NORTH PINELLAS - Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs and Dunedin have entered into a merger that they envision could turn north Pinellas County into a "recreational destination."

Under the agreement, the four cities will honor one another's resident rates for certain recreational facilities and classes. That means residents need only to flash the recreation ID card purchased in their respective cities for access to skate parks, dance classes, youth athletics and other activities. Camps and golf and boat slip facilities are excluded.

Officials say the partnership means added options, convenience and savings for taxpayers, who would otherwise pay anywhere from $55 to over $240 for an annual pass to a neighboring city's facilities. Resident rates range from free to $15 for a family.

The new arrangement expands on the partnership adopted by Safety Harbor and Oldsmar in 2008. City officials in Dunedin, the last city to join the merger via a unanimous City Commission vote last week, said they will regularly monitor foot traffic and revenue numbers in coming months to ensure that Dunedin residents' access to city facilities isn't limited by the new arrangement. They will also assess the partnership's crossover appeal.

Click here for more information on the partnership and here to read how city leaders say it will benefit local government and citizens.

--Keyonna Summers, Times staff writer