim Team. Please contact me immediately, or have a member of your staff
contact me, to explain this situation to me in detail so that I may better address these
concerns.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions or comments, please
feel free to contact my office at extension 7107.
MHB/mcs
. '
Maria Stofka
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
thomas.r.dougherty@accenture.com
Thursday, June 21, 2001 1 :40 PM
matti@ci,miami-beach.fl,us
Nadadores Swim Team
Dear Commissioner Herrera-Bower:
My name is Thomas Dougherty and I am the President of a Miami Beach based
organization known as The Nadadores Swim Team. I am writing to ask for
your assistance in resolving a problem that our team is experiencing with
the city of Miami Beach.
Recently a decision was made by the Director of Parks and Recreation, Kevin
Smith, to no longer allow our team to hold its practices at the Scott Rakaw
Youth Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 PM. The reasons that
~~. C'~..; r.r ri r...d for this change are th"""t..
1) The Flalningo Park Pool has been closed for reconstruction and Mr. Smith
must now hold activities (such as adult open swimming) that would have
taken place at Flamingo at the Rakaw pool.
2) Mr. Smith considers the Nadadores to be a "private" group and says that
he cannot prohibit community members from using the pool in favor of
renting it to a "private" group.
On the surface, I admit that Mr. Smith brings up two valid points. One
being that the city's pool space is temporarily diminished by the
reconstruction of the Flamingo pool, the other being that he wants to make
sure the citizens of Miami Beach have adequate access to the city's pools.
I can understand all of that.
But there are other facts that Mr. Smith does not seem willing to consider
in his decision process which I believe should change the outcome of the
decision. For example, what is the demand for adult open swimming time? I
have gone to the Rakaw pool on nights when the Nadadores are not practicing
to see how many people are using the pool during that time. In my
experience it is usually only a few individuals (fewer than 10) who use the
pool for 30 minutes or less. Our team usually has as many as 30 to 35, and
we use the pool for the full two hours of our practice time.
Another factor to consider is that the Rakaw pool is currently open in the
mornings and the evenings five days a week plus the afternoons on both
Saturday and Sunday - 28 hours per week!. Based on the number of people I
have seen using the pool, I must question this amount of time dedicated to
adult open swimming. Keep in mind that this same schedule also takes place
at the Normandy pool. So when you add in Normandy there are really 56
hours per week of open swim time. Our team is asking for four hours per
week - two hours per night, two nights per week.
I also take issue with the fact that Mr. Smith calls us a "private" group.
Yes, we rent the pool, but we have never turned anyone away from swimming
with us. We do ask people to pay a five dollar fee to our team and we ask
them to sign a liability waiver. The fact is that our team is made up of
community members who over the past 6 years have been very involved with
the Miami Beach community. Many of our members learned about our team
because they happened to come to the Rakaw center on a night that we were
using the pool, and they liked it so much that they keep coming back.
I would appreciate any assistance you could provide in resolving this
issue. I realize that you may have questions and I would be happy to meet
with you or a member of your staff to further explain my position. I can
1
.'be reached at home at (305)-674-7914 or via my cell phone at (305)-607-2264
to discuss the matter further.
Thank you.
Very Truly Yours,
Thomas R. Dougherty II
President, Nadadores Swim Team
1575 Euclid Avenue, Apartment 501
Miami Beach, FL 33139
2
Maria Stofka
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
richard wolfe [rickonkillian@yahoo.com]
Thursday, June 21, 2001 2:50 PM
matti@ci.miami-beach.f1.us
Nadadores Use of Scott Rakow Pool
Dear Commissioner Matti Herrara Bower
My name is Rick Wolfe I am a Voter and property owner
on Miami Beach.
Please allow the Nadadores (swim team) to Use the
Scott Rakow Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to
9pm for the $ 40 I per practice fee that is
approximately what other public pools charge swim
teams.
The Nadadores ( a United States Masters Swim and,
International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Team) Has been
thrown out of the Scott Rakow Pool after 6 years of
growing this swim program for the whole Community.
The Nadadores is open to everyone both competitive &
recreational, 18+, we do not discriminate. We have
swimmers of various: ages, ethnic backgrounds, Sexes,
and sexual orientations.
Swimming in a team environment is radically different
than swimming laps alone especially for a recreational
swimmer. I personally have lost 35 pounds since I
joined the team about a year ago. There is a group
dynamics there similar to an aerobics class. If I go
to the pool for lap swimming I would just do a few
laps and leave. The energy of the whole group swimming
together, even if many of the swimmers are swimming
twice as fast as I am, inspire me to participate at my
personal best.
We were told that this pool has to be used for
"community lap swimming". Before we were expelled
from our 4 hours a week of use of this pool there was
lap swimming available 5 weekday mornings and three
weeknights as well as Saturday and Sunday for this
purpose at Scott Rakow Pool as well as approximately
12 times a week at the Normandy Pool.
The excuse for kicking us out was that Flamingo Pool
is under reconstruction. This does not have any logic
behind it, in that there was not adequate lighting at
the Flamingo Pool to have lap swimming at the times
that the Nadadores were practicing. At the present
time and in past history there have been few
"community lap swimmers" The team has asked for the
number of community swimmers and this information was
not given to us. We were told even if there was one
swimmer that was more important than have the team use
the pool.
Ken Wierlinski, Director of Pools for the City of
Miami Beach Parks and Recreation seems to have made
this decision. He attempted to have us swim at the
Normandy Pool on 79th St Causeway but the shallowness
of that pool together with the times available and
1
lacK' of lighting, and flags makes it impossible to use
this facility for an adult swim practice. I had
arrived early on June 19th the first day we were to
use the Normandy Facility and the person in charge of
the facility had no idea that we were expected. She
got Gladys Dixon (who was in charge of the Normandy
pool but not working that day)on the phone and she
used profanity twords myself and hung up on me. This
facility is not practical because the shallowness
caused several, luckily minor, injuries primarily in
attempting to tUrn.
I would like us to resume our usual Tuesday and
Thursday practices from 7pm to 9pm and be as
consistent as possible and keep the pool in a
competitive manner. (proper temperature, working
clock, Flags, Starting blocks, Lane lines) Many times
were were told these things were impossible so that
the conditions were as perfect as possible for the
children's program the next day.
I am a res,ident, taxpayer and voter on Miami Beach and
The Nadadores are representative of the Community.
Many of the swimmers do not drive to the practice. I
happen to be lucky enough to walk to practice. I
recently got an email from one of our female swimmers
who is not able to drive because she has epilepsy. I
have tried to work with her to make sure she gets a
ride when she wants to swim but the chances of her
swimming will be greatly increased if we were allowed
to practice at Scott Rakow. Many of our swimmers are
Miami Beach Residents, taxpayers, and voters. Many
are professionals and business owners. We have as a
team worked on many fundraising and community events.
Including the Aids Quilt when it came to the Miami
Beach Convention Center, The Film Festival, The Miami
Beach Swim for life.
We also as a team host swimmers from around the world.
Many USMS(United States Masters Swimming) and IGLA(
International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics) members swim
with us when they are on vacation visiting Miami
Beach. We have had swimmers from most of Europe as
well as allover the United States. Some of these
swimmers would not vacation in cities that do not have
opportunities to practice.
Please do what you can to allow the Nadadores to Use
this facility,
Swimmingly Yours
Rick Wolfe
Certified Public Accountant
Attorney at Law
Social Director Nadadores of South Florida
1755 Washington Avenue # 3B
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
2
Maria Stofka
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
richard wolfe [rickonkillian@yahoo.com]
Thursday, June 21, 2001 5:40 PM
matti@ci.miami-beach.f1.us
Nadadores Not welcome at Scott Rackow Pool...it's official!
>
> > Subject: Nadadores Not welcome at Scott Rackow
> Pool.. .it's official!
> >
> > I'm sorry to hear this news. Thanks so much for
> all of the leaders'
> > efforts to provide a healthy opportunity for
> community involvement.
> > Although I have not been to a swim practice since
> last summer~ I have kept
> > up with the news and knowing that such a valuable
> activity is available
> > and that the history of Los Nadadores is so
> exemplary, has added to my
> > appreciation for living in Miami and my fondness
> for visiting Miami Beach.
> > I hope this matter gets resolved quickly so that
> the greater community
> > interests that are being served by Los Nadadores
> Swim Club are not
> > besmirched. I especially want the larger community
> to realize that this
> > group serves as a model for inclusiveness, and
> that we should honor their
> > visibility and contributions to a variety of
> worthwhile community events;
> > finally, this club serves as a wonderful bridge to
> organizations beyond
> > the South Florida community, and we should value
> their public relations
> > and outreach.
> > I hope this issue gets the attention it deserves.
> >
> > You may forward my response if you think it will
> help.
> >
> > Eric Lichtman
> > Miami-Dade Community College
> >
>
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1
Maria Stofka
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Oscar Velasquez [ovelasquez@yahoo.com]
Friday, June 22, 2001 7:42 AM
matti@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Scott Rackov Recreation Center- Swim practice
Dear Corrunisioner
This is not acceptable that we are denied to swim at the facility when
there is not much people using it and we even given up space for other
swimmers that rarely show up on the practice days.
I belong to this community and to the swim team and would
Why aren't we welcomed at Scott Rackov Recreation Center?
me an answer?
like to know:
Can you give
Oscar Velasquez
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1
Page lof2
Maria Stofka
From: Alan Ngim [sobeswim@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 9:59 AM
To: matti@cLmiami-beach.f1.us
Subject: Unfair treatment of Miami Beach swim team
Dear Commissioner Bower;
Imagine that you're a Miami Beach softball league player. You love it. Your team practices at the
park and the league has grown tremendously since it began six years ago. The team is your second
family, providing a network of friends. This team spirit extends outside of the sport during its
community fund-raisers. Perhaps best of all, you're in better shape now than you were in college.
But, Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department suddenly has asked your league to leave""
Options? Play after 9 p.m., or move to a distant, ill-equipped park, and pay an exorbitant fee to use it!
Your team cannot afford to pay, and many players don't have transportation. With your tight schedule
you're probably going to have to quit too. You drive by the park where you used to practice, sad and
frustrated to see three or four kids playing Frisbee on the field that only last week hosted full teams of
weekday warriors.
This story is true. Only the team is different.
The N adadores swim team has practiced at the Scott Rakow Youth Center pool for the past six years.
For the past two years, we have rented the pool from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays without
incident. Now we have been "requested" to move to the Normandy pool and to pay $120 per evening
to use it.
I cannot express how disappointed I am at this outrageous decision. The team has provided so much
to me personally, and has given back to the community in so many ways: providing safe, coached
swim workouts; organizing community fund-raisers and sporting events; strengthening the
community on Miami Beach; successfully lobbying for vastly improved swimming facilities (the
Flamingo and Normandy renovations). This year, the Miami Herald and The Weekly News featured
positive articles about the team.
I urge you to support our effort to regain access to the Scott Rakow pool. Please contact your
Parks and Recreation Department and recommend reinstating the Nadadores.
We have roughly 90 swimmers, many who live in South Beach. Without the Scott Rakow pool, our
practices have been moved to distant pools. We cannot afford to pay $120 per evening at Normandy,
and that pool is unsafe for our purposes (narrow lanes, inadequate lane lines, and too shallow).
As a member of the founding Board of Directors of this team, I would gladly answer any questions
you may have regarding our team. I greatly appreciate your concern and support in this matter.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alan Ngim
(?:..O;; J 57(P - -382q
6/25/01
Maria Stofka
Subject:
City Manager [cmgr@ci.miami-beach.f\.us]
Friday, June 22, 2001 10:11 AM
Bob; David Dermer; Jorge Gonzaiez; Jose Smith; Kevin Smith; Luis R. Garcia Jr.; Matti H.
Bower; Max Sklar; Michael Aller; Nancy Liebman; Recreation Department; Ramiro Inguanzo
FW: Scott Rackov Recreation Center- Swim practice
From:
Sent:
To:
-----Original Message-----
From: Oscar Velasquez [mailto:ovelasguez@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 07:48 AM
To: cmgr@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Subject: Scott Rackov Recreation Center- Swim practice
Dear Commisioner~
This is not acceptable that we are denied to swim at the facility when
there is not much people using it and we even given up space for other
swimmers that rarely show up on the practice days.
I belong to this community and to the swim team and would
Why aren't we welcomed at Scott Rackov Recreation Center?
me an answer?
like to know:
Can you give
Oscar Velasquez
Do You Yahoot?
Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail
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1
Maria Stofka
Subject:
stuart [red7blu@webtv.net]
Friday, June 22, 2001 12:43 PM
mayor@cLmiami-beach.f1.us; matti@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; simon@ci.miami-beach.f1.us;
david@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; luis@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; nancy@cLmiami-beach.fl.us;
jose@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; red7blu@weblv.net
pool
From:
Sent:
To:
Dear Elected or Appointed Officials
We ( the Natdadores ) were kicked out of the Scott Rackow youth center.
Could we please
be allowed to return to our Tue. and Thur. 7PM swim practices. I have
been swimming with the team for some 5 years now and do very much look
forward to our practices there.
Thank you,
Stuart Anthony
1
Maria Stofka
Cc:
Subject:
Erin@rccl.com
Tuesday, June 19, 20011:17 PM
matti@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; simon@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; david@ci.miami-beach.fl.us;
luis@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; nancy@ci.miami-beach.f1.us; jose@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
recreation@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; cmgr@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Nadadores at Scott Rakow Pool
From:
Sent:
To:
Dear Commissioner;
It was with great disappointment that I learned that Nadadores Swim Team is
no longer welcome at the Scott Rakow Youth Center pool. When I moved to
South Beach eight years ago, I was surprised to learn that the city pools
did not seem to have times for lap swimming or any organized swim team. I
had been an avid swimmer in New York City, and expected that swim teams
would be everywhere in a city located right on the ocean.
Therefore, I was very pleased to find out about the Nadadores Swim Team,
and started swimming with them about fivE years ago. It was great to be
able to swim with my 'neighbors' (most are Miami Beach residents). I was
also happy to learn that the 'team spirit' continued outside the pool.
The team has been actively involved in community events, and the welcoming
atmosphere of their social events made me feel more at home in this city
after having left all my friends and family in New York.
Unfortunately, the hours and travel required by my job have prevented me
from participating on the team regularly. I am certainly not a core member
of the team. However, it was always nice to know that, if I had the time
available, there was a group of fellow swimmers that would not only accept
but welcome me in joining them whenever it fit into my schedule. I find it
a little strange to hear that the team is no longer able to practice at the
Scott Rakow pool because of the need to make room for 'community swimmers'.
As a member of the community, I will certainly miss the opportunity to get
together with other community swimmers for what I believe is a great
program.
Respectfully,
Erin Williams
1331 Lincoln Road, #705
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Tel: (305) 539-6153
1
Maria Stofka
Subject:
Charles Poitras [charlespoitras@hotmail.com]
Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:41 PM
mayor@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; matt;@ci.miami-beach.fl.us: simon@cLmiami-beach.fl.us;
david@cLmiami-beach.fl.us: luis@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; nancy@ci.miami-beach.fl.us;
jose@ cLmiami-beach.fl.us; citymanager@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
We're being kicked out of Scott Rakow
From:
Sent:
To:
am a member of the masters swim team that uses the pool at Scott Rakow Youth
Center. After six years of paying our fees on time, contributing to various
charities, and providing a way to socialize outside of the bars and clubs we
are being kicked out by the Department of Parks and Recreation. They say
they need to make way for community swimmers that 1) have never amounted to
more than a few people wheras our group often exceeds 25 and 2) the
community swimmers were never able to swim from 7pm to 9 pm anyway because
Flamingo Pool isn't open that late. Any assitance you could lend our team
would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Charles Poitras
1400 Lincoln Rd # 405
Miami Beach
305 531 6736
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1
Maria Stofka
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Melanie Climis [dancesynergy@earthlink.net]
Tuesday, June 19, 20013:49 PM
recreation@cLmiami-beach.fl.us
bgollop@bellsouth.net
Scott Rakow and Nadadores
I'm a community adult swimmer who is happily making use of the Scott
Rakow pool on some evenings. I am unhappily surprised that one of the
greatest strengths of our community is being shut out of the pool: the
Nadadores. They contribute more to our community than just inspiration
as swimmers -- they are consistently involved in community projects and
in community outreach, swimming or otherwise. Surely we can find some
way to share the pool 2 or 3 nights a week with our community swim team!
1
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Page 1 of2
Maria Stofka
From: BARRY GallOP [bgollop@bellsouth.netj
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 1 :21 PM
To: matti@ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Subject: Attitude about athletics!
Dear Commissioner Bower,
I am writing to you as a Miami Beach resident and property owner since 1994. I am
also a founding member of the Nadadores of South Beach.
On Friday afternoon, June 14, the Department of Parks and Recreation made it
officially known to our Captain, Thomas Dougherty, that we are no longer welcome
on Tuesday and Thursday nights, our usual practice times, at the Scott Rackow
Youth Center Pool located at 2775 Sheridan Ave. on Miami Beach. After almost six
years of practicing at this facility on these- c'sarne nights, we were told that
only 5 nights later, beginning on Tuesday evening, June 16, the pool would now
be open for "community swimmers" Despite having never been late with our pool
rental fees or any other discrepancies, these Tuesday and Thursday night
workouts must be moved up to Normandy Pool on the 79th St. Causeway. In
addition, Director Kevin Smith told us that our not for profit fee waiver is no
longer valid and they will be increasing our rental fee from $40.00 to $120.00
per practice. This could result in a substantial raise in our presently $5.00 a
person swimming fee.
Ken Wierliski, Director of Pools for City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation was
unaware that many of our Tuesday & Thursday night swimmers come by bicycle,
skates & skate boards, and walking. Also unknown to Ken Wierliski was that we
attract a core group of over 25 swimmers on these nights simply because of the
location alone. It doesn't get more "community" than this! This is truly
incredible that he was unaware of this, after almost 6 years of our participation
at this facility. The Normandy facility is not located near most of our swimmers
who come by means of bikes, foot and skates. This, he admitted had never been
discussed with Director of Parks and Recreation Mr. Kevin Smith or Assistant
Director of Parks and Recreation Ms. Sugar Firtel when the decision was made.
This gradual removal from the Youth Center has a history. Last October, with
equally short notice, the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation gave us notice
that the Youth Center would be taking back our Monday night practice to make room
for more community swimmers. Our objection was met with a compromise to "share"
the pool with the community. What they didn't tell us until after we agreed, was
that they would take away our lane lines, clock and there would be absolutely no
coaching. The fact is, they never had more than a handful of community swimmers
to justify this. Those that came didn't interfere with our workouts, and the
community swimmers, we made sure, always had plenty of room to swim, some even
joined our group! What caused the only interference with those compromised
workouts, was the Scott Rackow Pool Manager: Mr. John Schaecter. Even on nights
where there were no community participants, if he heard swimmers agreeing to swim
a set together in the pool, he would come over with all the caring and
condescension he could muster, and tell us to stop. Even written workouts were
forbidden! We were treated like children who were not behaving simply for
wanting to take the boredom out of lap swimming by making it fun.
In conversation with Ken Wierliski over this matter, he reiterated Mr.
Schaecter's feeling that, workouts, no matter how inaudible, intimidated the
"community swimmers". Furthermore, Mr. Wierliski, went on to say that when
swimmers swam by the "community swimmers" who ( he assumed) only wanted to "bob"
and "float" that the swoosh of water intimidated them as well. I mentioned that
this was a good reason for lane lines; that they are marketed as "non turbulent
lane lines" because they act as the shock absorbers in the pool and flatten out
6/20/01
..
Page 2 of 2
the vortex of water as the swimmer passes. His understanding was that "lane
lines too, intimidated community swimmers". I explained to him that in a crowded
pool, they are as much a safety feature as the lane markings on 95. They keep
swimmers from colliding. He honestly admitted to not being a swimmer and not
understanding this! I am not making this up, these are my tax dollars and
membership dues at work here!
The idea that these "community swimmers" were so important and the feeling that
we are not even considered a part of the swimming community is deeply disturbing.
Now that Flamingo Pool is down, they feel they need to accommodate those swimmers
at the Youth Center. The truth is that the Flamingo Pool was always closing or
closed at the hours we began swimming. There were no lights there for night
swimming in any case.
That our pool never attracted more than a few community swimmers on any given
night was not of their concern. Logically, having the smaller group moving to
Normandy rather than uprooting the larger group would be the least disturbing to
everyone. Perhaps if they could show us numbers of over 30 swimmers at an open
pool practice, this would be a valid argument for the city. But Mr. Wierliski
stated today that Parks and Recreation Director: Mr. Kevin Smith's opinion was
~even if there are only 3 community swimmers who want to swim, we can not rent
the pool to a special group". This is exactly what they've been doinq now for
almost 6 Years, there is no orecedent for this chanqe.
I am seeking your help and understanding that:
. We are the community and even as friends of the community we eat, drink,
work out, and patronize the local businesses.
. We are about the only adult athletic alternative on the beach to discos,
shopping and dining. Isn't it time we have a City interested in an athletic
alternative?
. We have raised money over the years for these charities: South Beach Aides
Project, Quest, The Women's Fund, Episcopal Aids Ministry, Tanqueray Aids
Ride and Shelbourne House. Deny us that we are the community when we have
produced thousands of dollars of revenue for these charities including
almost $9,000.00 this year so far.
. We are the only USMS (United States Masters Swimming) team on Miami Beach.
We travel allover the world competing and representing our Miami Beach
community in a way which few people know: honest, disciplined, hard working
and charitable.
. We are open to everyone: both competitive & recreational, 18+, and we don't
care about color, sexual persuasion, or ethnic background.
And to think that the city of Miami Beach can't even give us 4 hours a weekl
Please don't let their ignorance ruin one of the greatest things on the beach!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Barry Gollop
1605 Michigan Ave.
Miami Beach Fl. 33139
305531-0561
6/20/01
Maria Stofka
Subject:
keith.ridler@gm.com
Monday, June 25, 2001 2:26 PM
mayor@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; luis@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; nancy@ci.miami-beach.f1.us;
david@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; simon@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; matti@ci.miami-beach.fl.us;
jose@ci.miami-beach.fl.us; recreation@cLmiami-beach.fl.us; cmgr@ci.miami-beach.fl.us;
pio@cLmiami-beach.fl.us
Natadores Use of Rackow Pool
From:
Sent:
To:
I am very disappointed that the Natadores Swim team will no longer be able to
use the Rakow Pool for swim practices. I have found swimming with the group to
be a very positive experience. I like the structured workouts the team offers
as well as the experience of swimming with others in a situation which pushes
you to do your best. I have never found the pool crowded when I have visited it
at other times. I do not understand not making it available to an organized,
well run group for several hours per week.
As a taxpayer in the city, use of the pool for the Natadores practices was OTIc
of the few city services I directly utilized.
I think the city should be encouraging health and exercise programs especially
when facilities are available. I often rode my bike or walked to the pool so
moving to a more distant location would be less convenient for me. Please
reconsider this decision to permit the Natadores Swim team to use the Rakow Pool
for swim practices.
Respectfully,
Keith Ridler
934 16th Street, #1
Miami Beach 33139
305-674-4468
1
Page 1 of 1
Maria Stofka
From: NSight4@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 12:40 AM
To: NSight4@aol.com
Subject: NADADORES BOOTED FORM COMMUNITY POOL
MADAMS AND SIRS,
IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT A COMMUNITY BASED SWIM TEAM, WHICH I
CHARITABLY SUPPORT, HAS BEEN ASKED NOT TO RETURN TO THE RUKOW POOL, A PLACE
THAT HAS BEEN THEIR PRACTICE PLACE FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS. I'VE HEARD THE
WHOLE STORY FROM THE TEAM NOW I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHATYOU HAVE TO SAY. WHAT
SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM? AM I TO UNDERSTAND THAT GAY PEOPLE ARE SECOND-CLASS
CITIZENS IN SOUTH BEACH? THAT IS NOT WHY_I MOVED HERE. I MOVED HERE BECAUSE
IT WAS A TOLERANT PLACE. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND TO KNOW WHAT
YOU ARE DOING ABOUT THIS UNFORTUNATE SITUATION. KINDLY, A CONCERNED CITIZEN
6/26/01
Page I of I
Maria Stofka
From: CDarden503@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday. June 26.2001 12:36 PM
To: mani@cLmiami-beach.fl.us
Subject: Nadadores
Dear Mayor Kasdin:
I am surprised to learn of the latest chapter in the saga of this swim team
vs Parks and Recreation. It seems that there must be a way to accommodate
the so-called "community swimmers" and swimmers from the community that
organize together into a group called the "Nadadores." Apparently, Parks and
Recreation do not view this latter group, who have been swimming and renting
from the city for 6 years and include local residents, members of the
community.
There are no other organized adult swimming organizations. Two nights a week
surely cannot be too much to ask for in a pool that the participants without
cars can access.
Sincerely,
Colgate Darden
510 West di Lido Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
6/26/0 I