1 Year Old Fort Harrison Park In Clearwater Hosts Children's Holiday Celebration

From eyesore to park - neighbors, children, families enjoy transformed park in downtown Clearwater site

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Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization

Dec 11, 2014, 01:47 ET

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I want a 'Barbie Doll,'" the 4-year old told Santa Claus sitting on his red chair in front of the 10-foot Christmas tree in the Fort Harrison Walking Park in downtown Clearwater on Tuesday the 9^th of December. One of eight elves from Clearwater Academy searched among the gifts under the tree, and after finding just the right thing, placed a decorated bag with a Barbie doll in the little girl's eager hands. Dozens of other children pressed forward anxiously awaiting their turn with Santa while their foster parents looked on. The festivities at the Fort Harrison Park, which was for foster children in Pinellas County, marked just over one year since its opening by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization.

Elves of Clearwater Academy help Santa present gifts to foster children in Church of Scientology Fort Harrison Walking Park

"Having children celebrate the Holidays here is about the best use of this park that I can think of," said Pat Harney, public affairs director for the Church. The park was once the site for a dilapidated 1960's-era service station which was demolished by the Church and transformed with more than 3,200 trees, plants and shrubs, of 32 different species. A 200-year-old, forty-five foot tall live oak tree provides a backdrop for an oval lawn and pergola. A fountain, benches and decorative hardscape complete the park. Though the property is privately owned, community members are invited to visit the park when they wish, said Pat Harney.

The children, ages 3 to 14 who visited the park that day also had their faces painted, enjoyed music by the Fort Harrison band and were told the story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by actors from the East Coast Golden Age Theater.

Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization is the church's international spiritual headquarters. Scientology is an applied religious philosophy developed by L. Ron Hubbard, which offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one's true spiritual nature. It was L. Ron Hubbard who said, "When children become unimportant to a society, that society has forfeited its future." To find out more about Scientology, visit http://www.scientology.org

CONTACT: Pat Harney, 727-467-6860

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141211/163932

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SOURCE Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization