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.
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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
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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
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