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Pickleball players and youth sports advocates press Miami Lakes council to prioritize Optimist Park upgrades
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the council during public comment to restore park funds and to add dedicated pickleball courts at Optimist Park. Speakers argued the sport draws visitors and local business revenue; veterans and seniors also testified about the park’s value.
Dozens of Miami Lakes residents turned out at the council meeting to press for upgrades at Miami Lakes Optimist Park, telling the Town Council that the park needs immediate repairs and dedicated facilities — particularly dedicated pickleball courts — to meet rapidly growing demand.
Speakers included parents, longtime park volunteers, senior softball organizers and a USA Pickleball ambassador. Several described long wait times at existing pickleball surfaces, cross‑municipal players who travel to Miami Lakes because of reliable lighting, and the sport’s role in drawing visitors to local restaurants and small businesses.
Why it matters: Supporters said dedicated courts would accommodate a multi‑generational community, create civic and commercial spillover benefits for Main Street restaurants and help keep younger residents connected to the town.
Public testimony highlights - Nathan Padilla described hours‑long waits and crowding at two mixed‑use tennis courts where players install temporary pickleball nets; he said the town should convert or build dedicated courts to reduce wind interference and shorten wait times. "I would rather see our residents enjoying our parks instead of going somewhere else," Padilla said. - Daniel Gonzalez and Kenneth Perez told the council the park draws players from neighboring cities and that those visitors spend money in Miami Lakes restaurants after matches. - Jim Hamilton and Carlos Fernandez Guzman urged the council to return funds transferred previously out of the park fund to support long‑planned field, lighting and restroom upgrades; Hamilton said restoring park money "would provide $1,700,000 to finally start the current park improvement plan" (comment made during public testimony and should be verified in the final budget document).
Council response and context - Council members and staff said the council amended the town’s budget in the same meeting to restore park funding and move other dollars into contingency. Vice Mayor Brian Moreira and others said staff will present plans for how contingency and restored funds will be used. - The Parks Department told the council the mulch and athletic‑field maintenance items in the maintenance contract are priced under an existing grounds‑maintenance agreement and include labor and distribution; the department recommended funding those items to keep fields playable and safe.
Next steps: Several speakers and council members asked staff to return with a clear implementation timeline and bids for park improvements, including costed options for dedicated pickleball courts and for resurfacing and lighting upgrades at Optimist Park.
