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PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
4404 BURNS ROAD
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33410
PHONE (561) 775 -8270 - FAX (561) 775 -8280
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
SUSAN MILLER
Director
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 4,1997
The City of Palm Beach Gardens Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met Tuesday, November 4, 1997 at
7:00 P.M. at the Burns Road Community Center.
Members present included: Susie Kendall, Chairperson, Bruce Fletcher, Jim Maynor, Ed Oliver, Chris
Holmes, Alt., Bette Bates, Alt., Susan Miller, Director/Parks and Recreation, and Brian McLaughlin,
Superintendent/Parks and Recreation. Not present: Pam Didio, Mike Simon, Charles Torrey, Vice Mayor
Lauren Furtado.
In addition to the advisory board members in attendance were Mayor Joseph Russo, City Manager Bobbie
Herakovich, Councilman Eric Jablin and County Commissioner Karen Marcus.
I APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
*The minutes from the September 3, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were
approved as written.
II DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
DISTRICT PARK
*District Park for Palm Beach Gardens in conjunction with Palm Beach County was presented with
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies taken from "Growing Together in the Gardens ", Our Vision, A Strategic
Plan - Adopted 12-5 -96. Desired size would be around 200 acres.
*Explained differences of neighborhood parks, community parks, and district parks with size related
to area population a park is planned to accommodate.
*Park components include: Athletic fields, courts and rinks, picnic shelters, lakes, playgrounds,
multi - purpose community centers,
*Rendering of vacant land indicating three possible locations for a district park was on display.
*Additional sites west of Central Boulevard and Hood Road for development of parks, though
acreage is less expensive.
*The City is thinking progressively in planning for a district park and for future parks with the
anticipated and planned growth of the city. Bobbie Herakovich, City Manager, stated that the Foundation is
willing to work with us and the county.
Impact fees and credits against future development creatively can be used for funding if Foundation consents.
*Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommendations and input will be taken back to council by
council representation in attendance.
WINNER OF THE NAT70NAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD
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*RFP for Parks and Recreation Master Plan is out and will be approved at November 20th City
Council Meeting.
*Programs, facilities and activities would be offered first to residents and then anyone else in the
county could participate.
*Riverbend District Park is more passive. The County needs more ballfields.
*A district park could be a reality before 2003 if all continues at the present pace and momentum.
This economic partnership between the City and county will be developed in phases.
FRENCHMAN'S FOREST
*Working closely with EARM, Rich Walesky and Kate Brennan for the development of the nature
center by the City with the county funding the nature trails. The north county area has been lacking an
environmental education location but the interlocal agreement is ready to be signed and Commissioner Karen
Marcus has designated funds for this project.
*Key factor is water on site and no intrusion to provide for mangrove planting.
*Supporters must be the educators who recognize the need for an environmental educational center.
*FAU University interested in Frenchman's Forest northern location.
III BUSINESS:
*Mayor Joseph Russo and Councilman Eric Jablin expressed strong support of the District Park and
Frenchman's Forest and the partnership of the City and the County.
IV MEMBERS COMMENTS:
*Recommend steps be taken immediately for District Park.
1. Consult with McArthur Foundation
2. Form Task Force for research and scope of services
*Susie Kendall enthusiastically thanked Susan Miller and Brian McLaughlin for their great
presentation this evening. She is happy to be part of the planning of future parks for the City and the District.
*Chairperson to make motion at council meeting that Advisory Board unanimously supports and
conceptually endorses both the District Park and Frenchman's Forest.
* A "nature" walk through the Frenchman's Forest should be planned soon.
*Bruce Fletcher was asked to co -chair the Advisory Board since Co -chair Laura Haase, moved.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
& � in
Dee Schneider
Administrative Secretary/Parks and Recreation
NOTES:
*Our neat meeting will be January 6,1998 in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
*The agenda for the January meeting is being included with the minutes.
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