Loading...
Minutes 11-26-07 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE, 6:30 P.M., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26,2007, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Bill Orlove, Vice Chair John Allard David Barrie John McVey Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director ABSENT: Kurt Godfrey Patti Hammer Janelle Sloan Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chair Pierce-Roe called the roll, and declared a quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 22,2007 Motion Mr. Orlove moved approval. Mr. McVey seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. CIP Update Mr. Majors announced the Wilson project was due to be completed before the end of December 2007. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was anticipated on Saturday, February 9, Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 26, 2007 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The board would be invited, as would State and County representatives for the project. A parachute jump by the Army Special Forces Parachuting Team was scheduled for 12:00 noon. Also scheduled was the unveiling of a public art project to be dedicated to Carolyn Sims, for whom the building was being named. Staff was attempting to generate interest in the facility, and to raise awareness that Wilson Park would be serving the entire community. A tour of the facility would be provided. Mr. Majors advised staff was moving forward with improvements to the beach, boardwalk, trellises, and landscaping. The first phase of the construction project for Jaycee Park was in progress, and included the upland improvements, (parking lot, restrooms, playground, interpretive trail, and bocce ball courts). Projects in the design phase included lowland improvements consisting of a day dock area, the beach, replacement of the public restrooms, improvements to the pavilion and landscaping at Boat Club Park. The timeline for construction of Jaycee Park consisted of 180 days for the first phase, with an anticipated completion date of March 31, 2008. v. NEW BUSINESS A. Update of Congress Avenue Park Plan Mr. Majors presented construction drawings for the Park. While the plans for the park appeared to be dormant, the project was beginning to unfold and proceeding forward in order to be put out for bids. Changes were made to the original plan presented to the board and were primarily dictated by the need to consider the reclaimed water line running from the west side of the park site. Modifications and realignments were required with respect to the playground and wetland areas. Staff was not permitted to move areas identified as wetlands and would be required to work around the areas. Mr. Majors pointed out in the drawings, the tennis center, existing parking lot and trail. The concept included swamps which were intended to be viewed through the eyes of a child, and every corner turned would reveal a surprise. At this point, the first phase did not include a building and staff wanted to create a gateway or entry point for the park that was significant. The entry feature would include one of the play areas. The original concept was to have three main play areas designed for different age groups. Upon entering the park, one would encounter the "spider park" playground area. At the January, 2008 meeting, staff would provide illustrations reflecting playground features. These would be new and modern interactive playground units that would not only be stimulating for children with limited abilities, but also those without challenges. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 26, 2007 Mr. Majors noted colleges offered curriculums dedicated to the design of playgrounds which allowed for social and physical development. The park would also contain a covered porch area, umbrellas and tables, a smaller play area and a fishing village. Each play area would provide a different theme and would be developed in accordance with age groups. He noted a water feature shown in the illustration, which would be an element of the public art component of the park. Staff would hire a public artist in order to bring the water feature to life. The other side of the park would include the largest playground area for the older children. Also featured would be umbrellas and tables and an elevated area providing a better view of the park. Lighting would not be provided as the park would only be open from sunrise to sunset. The main entry point of the park would continue to be accessed through the tennis center. Gates would be installed, but not around the entire park. Mr. Majors indicated this item would be discussed in more detail when Ms. Sloan and Ms. Hammer were present. Vi€e Chair Pierce-Roe inquired whether, with any of the upcoming projects, consideration had been given to "green buildings." Mr. Majors noted if the board desired to include a discussion on green buildings on the next agenda, he would have an opportunity to become more familiar with the concept. He added Ms. Rivers was very knowledgeable on the subject. At the next meeting, the board could address methods by which to incorporate added green into future designs of the City's parks and buildings. Mr. Orlove inquired as to incorporating sensory gardens into the park. Mr. Majors replied sensory or auditory gardens could be incorporated pursuant to landscaping designs. Mr. Majors noted a feasibility study was being conducted in conjunction with the development of the foundation, but momentum was lost as a result of adjustments made to the plans and the passing of Assistant City Manager Hawkins. He would work with Ms. Rivers to move this forward. B. Review on Procedure to Name Facilities Mr. Majors distributed the ordinance which established a policy for naming City facilities. In summary, a review board would be appointed through the City Commission to analyze the sufficiency of the nomination. If deemed to be appropriate, the review board would pass the recommendation onto the City Commission. Mr. Orlove believed the nominee could include a living person, whereas the criteria in the ordinance required the person to be non-living. He noted the name of Betty Thomas, a living person, had already gone through the process. Mr. Majors advised Ms. Thomas' nomination was approved by the City Commission at the last meeting. He added, staff would invite the board to attend the dedication of the Betty Thomas Park, and the 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 26, 2007 unveiling of the sign. This was expected to occur in February, 2008. Discussion continued regarding the criteria for the ordinance, which called for a non-living person in determining the appropriateness of the naming designation, and the precedent set by the approval of Betty Thomas' nomination. C. Monthly Report Vi€e Chair Pierce-Roe noted the commencement of the recycling and recovery program. Additionally, she wished to increase awareness of the Great American Coastal Cleanup and suggested this be mentioned to the Sand Sifters. The board discussed the 3ih Annual Holiday Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2007, beginning at 5:00 p.m. D. Items for the City Manager's Attention None. VI. NEXT MEETING: 6:30 p.m., January 28, 2008. The board members noted their preference for holding the meeting at Wilson Park if the park had officially opened. In the interim, the location would be TBD (to be determined.) VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7: 15 p.m. Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 113007 4