Minutes - Eco Park Meeting Rec & Parks 1-27-2021CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
RECREATION & PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
“ZOOM ONLINE WORKSHOP”
JANUARY 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
BOARD: STAFF:
Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation & Parks Director
Betty Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Colin Groff, Assistant City Manager, Public Services
Joél Barsky Yuri Konnikov, IT Support
Eugene Fagan Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc.
Victor Gaud-Cabrera
Charles Kanter GUESTS:
Joshua Van Leuven Mark Rickards, Kimley-Horn & Assoc.
Brian Bonnell (alternate) General Public
Jacob Schwartz (alternate)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Colin Groff facilitated the Workshop and convened the Zoom Online Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Mr.
Groff outlined the process for participating in the virtual meeting and welcomed those in
attendance.
II. ECO PARK PRESENTATION
Mr. Groff began the PowerPoint presentation (attached) with a brief history of Quantum Park, an
industrial park established in 1988. Twenty-three acres of the sixty-acre site were dedicated to the
City for an active park with remaining area as a natural upland pine, flatland preserve. A master
plan for the park was proposed in 2015; however, a lack of funds shelved the project until now.
In 2020 the Quantum Park Overlay Development District (QPODD), funded by residents and
businesses, was transferred to the City. The desired results are for the area to remain as natural as
possible, not so much as an active park.
Continuing with the PowerPoint presentation, Mark Rickards, Kimley-Horn, who designed the
parking lot, talked more about how it the parking lot was designed to fit in the concept of the park.
Meetings with staff came up with a design that could be as unobtrusive as possible, to make it a
double-duty parking lot to be used during the day for businesses, and also for the park when it is
developed. Elements considered were a tree survey to incorporate existing vegetation; elevation
change between parking lot and office building; keeping a buffer on Quantum Park Boulevard;
gopher turtles habitat mitigated by transferring to a designed Fish & Wildlife holding ground while
development proceeds and burrows are relocated; tried to keep parking area to one side.
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Boynton Beach, Florida January 27, 2021
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Mr. Groff continued with the current status:
Phase 1 included constructing parking for the future park and was completed in October
2020.
As part of Phase 1, the consultant developed a very preliminary park plan.
QPODD will provide approximately $600,000 for Phase 2 development and the City is
applying for matching grant funds.
Visioning workshop will assist in providing the project scope to the park designer that will
be hired in March.
Phase 2 will include the cleaning up of the invasives and the debris.
A lot goes into habitat. Debris that as dumped because it was open space has given way to many
invasive species growing into that site. City staff is recommending taking the City Park area and
actually enhance that back into the upland pine area that it was, expanding the current 23 acres of
upland closer to 35 or 38 acres to comprise the upland preserver area as a valuable ecosystem.
The Magical Bridge Foundation approached the City as a group that works with passive parks, to
come in and help make sure it is inclusive for everyone to enjoy nature and the scenery. They can
help with raising funding and work with design professionals to ensure site is inclusive.
The purpose of the Visioning Workshop is to develop a project scope of what the park is going to
look like to give direction to the Park Designer. A “hand raising” survey feature will gather
preferences from the workshop attendees.
Visioning Question #1 -- What should be the overall theme of the park?
1. Original QPODD Master Plan with a focus on preserving natural areas and creating active
areas:
Removing all invasive species and debris and creating park space
Amenities constructed for recreational activities
Preservation of native flora and fauna with a focus on aesthetics and interaction by
the public
Required security and lighting systems throughout the active portion of a park
2. 2019 Update: Preservation of natural ecosystems with citizen access
Passive human access to observe the natural areas
Minimal disruption of native flora and fauna
Educational components to create understanding of the environment
Trail enhancements to access the natural areas
Required security and limited lighting systems to ensure safety and preservation
Hands raised: 7-9 votes for #1; 20-22 votes for #2
Visioning Question #2 -- What basic improvements should be included?
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Boynton Beach, Florida January 27, 2021
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Vehicle access for parking off Miner Road? Hands: 10+
Restroom facilities? Hands: 10+
Lake and canal access (not motorized)? Hands: 10+
Pavilions located appropriately? Hands: about half raised
Access points from neighborhoods? Hands: 9 (not majority)
Educational amenities/signage? Hands: 10+
Security infrastructure? Hands: unanimous
Professional removal of existing invasive species/debris? Hands: unanimous
These items will be properly designed and properly located to keep the natural theme/habitat.
Questions:
Have the option of sitting areas, not pavilions. Absolutely, pavilions is used here very
generically, the area needs to fit into the environment that look natural.
Signage. Signage would be to protect not just the natural vegetation but the animals, such
as gopher tortoises and indigo snakes.
Does Lake Worth drainage ditch allow access [inaudible]? Yes, they do, but will have
to be permitted through them; they were approached about this last year.
Where would an entrance be on Miner Road? Unknown as yet, but will be put in the
scope to the designer to pick the most appropriate location.
Visioning Question #3 -- What park enhancements could be added to the experience?
Elevated boardwalk through wetland area? Hands: Majority
Enhanced ADA viewing areas? Hands: Majority
Nature themed playground? Hands: 14/40
Canoe/kayak launching facilities? Hands: 16/40
Seating area for educational classes? Hands: 16/40
Fitness amenities? Hands: 13/40
Open play space? Hands: 1/40
Native animal recovery center or plant nursery? Hands: 18/40 - in future?
Playground? Hands: not majority
(These counts are approximate.)
Questions:
Would catch and release fishing be allowed? Unknown, something for discussion in
future workshops.
Enhanced kayak access? Not necessary, but a nice feature. Brief discussion on design
phase.
Is seating for lectures, etc., important for this park? Could benches be movable? This
could be part of the design, good comment. Location would come in design phase.
Safety concerns with kayakers and fishing in same spot? Yes, definitely, these are
issues to discuss later as park is scoped out. For future workshops.
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What will trail length be? Unknown, again, will come in design process.
Will there be some kind of fencing to protect canal from other boaters pulling up?
Maybe. There will absolutely be some protection, comes under the Safety/Security aspect.
Visioning Question #4 -- Other ideas that could enhance the Eco Park?
Ideas contributed from chat (no such thing as a bad idea):
Bicycle access on appropriate trails Hands: Enough interest to keep on list
Nature integrated public art Hands: Good interest
Add a dog area Hands: Very little interest
Bike link between Miner and Quantum Park Hands: High level of interest
Observation Tower Hands: High level of interest
Major integrated public art Hands: High level of interest
Verbal ideas (no voting, see contributing comments below):
Bridge to connect to Pine Preserve
Meditation Area
Camping area for scouts or other special events
Stargazing events – park policy ideas
Miner Road sidewalks to access park
Partnership with FOP for use of the outparcel
Onsite volunteers using federal program for onsite living
Questions:
Who is maintaining the trash? That is something to work on, part of education and
security aspects.
Fine for bothering the animals? Yes, definitely, part of Security Plan.
Should fencing be added? Yes; again, part of Enhanced Security, to make sure motorized
vehicles stay out of park, etc.
Have we considered an outdoor amphitheater, like a semi-circle to be used for
educational purpose? This fits into the educational seating area, an area to open up for
benches; but not a permanent amphitheater requiring land grading.
Bike link? This is part of the Blueway/Greenway Project as a mode of transportation, no
access through the preserve but a paved path through Quantum Park.
Motorcycle access? Motorcycles not allowed, already restricted with fencing.
How will this be tied into tourism? When this park is developed, it will be a tourism
attraction promoted through the City. City Commission is already discussing it, nature in
an urban setting.
Contributing comments:
Ramona Young: In the pavilion area, will there be a place for meditation?
Eugene Fagan: Used to be Girl Scout facility, will there still be a facility for Scouts, boy
or girl?
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Julie Mondello: As Chair of Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and on behalf of other
Board Members, there have been many discussions about this project, the residents,
lighting on Miner Road, making sure this fits the Blueway/Greenway System. To all the
residents and public, this is something they want to do right. Mr. Groff added, this is the
beginning of the visioning, there are a lot more steps and workshops before bringing in the
conceptual consultants and designers.
Susan Oyer: On star gazing idea, when there are random events like comets, eclipses,
asteroids, doesn’t have to be regularly. But when it does happen, viewers could register to
come out as a semi-organized event. City could make it an event.
Tom Warnke: Excited to see this can be a passive park and be appreciated by local
residents. His father was part of the Quantum Park platting 35 years ago and they saw to
it areas were set aside, and now has become even more environmentally significant. His
big concern is ATVs and motorcycles that have been getting in, so wants to make sure
“every nook and cranny” is closed off. “Looks like it’s going to be a great park.”
Greg Miller: Local resident with question about access for local communities to have
walking areas as direct access to the west side of park where pine trees are. His HOA (155
townhomes) is very interested in this project. Local access should save traffic for that
community to use the park as the park butts up to that property.
Lisa Hanley: Regarding the fence, unless somebody constructed a fence in the past week,
there is no fencing between the parking lot and the preserve. Mr. Groff said, right, not right
now, but there is very little access as it is densely vegetated. City is working on getting the
fencing up and they are not ignoring the issue. There used to be a lot of motorized vehicle
activity, but there haven’t been any recent complaints. Will walk the area for evidence.
But the park definitely needs to be protected while it is being finished, at least temporary
fencing in the interim. The parking lot will be closed when the park is closed; staff is
present when it is open.
Lesley Bertolotti: Really great ideas and excited to have Eco Park moving forward now.
With all the great ideas there needs to be some prioritization as the park brings nature and
people together while maintaining ecological integrity of the system. Mr. Groff said this
stage is “visioning” to take these ideas to see what actually will work. Today’s purpose is
“What theme do you want?” and the vast majority say they want a natural preserve area
that humans can enjoy. This means protect the environment first, so defining what needs
to be built with the ecosystem in mind, and build around it. Flora and fauna come first.
Ms. Bertolotti continued in stating the gopher tortoises are a huge benefit to the park, to be
celebrated, protected, and to bring people to the park. As a last comment, Ms. Bertolotti
has seen people getting access to the park at Miner and High Ridge, offloading ATVs.
Beth Rappaport: Not an immediate resident, but is sure children and families are going
to enjoy this project. Regarding stargazing options, the observatory at Point Sienna has
been lost, and students from the STEM perspective would find this really important. Also
shares concern about the ATVs, a menace to the enter area, so appreciates anything that
can be done to deter them.
Julio Valega: Thanks everyone for what is being done with Eco Park. In reference to the
bridge, how do you get from parking lot to north pine preserve? Mr. Groff said right now
it’s closed, but the idea was for it to be built in Phase 1, which is the parking lot off
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Quantum Blvd. That’s how it would be accessed on that side. Then there would be an
access off Miner Road. These are on the corners so as not to intersect the park in any way.
Direct access from neighborhoods are on the list and will be further explored when the
conceptual plan begins to emerge.
Charles Kanter: Doing a really great job, took all the wind out of his sails doing it. His
comment was for special access for residents who live close by and that this is a good idea
for added security around the park if Miner Road can be made safer. Mr. Groff said the
City and County are working on this along with other parties. Mr. Kanter had several other
suggestions for enhanced security which opened up a moment of discussion using campers
to provide security onsite.
Julie Mondello: Also wanted to thank Charles Kanter because he has worked tirelessly to
get this project going. He’s been working on this for a really long time. “Without him, I
don’t think we would be there.” Mr. Groff said the City would like to thank him, too,
noting he has been a big help to Staff.
Susan Oyer: On other comments, Ms. Oyer noted she has been looking at the parking lot
because she works across from it. She noted “some guys” throwing a buck in the water
trying to catch something but ran away when they noticed her watching them.
o She also noted a pump out there with hoses, to which Mr. Groff said that is for
watering the vegetation in the parking lot and once the vegetation is established, it
won’t need watering.
o Ms. Oyer has an issue with the palm trees at the parking lot, they should be canopy
trees.
o Also suggested that while getting rid of the invasives, some attention be given to
nesting bald eagles close by, so perhaps put in some Florida Slash Pines as they
grow tall for these hunting birds. Just the bald eagles in themselves are an
attraction.
o On the suggestion for an observation tower, it’s an amazing idea but there are many
issues with such a tower for security purposes that should be anticipated.
Mr. Groff noted that there are many comments that have come in for another time, keep them
coming, they are being kept, read, and used to develop the next concept.
NEXT STEPS:
Develop scope for phase 2 from visioning ideas (hoping to solicit in March)
Prepare a contract with a designer for Commission Approval to develop overall master plan
and phase 2 work
Continue to apply for grants and seek funding partners. $600,000 from Quantum
Neighborhood is a good start, but much more is needed. There are some good resources
to tap.
Schedule a follow up public workshop to review first concept by the selected designer
Finalize phase 2 plans
Bid work in October 2021
In the meantime, the goal is to keep the site secure. Keep your ideas coming, email them to Kacy
Young at youngk@bbfl.us. Mr. Young closed by noting the grants that there are currently being
worked on: The Land and Water Conservation Fund and also the Rec Trails Grant. Some of the
Workshop Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 27, 2021
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ideas discussed tonight will be added to the applications and Recreation & Parks is looking forward
to helping to develop this park. Mr. Groff again noted that all questions and suggestions from
tonight’s exercise will be saved and built into the project. Looking forward to the next workshop!
III. GRANTS INFORMATION
A. Land and Water Conservation Fund -- Not addressed
B. Recreational Trails Program -- Not addressed
IV. PUBLIC AUDIENCE -- None
V. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Groff closed the Online Meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Attachments: PowerPoint Presentation Eco Park Workshop
[Minutes transcribed by M. Moore, Prototype, Inc.]
QUANTUM ECO PARK
PUBLIC VISION WORKSHOP
HISTORY
•The 60 Acre Park was established in 1988 when the Quantum Park Plat #3 was filed with the County.
•23 acres of the 60 acre park was dedicated to the City for an active park with the remaining area to remain
as a natural upland pine flatland preserve.
•In 2015, the Quantum Park Overlay Development District (QPODD) developed a Park masterplan.
•In 2020, the QPODD transferred the remaining park area to the City along with funding to start developing a
passive park for the City.2
2015 QPODD MASTER
PLAN IDEAS
•Two vehicular access points and parking
•Walking trails in natural areas, bike trail along
canal, and raised boardwalk in wetlands
•Canoe/Kayak/Paddle Board Launch
•Pier/Dock/Overlook for Lake
•Pavilions
•Restrooms
•Signage
3
2019 CONCEPTUAL PLAN
•Two access points with parking from Miner
Road and Quantum Park Blvd.
•Re-establish upland pine preserve on the
City park portion of the property
•ADA accessible trail between the two access
points
•4-5 pavilions throughout the trail system
•Improved trails to access select points within
the preserved park
•Two canoe/kayak launches and overlook
piers
•Restrooms
•Nature themed playground outside
preserved area
4
CURRENT STATUS
•Phase I included constructing parking for the
future park and was completed in October
2020 as a Public-Private Partnership
•As part of Phase I, the consultant developed
a very preliminary park plan
•QPODD will provide approximately $600,000
for Phase II development and the City is
applying for matching grant funds
•Visioning workshop will assist in providing
the project scope to the park designer that
will be hired in March
5
POTENTIAL
PARTNERS
6
•Magical Bridge Foundation works
to develop fully accessible parks
for inclusive use by all individuals
•The foundation works with local
government to raise funding for
the park
•The goal would be to add
interactive sites that all people can
enjoy at all ability levels
•They work with design
professionals to design site
appropriate features that enhance
the park usage
•Their goals would be to maintain
the ecosystem through passive
enjoyment and education
VISIONING
QUESTION #1 Question #1: What should be the overall theme of the park?
2. Preservation of natural
ecosystems with citizen
access
•Passive human access to observe
the natural areas
•Minimal disruption of native flora
and fauna
•Educational components to
create understanding of the
environment
•Trail enhancements to access the
natural areas
•Required security and limited
lighting systems to ensure safety
and preservation
1. Original QPODD Master Plan
with a focus on preserving
natural areas and creating
active areas
•Removing all invasive species and
debris and creating park space
•Amenities constructed for
recreational activities
•Preservation of native flora and
fauna with a focus on aesthetics
and interaction by the public
•Required security and lighting
systems throughout the active
portion of the park
7
VISIONING
QUESTION #2 Question #2: What basic improvements should be included?
1. Vehicle access for parking off Miner Road?
2. Restroom facilities?
3. Lake and canal access?
4. Pavilions located appropriately?
5. Access points from neighborhoods?
6. Educational amenities/signage?
7. Security infrastructure?
8. Removal of existing invasive species and debris?
8
VISIONING
QUESTION #3
Question #3: What Park enhancements could be added to
enhance the experience?
1. Elevated boardwalk through wetland area?
2. Enhanced ADA viewing areas?
3. Nature themed playground?
4. Canoe/Kayak launching facilities?
5. Seating area for educational classes?
6. Fitness amenities?
7. Open play space?
8. Native animal recovery center or plant nursery?
9
VISIONING
QUESTION #4 Question #4: Other ideas that could enhance the eco park?
10
•
NEXT STEPS
•Develop scope of work for Phase II from
visioning ideas
•Prepare a contract with a designer for
Commission Approval to develop overall
master plan and Phase II work
•Continue to apply for grants and seek
funding partners
•Schedule a follow up public workshop to
review first concept by the selected designer
•Finalize Phase II plans
•Bid work in October 2021
11
THANK YOU
youngk@bbfl.us
www.boynton-beach.org