Sara Sims Park Improvements SARA SIMS PARK IMPROVEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION MEETING
AT THE CAROLYN SIMS CENTER
DECEMBER 13, 2017
225 NW 12TH AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
Ms. Lori LaVerriere, City Manager called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
Ms. LaVerriere announced the renovations of the Sara Sims Park have been a long
time coming. Indicated staff will provide an overview of the Master Plan. Introduced
staff members associated with the project: Wally Mayors, John Durgan, Eleanor Krusell,
Jeff Livergood, Gwen Hall, Colin Groff, Tim Howard, David Scott and Commissioner Joe
Casello of District IV. Ms. LaVerriere indicated she was looking forward to all feedback.
Mike Simon, Executive Director CRA, noted there have been many meetings regarding
the Master Plan. The CRA has held four meetings to discuss plans, and continues to
seek residents' opinions. The Community Redevelopment Agency has committed to pay
$600,000 for Sara Sims improvements and the City has agreed to pay $700,000. Mr.
Simon stated this was a collaboration between the City and the CRA. Explained the
Sara Sims Park was a 6.95 acre facility located in the heart of Boynton Beach. The City
along with the CRA has committed $1 .3M for an update to the facilities which includes
new fencing, irrigation, parking lot updates, pavilion work, restroom renovations, lighting
updates and landscape.
A concerned citizen asked if the project was being funded with Palm Beach County
penny surtax.
Ms. LaVerriere replied the work being performed was due to the County penny sales
tax. This was the tax being levied in Palm Beach County. She continued this was one of
the first capital projects being done in Boynton Beach. The City of Boynton Beach was
excited to begin this project. She wanted to thank everyone for their continued support
and input into this project. The project will encompass fences, irrigation, Parking lot
repairs, pavilions, re-sodding, restroom upgrades, lighting throughout the Park,
walkways and paths, as well as to the bring the Park up to the Americans with
Disabilities Act standards.
Gary Dunmyer, City of Boynton Beach City Engineer, explained there were many
concerns regarding the new Park. The consultant was able to address and resolve
many of those issues. He informed the audience the Park would have new grass. New
irrigation would be installed and some trees planted in the Park. There would be
Lighting throughout the Park. The Park will have an open and closing time. Mr.
Dunmyer indicated there would be a decorative fence approximately 6 feet tall around
the Park.
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Minute of Meeting
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Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
City Resident inquired if this would still be a passive Park.
Mr. Dunmyer explained the Park would have trails and would still be used as a passive
Park. The Park would have many different types of activities such as walking and bike
riding. There would be pavilions along the walk ways. There have been suggestions of
having concerts in the open areas. There will be water and electric provided within the
Park. Mr. Dunmyer indicated the walk path would have many trees along the path and
would provide a nice walking experience. Mr. Dunmyer said the feedback provided from
the community was fitness. The Park will have areas designated for exercise.
Mr. Dunmyer said the Park was presently not in very good shape. Many years ago the
pavilion was burned down and never replaced. There will be 3 pavilions available for
party rentals. The pavilion will have electric, water and trash receptacles. The paths will
have benches and about 30 additional trash receptacles throughout the Park area. The
central part of the Park will be multicolored; there was some graffiti painting on the wall
which will be incorporated into the color scheme. The Park and the cemetery will be
tied together. There will be benches so the deceased love ones could be visited. There
will be additional trees and a sidewalk.
Mr. Dunmyer continued saying the existing bathroom will be replaced, the design was
still being worked on. One feature he was proud of was the solar charging stations, as
well as Wi-Fi, and security cameras throughout the Park. He noted the cameras would
be monitored remotely.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated additional Parking has been added. Having additional Parking
would help with the additional needed Parking for parties and other events at the Park.
Decorative banner for the light poles, and the lighting was being done; this would make
the Park extremely nice. The fencing that was surrounding the cemetery Park would be
lower. The Cemetery would remain open until about 9 or 10 pm. There needed to be
some type of a barrier. The City has had problems with people driving four wheelers in
the cemetery.
A citizen inquired how large was the Park area. Mr. Dunmyer indicated it was a quarter
of a mile.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated she wanted to make sure there would be some art features at
the Park. She continued the City will allow the City of Boynton Beach local vendors to
bid smaller projects. This was part of the Building Wealth in the Community program
which was initiated last year to assist Boynton Beach small businesses to bid on project
for the City. The City of Boynton Beach was spending a lot of money and we would like
for local vendors to be able to work with the City.
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Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
Ms. LaVerriere announced the City was breaking down big projects into smaller ones in
order to provide an opportunity for smaller businesses to be awarded contracts from the
City of Boynton Beach. She stated the City was asking for the community's patience.
Having to break down this very large project into smaller pieces takes more time, but it
would mean more work for the local businesses in the City. Ms. LaVerriere stated the
anticipated completion of the Park was for spring of 2019 (March). She indicated
everything would be done to minimize the closure to the Park. The City would begin to
phase in the work.
Dr. Stephanie Hayden noted she has not seen this most recent rendering until tonight.
She indicated she liked the layout being presented. She had some concerns and
questions regarding the naming of the Park. Was the renovation only for the Park and
not the cemetery? She wanted to know if the cemetery could have some extending
hands going across the entrance to the cemetery. Maybe some praying hands with the
name of the Cemetery. She lived in west Boynton and there was a Park which used
your own body to provide fitness. She indicated this was a multipurpose Park. She
noted Parks should be opened, no fences. Indicated the City should apply for grants
from FPL for the energy to help with the electric.
A concerned citizen inquired as to where were all of the churches
Ms. LaVerriere indicated the survey, which was given to the audience, was only for City
owned property.
A concerned citizen inquired as to where are the churches compared to the drawings.
Ms. LaVerriere explained the churches were not on the survey because as stated
before they are private property. Ms. LaVerriere pointed on the map where the
churches were located.
Another concerned citizen asked what was going to happen to the churches? Was the
City going to take away the churches? The Park should be multifamily more pavilions
and more places for the kids. The citizen indicated the bathroom should have been
gone a long time ago. She asked if there was going to be only one bathroom. There
should be more around the Park for the young children. What about swings for the
children, and an office on site at this new Park. She asked about a musical stage, she
would like that. She understands this was not in the plan before. She responded to what
the other young lady was saying about the fence. She did not agree with having a
fence. The Park should feel free. She was happy with the Park not having a fence. As
far as spending money on the trees, could the City have some type of donations for the
trees?
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Ms. LaVerriere responded to the citizen regarding playground equipment. The
playground would be the center of the Park. There would be benches near the
playground. To add larger playground equipment could be expensive.
Mr. Wally Majors, Director of Parks and Recreation explained playground equipment
was very expensive.
A concerned citizen stated we as a community have been asking for water features for
years and nothing has happened.
Ms. LaVerriere said the water features are a night mare, with the maintenance and
liability of those features. The City has designed the Park with more pavilions. The
pavilion can be reserved for parties. There are many areas where we could put
additional pavilions as needed.
Concerned citizen wanted to know about the fencing. Inquired about the bad element
bringing ATV's into the Park. If ATV's are allowed in the Park, then the City would
definitely need a fence. The last concern was the bathroom; it needs to be locked after
a certain time.
Ms. LaVerriere explained the bathrooms would be closed and locked at the end of the
day. There will be doors on the bathrooms. The time of closing has not yet been
determined. She said most Parks close at dusk.
A resident inquired as to who would be responsible to clean up the area. He informed
the audience he watched a company come out and clean the area, it took no more than
three minutes. He was concerned about the clean-up of the trash cans. Was this
something staff would be responsible.
Ms. LaVerriere said the City of Boynton Beach contracts out some of the cleaning to
outside companies. The City was developing the maintenance programs. There are
many vacant lots and Parks needed to be cleaned. There are staff which are
responsible for the maintenance of certain areas. The City also has contracts. The City
was spending a lot of money to keep the City looking nice. She said we need everyone
to pitch in and help keep the areas free of debris. She said there are many Parks that
can be adopted. Ms. LaVerriere stated the City of Boynton Beach would accept any
help from the community.
Dr. Stephanie Hayden asked if there were trees which could be used as a barrier. She
said to have a fence would be very costly. She stated the trees could be used as
security as well. It was better to have the trees as a barrier than a fence. Everyone
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Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
wants the property to be maintained. She thinks over time, the fence creates a barrier. If
there are trees, the ATV's cannot get in between the trees.
Mr. Dunmyer explained there are some possibilities for having trees as a barrier instead
of having a fence. If there are trees, anyone can hide in the trees and possibly commit
a crime. There are some types of trees as a living barrier. He stated over the years the
City can see what was working well and what did not. If there are trees, trash will collect
near the bottom of the trees and require more maintenance.
Concerned citizens said the City needed to stop trying to be cheap. The concerned
citizen stated the previous person does not live in this area. She should not tell anyone
what she wanted. Stop trying to be cheap.
A resident said that the fence was very ugly at the Hester Center.
Dr. Hayden stated this could be a good area for a dirt bike Park. Ms. LaVerriere
indicated that was not a great idea.
A concerned citizen asked for the dirt bike Park to be placed in the last speaker's area.
Ms. LaVerriere introduced Commissioner Romelus to the audience (7:08 p.m.)
John Danes informed the audience he was employed with Palm Beach County Parks
Department. This was an excellent plan. He said the layout was great. The fence was
really important. He said Palm Beach County Parks all had some type of fencing
surrounding the Parks. He said it was very important to make sure there was lighting in
the entire Park, not just portions of the Park. The bathrooms needed to be secured. He
suggested a key lock system. Noted the bathrooms should not be open after a certain
time.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated the Park would be lighted, and the bathrooms would be
secured.
Concerned resident asked if the City could put in a theater. He said a theater would
generate revenue. The City could have concerts year round. Asked what would be the
cost of a theater. Ms. LaVerriere replied she did not know the cost of a building a
theater.
Mr. Simon stated the City has not designed the Park with a theater in mind. He noted
the CRA looked into an oval or a clam shape; it was tall enough to use a rail. They did
not have a cost; this maybe something which could be done at a later date. Ms.
LaVerriere said everyone needs to keep in mind this was a community Park. If the
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Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
music was too loud and the concert lasted too long, the community would be calling
about the noise. She wanted to be careful with music.
Minister Bernard Wright stated he grew up around the corner. It would be nice to have
an actual pavilion. He does not think the rental would sustain itself. The community
loves this Park. This was just a small piece of the community; if you do not secure the
Park you will have the criminal element. He insisted the Park must be secured. The
bathrooms must be locked after the Park was closed.
Ms. LaVerriere asked if the community wanted to allow dogs on leashes in the Park.
Everyone in the audience stated they did not want dogs in the Park.
Concerned resident suggested there needed to be a multipurpose building on the
property. She does not see anything other than the pavilions. She was wondering, what
it would take to get what the community has suggested. This was a total different plan
than what was discussed with the community. The Heart of Boynton has been deprived
for many years. She said the cost of living was out of this world. She stated the
community uses St. John Missionary Baptist Church for events. The Park could be used
to have those events. She does not understand why it has taken this long to get the
process started. Why can't we have something like that here in the Heart of Boynton?
She did not understand why the delays.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated the City has met many times with the community and we
believe we are offering what was being requested by the community.
Nicole Wilson inquired who should be contacted regarding maintenance. Ms. LaVerriere
said to contact Wally Majors, Parks and Recreation Director. .
A concerned resident stated the most important thing was to love the Park. The
community needed to take the Park back. There should be availability to use the Park at
night as well. We cannot give into criminal behavior. The Community should be able to
go to the Park at night and enjoy the Park.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated the City love the Parks. She stated the problem was the Parks
and Recreation department does not have staff to come at night to clean the trash
receptacles. She explained the receptacles were not being picked up by the trash truck.
Staff must empty the receptacles one at a time.
Willie Akins said he remembers there was a multipurpose room and believes the cost
was low.
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Minute of Meeting
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Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
A resident stated there could be a platform and a cover as an alternative to the
multipurpose room.
A resident asked about the Parking. Indicated that area was blocked off. Asked if an
area could be made into additional Parking for the Park
Ms. LaVerriere believed that was private Parking.
Conversation insued between residents about the Parking and why it could not be a
good area to Park. Discussion included the City should purchase the lot and expand
the Parking for the Park.
Ms. LaVerriere indicated the City was looking into all possibilities.
(Commissioner Romelus left at 7:15 p.m.)
Concerned resident indicated some of the young people like to play basketball. She
wanted to know if the Park could have a basketball court. Also, when it rain there was
nothing for the young people to do. Asked what the City can do about that.
Ms. LaVerriere stated this was not in the budget at this time.
Concerned citizens said it should not be a cost thing.
Mr. Simon stated that project was about $150,000, the band shell. Mr. Simon indicated
he could get a cost for Mr. Dunmyer.
Ms. LaVerriere noted the City was going to be hard-pressed to place more items for this
project. As the Park gets used, we will listen to the community. The City has room to
grow. There could be plans for this in the future, but it was not budgeted at this time.
Concerned citizen said his was a big investment for the community and this investment
needed to be taken care of. This was a beautiful Park. She indicated she likes what has
been presented tonight; she indicated we needed to move forward. This was dynamic.
Let's move forward.
Ms. LaVerriere stated the City must work within their budget. The City has $1.4M, and
additional landscaping has been added.
Concerned citizen asked did the penny tax funding the project.
Ms. LaVerriere said the penny surtax, along with the CRA are partnering to complete
this Park project.
Minute of Meeting
Sara Sims Park
Improvement & Implementation Meeting December 13, 2017
Ms. LaVerriere stated this would add value to the homes in the area. She indicated
there was a pavilion which burned down and the pavilion was never rebuilt. The pavilion
can be used for birthday parties. She indicated residents would need to pull a special
permit in order to have any type of party in the Park, as well as renting the pavilion.
A concerned resident inquired if the trees going in will be considered a barrier instead of
a fence. Ms. Dunmyer responded when trees are created as a barrier there are some
issues such as trash and other debris going under the trees.
A resident asked if the road could be opened that was now blocked off.
A citizen inquired about the street going through near the Park. Ms. LaVerriere
responded there were no plans in opening up the street to enter the Park.
A concerned citizen asked if it was possible to have space for a basketball court with a
covering for the court. Let's do it right the first time. Let's not come back in a year or
two and tear down and build back up. This would cost extra money to do this. Ms.
LaVerriere replied a basketball court with covering was not budgeted for this fiscal year.
Ms. LaVerriere stated hopefully the residents will see shovels in the ground within the
next six months. She informed the residents the City needed to get the specification and
to bid the job out to vendors. Ms. LaVerriere thanked everyone for their feedback.
Meeting adjourned 7:36 p.m.
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