Various views of the Tampa Bypass/Harney Park site, as well as Marilyn Samaha accepting the District’s first Land Resources Volunteer of the Year Award from Fritz Musselmann, land resources director.
The countless hours Marilyn Samaha spent developing a recreational partnership among the District, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bypass Canal Rowing Council (TBCRC), which she created and serves as president, recently earned her the District’s first Land Resources Volunteer of the Year Award.
The TBCRC organizes and manages all rowing regattas at the Tampa Bypass/Harney Park site, which is a 10-acre park on District land that is managed by Hillsborough County. The park features a public boat ramp, fishing pier, parking, portable toilets and picnic tables.
“Marilyn made a tremendous contribution toward the development of this recreation partnership,” said Fritz Musselmann, land resources director. “She demonstrates leadership and embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. We need more volunteers like her and look forward to working with her and the TBCRC in the future.”
The strong public/private partnership among the District, the county and the TBCRC continues to manage and enhance rowing opportunities on the Tampa Bypass Canal.
Samaha was also instrumental in developing the facilities for the use of high school and college rowing teams. In fact, the facility is recognized as the best high school rowing venue in Florida.
Samaha was formally recognized by the District’s Governing Board during its November meeting.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the District,” said Samaha. “Through our partnership, we have been able to provide a first-class rowing venue and the opportunities to invest in the development and future of our young adults.”
The District’s Land Resources Volunteer Program will present the Volunteer of the Year Award each year to the individual or group that best meets the following criteria: demonstrated leadership; dedication to the District’s mission and serving others; service to the community and the District; and completion of a special achievement that embodies the true spirit of volunteerism.
For more information on how to become involved with the District’s Land Resources Volunteer Program, please call Will Miller, land use and protection manager, at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4472.