Minutes 03-27-17
MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Amy Blackman, Recreation Superintendent
Michael Byrd
Charles Kanter
Renee Stern (arr. at 6:33 p.m.)
Daniel Shapiro
Julie Mondello
Christina Johnson
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was called, and a quorum was present. Chair Pierce-Roe announced two open
alternate positions.
New member Christina Johnson introduced herself, noting she is an account manager
for a website company and has been a Boynton Beach resident for five years.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Ms. Stern, to approve the minutes of the
February 27, 2017, minutes as written. Hearing no opposition, the motion passed.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Quantum Park site
Mr. Kanter gave a presentation on the Quantum Park site, starting off with a brief history
of the site and an engineering report that was done three years ago. He noted that \\the
Quantum Park Overlay Development District (QPODD) wants to combine McGillicuddy
Park with Quantum Park. Quantum Park was given to the City by the County in 1980
for the purpose of being a park.
Mr. Kanter said that an adjacent Police Benevolent Organization (PBO) property has
pledged to work with the QPODD to establish a proper entrance to the park on the
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2017
Miner Road side. There have been discussions about putting in campsites, and they
have applied for a permit for a paddleboard launching ramp.
Mr. Kanter continued, showing the engineering work done on the park and reviewing
existing parks in the area. He said the Board had discussed having an agricultural
program at Imagine School several years ago. There are several schools in the area
within walking distance of the park site. There is also a model boat club at King’s Point
that could utilize the park.
Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned that Boynton Beach High School is located across the
street from the park site and would provide an opportunity for students to do community
service. Now there are four parks within walking distance that could use the site if it
was an eco-park.
Mr. Kanter pointed out that the site is surrounded by schools, hotels, and residents who
are in need of recreational facilities. QPODD already has the 501(c)3 designation and
is spending money on the park “next door.” There is also a cell phone tower, which is
providing some revenue to the City; he thought that money should be allocated to fixing
the park.
Mr. Kanter wanted this Board to request that the City make this park a priority. He
stated there is a funding source. Another board member read different ideas for
fundraising from a document provided by Mr. Kanter: memorial bricks, memorial
benches and pavers, booths at shows/fairs, Sierra Club, merchants and local hotels,
sell signs for native plants and trees, sponsors for butterfly garden, entranceway,
possible name of benefactor, kiosks, sponsors, blueway/greenway organizations, and
grants from the South Florida Water Management District, County or City. In addition,
Mr. Kanter said it might be possible to have someone pay a large amount of money,
such as $1 million, for naming rights to the park.
Mr. Kanter mentioned that the PBO has a dog run that they would allow civilians to use.
Chair Pierce-Roe agreed that the park would be a wonderful addition to the City’s
recreational facilities. She said the Board is able to make only recommendations to the
City Manager. She recalled an individual who spoke to this group some time back
about doing environmental projects in concert with the schools. If they could get a
supervisor from Boynton Beach High School involved, perhaps the School Board would
join the effort.
The Board agreed by consensus that Chair Pierce-Roe should write a letter supporting
the establishment of the park. She will meet with Mr. Majors to coordinate with him.
Mr. Kanter reported that Mr. Majors made a presentation at the most recent QPODD
meeting. Chair Pierce-Roe will put the matter back on the agenda when Mr. Majors can
be present.
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2017
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Department Annual Report
Ms. Blackman distributed copies of the Annual Report, which highlighted the
Department’s economic impact, children’s garden, commitment to health and wellness,
and professional affiliations. She said the Department is one of three percent of Parks
and Recreation agencies that are accredited through the National Recreation and Park
Association.
Ms. Blackman said the report also lists the Department partnerships, and she praised
Sherri Claude for her assistance.
B. Crowder Dog Park Update
Ms. Blackman reported it is so popular that they are talking about taking the other half of
the parcel and turning it into a dog park also, named after Officer Crowder.
C. Florida Boating Improvement Grant - Oyer Park Channel Markers
Ms. Blackman said the temporary channel markers are being replaced. They have
applied for a grant to have permanent channel markers installed.
Chair Pierce-Roe spoke of the dangers of not digging the channels. Ms. Blackman said
she did site visits with Jeff Livergood and Kevin Ramsey and discussed the issue.
D. New Staff - Marketing Outreach, Pool Supervisor, Crew Leader
Ms. Blackman reported they created a new position: Recreational Supervisor III -
Marketing and Outreach, which will be a marketing professional doing advocacy,
outreach, sponsorships, social media platform, and sharing benefits of Parks and
Recreation as a whole as well as the benefits of individual programs.
Ms. Blackman also reported they are in the process of hiring a new aquatics supervisor.
She also mentioned that Charlie Crawford retired, and they restructured the position.
The person filling the new position will be responsible for maintenance at the Tennis
Center and the pump room at the pool.
E. Upcoming Events
Play for Pink Golf Tournament at the Links - April 8, 1:00 p.m.
Ms. Blackman announced the event and also Earth Day events.
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2017
Egg-stravaganza at Barrier Free Park, April 15, 10:00 a.m.
Concert on the Green at the Links, April 22, 5:00 p.m.
Tennis Tournament, April 28-29 (not on agenda)
Ms. Blackman said the tournament will benefit autism.
VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER’S ATTENTION
VII. NEXT MEETING: April 24, 2017
Ms. Blackman asked any members attending events to circulate and chat informally
with residents about the programs.
Mr. Kanter advised he will not be present at the meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
\[Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.\]
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