Minutes 07-28-08
MINUTES OF THE RECREATION & PARKS ADVISORY BOARD TOUR MEETING
ON MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008, AT 6:15 P.M., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
William Orlove, Vice Chair Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent
John Allard
Robert Lapin
Janelle Sloan
Kurt Godfrey, Alternate
ABSENT:
David Barie
John McVey
I. CALL TO ORDER
The tour meeting commenced at 6:17 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Attendance was taken, and a quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM: June 23, 2008
This item was not discussed.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. CIP Update
This item was not discussed.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Parks Tour
The Art Center and the Madsen Center were observed as the van left the Civic Center
Parking lot. There were 16 lighted shuffleboard courts after the Madsen Center.
Tour Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks
Boynton Beach, Florida July 28, 2008
Pence Park, the oldest park in the City, was the next stop. The park was used chiefly
for basketball. The playground equipment had been replaced and the buildings
painted.
Jaycee Park had been newly renovated. The park was previously owned by the State of
Florida, and the City had leased the park for $1 per year. The State announced its
intent to sell the park, and the City purchased the park for the sum of $3.2M.
Renovations were made to the bathrooms, picnic shelters, playgrounds and
landscaping. The green area would be used for special events and festivals.
Betty Thomas Park was previously a mango farmland, and was sold by its owner after
he no longer wished to be in the business. The park was situated on 2-1/2 acres of
land and included picnic tables, a playground and a pavilion. The park was also used
to play basketball. The property was acquired through a three-way land swap.
Oceanfront Park consisted of 900 linear feet. While the beach was located in the Town
of Ocean Ridge, Boynton Beach owned the property. Permits had been submitted to
the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and plans were being reviewed by
the City's planning division. The boardwalk would be replaced, as would the pergolas
and railing. Four buildings would be demolished and consolidated into a two-story
structure. The top floor would be used for parties and other events which would
provide revenue to the City. Turtle-proof lighting had been installed and 260 parking
spaces were provided. Parking decals were available at a cost of $30 to residents and
property owners of Boynton Beach and $90 to non-residents.
Bicentennial-Veterans Park was home to the Veterans' Memorial. The park was
scheduled to be renovated in two weeks.
Mangrove Park was observed to the east of Bicentennial-Veterans Park.
Boat Club Park was one of the City's busiest parks and provided a fishing dock. The
County provided funding for additional parking spaces.
Intracoastal Park landscaping had been completed in the front area. The Clubhouse
opened last fall. The second floor was used for receptions, weddings and reunions, and
the bottom floor was utilized for after-school activities and day-camp.
Ezell Hester Park and Community Center boasted a gym, game room, and computer
lab, as well as baseball and basketball fields. Approximately 25% of the property was
maintained as scrubland. A cell tower located behind the football field provided
revenue to the City in the amount of $22,000 per year, or $110,000 plus interest at the
conclusion of five years.
2
Tour Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks
Boynton Beach, Florida
July 28, 2008
A greenway and Sara Sims Park and Cemetery were observed as the tour continued.
Wilson Park was the next stop on the tour and included the Carolyn Sims Center and
John Denson Pool.
Little League Park was the last stop, and the members were joined by Messrs. Barie
and McVey at approximately 7:20 p.m. A game was beginning and featured the
Boynton Beach Police Honor Guard. The park was located on Woolbright Road,
adjacent to Boynton Beach Memorial Park.
B. August Meeting Tour Continued
The tour scheduled for August would include the City's west-side parks.
C. Monthly Report
This item was not discussed.
D. Items for the City Manager's Attention
This item was not discussed.
VI. NEXT MEETING: August 25, 2008 at 6:15 p.m., at the Civic Center parking lot
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:35
p.m.
.\ Il
J&-;-/~ Y tf--
Stephatlte D. Kahn
Recording Secretary
3