Minutes 06-28-10
MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD
PARKS TOUR MEETING HELD ON JUNE, 28, 2010, AT 6:00 P.M.
AT THE CIVIC CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair
Robert Lapin
Catherine Scantlan
Janelle Sloan
Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent
ABSENT:
John McVey, Vice Chair
Corey Cook
Thomas Gresh
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
II ATTENDANCE
Roll call was taken and a quorum was present. It was noted Mr. Cook called to advise
he could not attend the meeting. It was also known Mr. McVey was not able to attend
as well.
III APPROV AL OF MINUTES FROM MAY 24, 2010
Motion
Ms. Scantlan moved to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Sloan seconded the
motion that unanimously passed.
IV UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A CIP Priorities
Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director, explained the tour was being given to
familiarize the members, especially the newer members, with the parks and show them
what the Department hoped to accomplish. He indicated one emphasis would be on
maintenance and the beaches. Once the Boardwalk at Oceanfront Park was complete,
the buildings would need to be replaced and it would be a laborious process. The
design and permitting process for the buildings would take about two years.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, FL
June 28, 2010
Accordingly, it was necessary for the Board to gain some sense of the parks in their
present condition in order to prioritize. Mr. Majors also agreed to point out any issues at
the parks.
B Sara Sims Master Plan
Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent, explained two public meetings were held and four
conceptual plans were developed. The architects were preparing renderings showing
what the Community Redevelopment Agency would be doing. To-date, the Community
Redevelopment Agency purchased one home and would buy three more, as well as two
convenience stores, in their efforts to expand the Park.
V NEW BUSINESS
A Parks Tour - Meadows, Quantum, Congress Avenue, and Betty Thomas
Parks
As the trip to Quantum Park began, the tour passed the Hester Center. Ms. Rivers
pointed out they received a Department of Energy Retrofit Grant totaling $465,000. The
funds would be used to replace the lights and it was anticipated that, in time, the retrofit
would save over $100,000.
There was a brief discussion of the City's installation of two windmills at Pete's Pond by
the Promenade Shopping Plaza. It was noted the windmills were specifically for aeration
of the ponds. As to the windmills generating electricity for other items, Ms. Rivers noted
there were issues with FP&L purchasing the electricity.
Quantum Park was toured. This Park was bounded by the preserve, the L-4 Canal and
the Parkland development. The Park was an eco park and teaching would be a major
component. Mr. Majors anticipated that because the park was an eco park, there would
be grant opportunities. Fox, gopher tortoises, and other wildlife were onsite. A parking
lot, restrooms and a pavilion or educational area were planned.
Meadows Park was toured. The park was a much appreciated park, but it was a high
maintenance park. Restrooms, playground equipment, and tennis courts were located
there. The park was a lighted park.
Congress Avenue Park was toured. The Tennis Center was already there and the
Barrier Free Park was planned to adjoin it. Three areas for the park were planned to
accommodate individuals with all abilities. There would be art included in the park and
an area to accommodate school buses since it was anticipated groups of individuals
from different schools would use the facility. This effort would also be assisted by the
Boynton Beach Foundation. It was further noted an autism organization may be able to
assist in the effort.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, FL
June 28, 2010
FP&L Park was viewed.
Forest Hills Park was viewed.
Betty Thomas Park was viewed.
B Items for the City Managers Attention
None.
VI NEXT MEETING - TBO
The next meeting would include a tour of Pioneer Canal Park, Laurel Hills, Hibiscus and
other area parks as time allows.
VII ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
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Catherine Cher~' 0
Recording Secretary
062910