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Parks department reports aquatics programs, maintenance work and upcoming events; public commenters announce community meetings
Summary
Staff reported on aquatics lessons (including a free program for second graders), winter maintenance, park improvements and upcoming events such as the Rock, Roll and Run 5K; public commenters promoted a Holly’s Hope meeting on vaping and internships and announced recognition of lifeguards for a life-saving rescue.
Department staff provided updates on aquatics programs, maintenance work and upcoming events during the advisory board meeting.
Aquatics Manager Devon Pulis said the department provides a program called Safe Water Instruction Matters that brings about 650 second-grade students for a week of free swimming lessons funded in part by the school district and a private donor. “To them it’s free. We actually get money back for that from the school district,” Pulis said. The Aquatic Center is completing winter maintenance and recovering from Hurricane Ian damage; staff are installing a new scoreboard and restoring shade structures.
On recreation and events, the department reported 96 patrons at the last concert in the park, 84 fathers and daughters at the Sweetheart Ball, and more than 10,000 attendees at the Poinsettia Parade. Upcoming events listed included North Port Academy, a Rock, Roll and Run 5K, a summer-camp registration roundup on Jan. 25 and a movie on the green.
Maintenance work noted by staff included footbridge repairs at the Environmental Park, softball-light repairs and fencing and irrigation pump fixes. Staff also installed adopt-a-park signage and completed field overseeding activity at multiple parks.
During public comment, a community member announced a Holly’s Hope meeting at the Morgan Center on Feb. 4 to discuss vaping in schools and internships; the commenter asked local businesses and residents to attend. The same speaker also said two lifeguards from Warm Mineral Springs performed a resuscitation on a visitor and will be recognized on Feb. 6 by the city and on Feb. 3 by the American Red Cross with a national life-saving award.
