Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 8-19-22

Well-Known Face At Rogers Park Golf Course And Tampa Historian Write Book About Its History
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Rogers Park Golf Course, the historic 18-hole golf course has been memo- rialized in a new book by Li- onel Ballard, entitled Rogers Park Golf Course, 18 Holes Of His- tory
A Brief History
The land for Roger’s Park was acquired by the City of Tampa in 1947 and used for picnics and games by black residents during segregation. The park was named in honor of local businessman, Garfield Devoe (G.D.) Rogers Sr. in 1951 by a committee selected by Mayor Curtis Hixon. Mayor Hixon gave permis- sion to a group of caddies from Palma Ceia Country Club to build a nine-hole golf course at the site. Willie Black, the first head golf professional, worked with volunteers to clear trees and landscape the course. In
1976, the Tampa Sports Au- thority took over manage- ment.
The Book
Lionel Ballard was
born and raised in Tampa where he grew up playing golf with his brother, Henry. His uncle, M. C. Wilder, would take him to Rogers Park to caddy for him. The Howard W. Blake High School graduate played on the golf team and was a member of the 1969 champi- onship team in his junior year. Ballard was also known for his football skills at Blake.
After graduating from Mississippi Valley State University, Ballard re- turned to Tampa and went to work for the Tampa Electric Company (TECO) for 40 years. After retiring, Bal- lard assumed the position at the Rogers Park based First Tee of Tampa Bay program as the Community Outreach Coordinator.
The book is co-authored
Lionel Ballard
.... Author of Rogers Park Golf Course, 18 Holes Of History
the book, including Albert and Eddie Smith, Perry Harvey Sr., Lee Davis, and brothers, C. Blythe An- drews, Jr. and Dr. William ‘Billy’ Andrews.
The book will be re- leased at the Book sign- ing party on August 27, 2022, at the Rogers Park Clubhouse. The event will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Family Of G. D. Rogers Comments
“We thank our public of- ficials and staff from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County BOCC, and Tampa Sports Authority. We are looking forward to attending the upcoming book signing event to celebrate the work that Lionel and Ersula completed about the history of the Rogers Park Golf Course,” said James Ran- som, grandson of G.D. Rogers Sr.
“It is refreshing to see truth-telling of history in the face of the infamy of our po- litical leaders in Florida that are forcing the children of today to learn lies. We hope there will be more brave au- thors out there who will dare to tell the real stories. I am proud to be from a family that encouraged education, hard work and giving back,” Angela Gittens, grand- daughter of G. D. Rogers.
by Tampa historian, Ersula K. Odom. Odom also pub- lished the book through her publishing company, Sula Too Publishing.
“Rogers Park means the world to me. I loved being here as a young man and have continued my love for this course since then,” states Ballard.
The book looks at several important times in the his- tory of Rogers Park, from early days to present time, and includes the profession- als and dedicated players that made Rogers Park the golf course.
Several Tampa leaders that faithfully played at Rogers Park are honored in
Feature
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