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Board debates scope, cost and use agreements for Founders Park baseball project
Summary
Board members and staff discussed schematic design for Founders Park: artificial turf, concession/press box and a multipurpose building. Estimated cost rose to $6.1 million; board members pressed for clarifications on interlocal and use agreements, maintenance responsibilities and timelines.
District facilities staff updated the board on schematic design for Founders Park, the proposed Coral Shores-area baseball facility. The project scope presented includes an artificial turf field, a combined concession/press box building with restrooms, a multipurpose building with locker rooms and athletic training space (about 2,000 square feet), bleachers lowered to grade and new dugouts. Staff said the design team produced new renderings showing how the buildings would blend with existing park architecture and trees.
Staff reported a current estimated project cost of about $6.1 million against a working budget of $5 million and said the design team aims to deliver design development by Oct. 7, with construction documents and bidding then anticipated in late winter and construction after the baseball season. Staff said the district could apply to the Tourist Development Council for TDC funds similar to the Rex Weech effort if the board directs.
Board members pressed staff on several legal and financial issues. Several board members said they need stronger assurances on long‑term use rights before committing significant district funds because the field is owned by the municipality (Village of Islamorada). Staff said an existing interlocal agreement (ILA) allows continued district use but acknowledged that additional licensing and use agreements are being negotiated with village staff; staff said those drafts will be shared with the board. Board members also asked for clarity about who would pay for medium- and long-term capital replacement (for example, turf replacement, often a capital—not maintenance—cost at year 10 or later) and for clearer cost breakdowns by building (for example, the cost for the multipurpose building and concession/press box).
Other issues raised: whether batting cages or a future covered hitting/pitching facility are included in the cost (staff said the batting cages remain as-is and the covered hitting facility is not currently in scope), whether parking under new structures would be covered and whether the village fully supports the current scope. Staff said they are working with village staff, a local task force and the contractor and will return with design development and revised cost information.
No project vote was taken; staff sought board feedback to continue schematic and design‑development work.
