Minutes 10-24-22 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
100 E. Ocean Avenue Boynton Beach
October 24, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
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PRESENT: STAFF:
Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation & Parks Director
Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Franky Lazo, Recreation & Parks Asst. Director
Sean Conklin Justin Johnson, Marketing & Outreach
Manager
Alison Pandev Wesley Norwood, Parks Superintendent
Eugene Fagan Gabrielle Fovitta, Events Manager
Jennifer Oh, Prototype, Inc.
ABSENT:
James Jenkins
Frando Patterson
Dan Winters, Sr., Alternate
Geoffrey Campbell, Alternate
GUESTS — None.
I. Call to Order
Chair Mondello called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
11. Pledge of Allegiance
111. Roll Call
Roll was called and a quorum was present.
IV. Agenda Approval — October 24, 2022
Chair Mondello added Introduction of Alison Pendev under Unfinished Business.
Motion was made by Mr. Fagan, and seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe, for the
October 24, 2022, agenda approval. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
(5-0)
V. Approval of Minutes — September 26, 2022
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if the alternates need to be changed and what the
new requirements are to be on the Board.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, stated he will follow-up to find out what the
ruling is and will have a discussion with the City Clerk.
Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
Motion made by Mr. Fagan, and seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe, to approve
Minutes for the September 26, 2022 meeting. In a voice vote, the motion passed
unanimously (4-0). Note: Alison Pandev was not included in this vote.
VI. Unfinished Business
Introduction of Alison Pandev, new member.
Ms. Pandev stated that she graduated college in 2003. She has a family, and her
background is in accounting. She wants to be on this Board because she has been the
PTA Vice President for a couple years and wants to expand the giving back part.
a. Results from Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Surveys
Chair Mondello mentioned that during a visit to Hibiscus Park, dogs were present. In the
future, perhaps this Board needs to think about how to control this because people bring
their dogs everywhere. They either need to have bags and pails in the parks or know
the dogs will be there.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, commented on the surveys and indicated
they will continue to share the information with the Consultants for the Park System
Master Plan. Anytime someone visits a park and completes a survey, the minutes are
shared from the Board meeting and if they have the survey and spreadsheet, that will
be shared as well.
b. Parks System Master Plan
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, advised there were no updates, but they
are at the midway point. There was a Steering Committee meeting last week where the
Consultants provided an update on information collected from the Needs Assessment,
the online survey, and the Focus Groups they have been hosting. The next step will be
the visioning session; a Visioning Workshop is scheduled internally on November 9,
2022, with the Consultants.
Mr. Fagan commented that Pickleball is a priority on the list and their main thoughts
were to do it as a new standalone park.
Chair Mondello explained the Master Plan to the public audience.
Mr. Fagan stated one of the thoughts was that it would be its own facility and they would
be known as the Pickleball place.
VII. New Business
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
a. Boynton Beach Tennis Center Pickleball Project
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, advised that Wesley Norwood, Parks
Superintendent, is the lead on the Pickleball project at the Boynton Beach Tennis
Center.
Mr. Norwood reported that they have an upcoming Pickleball project; Courts #19 and
#20 will be converted into six Pickleball courts, and fencing will be installed between the
three courts. The project will start in the middle of December, and they hope for an end
of the year finish.
Mr. Young clarified that currently at the Tennis Center there are four hard courts; they
have 17 clay courts. Two of the hard courts, #19 and #20, will be converted into six
Pickleball courts, which will leave two official hard tennis courts. They will have two hard
courts, all the clay courts, and six Pickleball courts.
Mr. Norwood stated the project is scheduled with a Contractor and they are looking for
feedback as to what else is needed, whether it be benches, paddle rack holders, etc.
b. Holiday Events
Gabrielle Fovitta, Events Manager, shared information regarding the upcoming holiday
events as follows:
• The City of Boynton Beach Holiday Lighting and Concert will be on Friday,
December 2, 2022, at Centinneal Park and Amphitheater, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. Volunteers are needed.
• Their 51St Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Federal Highway in
Downtown Boynton, on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00
p.m. They are looking for volunteers. If anyone has any connections with local
businesses or schools, they are looking for marching bands, floats, dancers,
cheerleaders, Pickleball groups, etc. The link for entries and applications is
Boynton-beach.org/parade; it is free to enter. Any questions can be emailed to
her at v rn.jE
. Lbfl.us or call her at 561-742-6034.
• The First Friday Concerts are the first Friday of every month at 5:00 p.m. at the
Amphitheater and a movie series will run November through February on the
third Friday of every month at 5:00 p.m. at the Amphitheater.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if Board members would be asked to participate in
the events. In the past, the Board was invited to sit with the Commissioners as part of
the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board; they used to invite, introduce, and thank the
members for their volunteer work, and it seems to have gone away since the pandemic.
They also used to have dinners and luncheons for the Board and now she feels like the
members are not recognized.
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
Chair Mondello mentioned that one of the Board members used to judge at the Parade.
Ms. Fovitta stated she can investigate. This year one of their goals is putting together
more of a volunteer pool.
Chair Mondello mentioned that they also used to talk about who the Grand Marshall
was going to be. She asked if there are nominations and questioned how they are doing
that this year.
Ms. Fovitta indicated that last year it was a Social Media campaign. This year it is on the
books, but nothing is official.
c. November 28th and December 26th Advisory Board Meetings
Chair Mondello stated they can either do November 21St or 28th; she is available either
date. Mr. Fagan indicated he would be here, and Vice Chair Pierce-Roe stated she
would probably be here for the 28th. Chair Mondello advised there was a consensus for
the November 28th meeting.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, advised it is the Board's decision as to
whether they want to have the meeting on December 26th or if they want to skip the
month. He questioned what the possible dates would be for the December meeting.
Chair Mondello asked if everyone was all right with skipping the December 26, 2022
meeting. She thought the meeting date would be December 19, 20227 if there is a
meeting.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe commented that some things may need to be discussed and
suggested this be discussed next month. She pointed out that December 19, 2022, is
the first night of Hanukkah.
Chair Mondello suggested tabling the December meeting discussion until next month,
so there will be a better idea of everyone's plans.
d. Upcoming Recreation & Parks Events
Chair Mondello mentioned the Fall Festival and stated that everyone had fun, and no
one wanted to leave.
Vice Chair Roe commented that 200 trees were handed out and within an hour they
were gone.
Chair Mondello stated everyone got a fruit tree and a native for free.
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
Justin Johnson, Marketing & Outreach Manager, mentioned the upcoming Wellness
Wednesday, at Intracoastal Park, at 6:30 p.m., which is in partnership with Baptist
Health, and will be held at various rotating sites around the City. This is free and open to
all members of the community; there is no advanced registration is required. Everyone
is invited to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe commented that the same instructors go to the Senior Center.
Mr. Johnson announced the Veteran's Day Ceremony, at Veteran's Memorial Park, on
November 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Chair Mondello asked if they needed help putting out flags.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, stated they did not need help for the event.
The Boynton Beach Veteran's Task Force usually volunteers, and staff will be on site as
well.
VIII. Public Audience
Sherry Casteneda, 212 West Ocean Avenue, resident, mentioned the Pickleball courts
and thanked the Board for listening to the feedback provided. Her concern is with the
proposed courts closest to the outdoor gym because they do not have lights. She has
been told it was not in the plans, but for people who play at night need lights. She
referenced the Fun Fare Magazine that mentioned light fees of $8 per court, which she
found out does not exist. She requested this be removed from the website and that the
Board reconsider putting lights on the courts.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, advised there are lights on the other tennis
courts at the Tennis Center and that is what the light fee is for.
Ms. Casteneda asked the Board to reconsider that as well.
Chair Mondello questioned what time the Tennis Center closes.
Mr. Young indicated that the Tennis Center closes at 9:00 p.m. He stated there are no
lights by the hard courts, but all the clay courts have lights. This request would be an
add on for the project.
Mr. Fagan questioned if it would make sense to install basic lighting for security.
Mr. Young advised the parking lot has lights for security purposes, it is just that the four
hard courts at the Tennis Center do not have lights, they are only for daytime use. He
provided a graphic for review.
Norm Vicman, Waterline Drive in Boynton, resident, is President of the Delray Beach
Pickleball Club and a Palm Beach Ambassador for Pickleball. He asked if anyone has
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
reached out to anyone with knowledge in Pickleball to help with the design, spacing,
and color of the courts. He questioned if anyone from the community could work with
the Committee.
Mr. Fagan indicated they are in the planning stages as to where this is going to go. He
is an architect and assured that they have Consultants who are professionals in
designing the courts and colors.
Chair Mondello stated that the System Master Plan has already been completed.
Mr. Vicman questioned if the six courts are a done deal.
Mr. Young advised there is funding to convert those courts, and this was brought to the
Board tonight for any comments or questions regarding the development of the courts.
This is a preliminary layout of where the courts will go; they have not selected colors or
anything else at this point.
Mr. Vicman mentioned spacing between the courts.
Mr. Young did not have an actual scale, but that is something they can look at.
Contractors have come out and provided a layout of what can fit into the space for the
two hard courts.
Mr. Vicman questioned if they are looking for assistance from the community.
Mr. Young stated they will accept any assistance from the community. All comments
can be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department.
Raul Travieso, 1037 West Royal Palm Road in Boca, resident, USA PA Southeast
District Ambassador; he is the Lead Ambassador of 27 between Monroe County and
Martin County. They promote Pickleball and he wants to make sure the Pickleball courts
are built correctly. If the California corners are eliminated, which are the diagonals, and
squared off, that will allow the six courts to spread out, so there is not five feet between
each court, which is important. The working-class people cannot play in the dark and he
requested the Board reconsider the lighting fee.
Pam Garcia, 807 NW 9t" Street, Boynton, resident, and Tournament Director for a
tournament they host in Delray Beach, was present. She mentioned a tournament
coming up in December. Everything their tournaments make goes back to charity for the
City; they are not a money maker. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport and if you put
the money in you will get it back. Boynton is up and coming and they are trying to
compete with Delray.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe advised they are trying to put two projects into the Master Plan.
They are working at the Hester Center and trying to resurface the courts and doors.
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
Sandy Hightower, 99 Meadows Park Lane, Boynton, resident, and Pickleball player.
She commented on the "Yellow Kitchen", which is the gray area, and noted that most of
the balls they use are yellow. They do not want a color that is too light because the sun
reflects; colors are important. She wants to be sure there is enough space so there is
not a liability when someone steps off to the side.
Madeline Brancado, 3070 North Evergreen Circle, resident, is not sure where Courts
#19 and #20 are, but if they are next to Congress Avenue, and if they plan to develop
Pickleball and do lessons, they need a sound barrier because it is extremely loud
between the traffic. She questioned the way the courts are facing because of the way
the sun rises and sets.
Chair Mondello stated that the courts are north and south.
Ms. Brancado does not think benches are necessary but if they are put in, they need to
be away from the courts because they could be a liability. If there are benches, there
needs to be covering because no one wants to sit in the hot sun. Water coolers are
essential and perhaps someone could donate fountains that purify the water. She noted
that shade would be nice and questioned if there is a path because they walk across the
tennis courts to get to the Pickleball courts.
Chair Mondello stated they have the water coolers internally.
Mr. Young indicated he would consider the suggestions. He stated that patrons must
check in at the Tennis Center and then take the walking path back to the courts; there is
no direct way to the courts from the parking lot.
Ms. Brancado asked if the facility closes at 2:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Mr. Young replied yes. During the summer it is not open on Sundays, but during season
the courts are open on Sundays.
Debbie Dorn, Waterline Drive, Boynton Beach, resident, thought everyone is suggesting
that it is better if each Pickleball court has its own entrance from the fence. If the fences
are not open behind each court; there needs to be a gate behind each court.
Mr. Young advised anytime someone uses the Tennis Center they must check in.
Fencing is depicted by a solid black line between the two sets of courts and the dotted
line is to give an idea of the diagram of the courts.
Ms. Dorn commented that it would not hurt to have a fence behind the middle court,
perhaps on the left, because people will be walking across three courts to get to the far
court. It appears that the courts on the north have a path and the ones on the south do
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 24, 2022
not, it is grass. She understands that patrons must check in to get to the courts, but
when they leave, they go straight to their cars and there is no path.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe stated the information received is important because it goes into
the minutes, which are turned over to the Mayor and Commission for review.
Chair Mondello indicated the System Master Plan is a ten-year project; they have not
had any timelines yet. A Needs Assessment was conducted and now they are at a point
where they are starting to decide what is going to happen. It was suggested that the
Consultants visit Colusa Park because that is the ultimate park.
Mr. Young advised they have gone through surveys for the Park System Master Plan
and there have been Focus Groups throughout the City to provide different feedback.
So far, they have received feedback that there is a need for Pickleball courts in the City.
As far as competing from one project to the next, they have not gotten to that, and it will
be the next phase of the Master Plan when they go into visioning; the final phase will be
implementing the Plan.
Mr. Fagan commented that they are coming back with visioning ideas in November,
which is the next stage of the Master Plan.
Mr. Young advised a Visioning Workshop is scheduled November 9, 2022, internally,
and then there will be another Steering Committee meeting scheduled after that.
IX. Items for the City Manager's Attention -None.
X. Future Agenda Items
• December meeting date.
XI. Next Meeting — November 28, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
VII. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, upon motion duly made and seconded, Chair
Mondello adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
[Minutes transcribed by C. Guifarro, Prototype, Inc.]
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