A private sports operator on July 23 urged Opelika city leaders to adopt a four-phase program to revive local parks and pools and said his Hialeah-based Blue Fury Sports Complex can partner with the city to run year-round youth and adult programming.

Why it matters: Commissioners praised the proposal as a source of ideas and potential private partnerships but emphasized that parks remain city property and that any outside programming must be coordinated with parks staff and the city manager. Concerns included security, staffing, and whether certain improvements must be done by the city before private activation.

What was proposed
- Osmani Pelaez, owner of Blue Fury Sports Complex, presented “Move A Minute,” a four-phase plan to wake up parks with immediate repairs and events, activate recurring weekly programs, build durable facilities and replicate successful models across multiple parks. He proposed activities including swim lessons, pickleball, youth academies and micro-retail kiosks.
- Pailez said his existing venue supports more than 500 youth participants and that he can supply coaches, trainers and programming know-how.

Commission response and city follow-up
- Commissioner Charlene Bass visited Blue Fury and reported large, inclusive programming there, including separate areas for children with special needs. Bass recommended a site visit by the commission.
- Commissioners and the mayor noted the city's parks are already programmed and stressed that the city will not "outsource" control of parks; manager and parks director must approve any joint activities. The manager said parks are open and operating under current programming.
- Commissioners asked staff to work with Mr. Pelaez and to ensure proposals do not interfere with current park hours, safety procedures or required staffing. The parks director and city manager will handle logistics.

Related maintenance issues raised during the meeting
- Commissioners and staff also noted recent repairs: the pool pump at Chabundi/Chabody (Ingram/Chabondie references in transcript) was replaced after a lightning strike and is now operational; staff said sidewalk and playground repairs are in progress at other parks.
- Commissioners requested that city staff report back on facility readiness, security plans for school-tenant leases in the municipal building, and staffing models to avoid overtime when scheduling events.

Ending
- The commission encouraged further collaboration. Staff were asked to follow up with the parks director and manager to explore partnerships and report back on any formal pilot agreements or necessary capital repairs before new programming begins.