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Minutes 08-25-08 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD TOUR MEETING ON MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008 at 6:15 P.M., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair William Orlove, Vice Chair John Allard John McVey Janelle Sloan ABSENT: David Barie Robert Lapin Kurt Godfrey, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER The tour commenced at 6: 15 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 Congress Avenue Community Park. Ms. Rivers reported the Commission authorized Recreation and Parks to move forward with the construction of the Park. A feasibility study had been completed. made '.\'ith regard to the Porl(, the Boundless Playgr-ound and the establishment of a Foundation. A budget of $75,000 was suggested to hire a consultant to set up the Foundation, and staff would proceed with an RFP for consulting Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Boynton Beach, Florida August 25, 2008 services. Ms. Rivers noted the importance 'of bringing the consultant on board. Strategy to set up the Foundation would be mapped out over the year. Ms. Rivers noted representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way had expressed concerns with the concept of the Foundation, as they believed the focus of the Foundation would be too broad and the Foundation could also compete for funds. However, the organizations were advised the funds would be used for park-like projects. and facilities that would provide health core, food and other social services. A Steering Committee would include some members of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. consisting of Recreation and Parl(s staff and Recreation and Parks Advisory Board members would identify candidates to serve on an initial board of directors for the Foundation. It was suggested Ms. Sloan and ~4essrs. Orlove and Allard serve on the Steering Committee. This item would be further discussed at the next meeting. Optimus Park at Quantum Park had not yet been developed. Ms. Rivers noted a conceptual plan had been prepared that included a nature preserve. A decision had been mode by the City Commission to develop another parl< in this quadrant to include a nature preserve. The Assistant City ~4anager would be discussing this 'v'v'ith Commissioner ~4arlene Ross. Quantum ti*es Park was comprised of 13 acres of land on which a radio tower was situated. Revenues generated by the radio tower were deposited into the General Fund. Two projects had been completed to remove non-native vegetation ami invasive species. The park was adjacent to the C-4 canal, and the City's Blueway would connect this park to Winchester Park, Girl Scout Park and the FP&L Park. A fence had been installed to deter people from dumping debris at the park. A good deal of non-native vegetation had been removed at an approximate cost of $20,000. There were problems with all-terrain vehicles on weekends. Thirty acres of adjacent land could be used for conservation purposes. "No trespassing" signs had recently been installed. Boynton Lakes Park was an older park and was dedicated at the time the development was completed. The park was comprised of approximately eight acres of land, and contained a gazebo, a trail and open space. At the request of residents, parking was limited. Playground equipment had been replaced and the park furniture was painted replaced. The Meadows was one of the City's most popular and active parks, remaining open until 10:00 p.m. Many top-grade renovations had been made over the past several years such as the playground equipment was replaced, the shelter renovated, the tennis and basketball courts refinished, the bathroom painted and the park furniture replaced. Private and City-owned tennis courts were available for use. If a developer included 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Boynton Beach, Florida August 25, 2008 recreational amenities '.vithin the development, the impact ke 'Nould be reduced. The playground equipment had been replaced, the shelter had been renovated, the tennis and basl<etball courts had been refinished, the bathroom hod been painted and the park furniture had been replaced. Meadows-Nautica Sound Park was a "walk-to" passive park consisting of approximately 9 acres of land. The road was designed to meet in the middle; however, both communities had objected to this. Code required a 50 foot perimeter be maintained for passive parks. Passive parl<s were required to be open to the public and mowed once a 'I.'eel<. Pursuant to the '.vishes of the community, no parking or picnic tables 't/ere provided. The City Commission, through the City's Capital Impro'tement Plan, wished to hove this parI< developed by the City. Part of the development process would involve the Boord holding public meetings and obtaining feedbacl< from stal<eholders. A letter had been received from a Meadows representative requesting there be no playground equipment at the park. The representative suggested the park include a meandering path, native landscaping and grass; however objections were raised with respect to irrigation. Mr. Majors noted in order to maintain a park this size, at least one crew a week would be required to mow the grass. Staff was asked to explore natural planning, which would minimize the need for irrigation and maintenance. This item would be placed on the next agenda for formal discussion by the Board. At that time, statistics would be provided relating to parking, attendance, and lighting, etc. at passive parks. Quantum Park. A fence had been installed to deter people from dumping debris at the parI<. A good deal of non native vegetation had been removed at on approximate cost of $20,000. There 'iv'ere problems with all terrain vehicles on "v'eel<ends. Thirty acres of adjacent land could be used for conservation purposes. "No trespassing" signs had recently been installed. (This paragraph was moved to page 2 under "Quantum Park.) Winchester Park consisted of approximately five acres of land which abutted one of the City's greenways. No plans were anticipated for the park, as there would be no funding for the next five years. Pioneer Canal Park included a nature preserve. HSBC Bank had donated $10,000 for playground equipment. Parking would be considered next year. The tennis courts had been resurfaced and the restrooms had been renovated. 'Nhile the parI< contained volleyball courts, they were rarely used. Laurel Hills Park. The tennis courts had been resurfaced, the play set had been replaced, a fence had been installed, and all of the signs were being replaced. The Laurel Hills community consisted of both newer and older homes. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Boynton Beach, Florida August 25, 2008 Hibiscus Park consisted of a half acre of land. The basketball courts were being refinished, and new playground equipment and signage had been installed. Galaxy Park. New bathrooms and playgrounds had recently been installed improved. B. Monthly Report This item was not addressed. C. Items for the City Manager's Attention This item was not addressed. VI. NEXT MEETING: September 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at the Senior Center. VII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Jez~ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 090408 Q. Vcf 4