Parks and Recreation Director (Rick, first name used in presentation) reviewed the department's capital and operating requests, highlighted major near-term projects and responded to community concerns about Trey Thomas Park.

Capital requests include a paid design for a proposed skate park (staff said the design will support grant applications), resurfacing and drainage work at Spec Martin Stadium (the field roof and drainage are aging), a new scoreboard/audio package for Spec Martin, and robotic automated mowers for the Sperling Sports Complex (nine units, one per field, estimated at about $46,000 per unit depending on model). Parks staff also proposed a pull-behind lift, topdresser and other specialized grounds equipment for sports-field maintenance.

The director said the city will host the Under Armour All-America football event and the Hula Bowl in January and noted the city's success hosting soccer state championships, all-star games and regional Little League tournaments. Staff noted shared-cost opportunities with Stetson University for some Spec Martin upgrades, including elevator and interior work at the FISH Building.

During public comment, a resident (identified as Mr. Bryant) urged the commission to restore or preserve vehicle access and parking at Trey Thomas Park in Spring Hill, saying the park historically accommodated on-site parking for gatherings and that fencing and gate closures following renovations have limited access and caused spillover parking on adjacent streets. The resident framed the request as both a safety and cultural-access issue for Spring Hill residents, and commissioners asked Parks staff to review parking design and community usage.

Parks staff said some elements (for example, adding lights or changing pavilion hours) require further policy review, and staff noted lifeguard availability limits extended pool hours. Commissioners voiced interest in exploring additional lighting for playgrounds and other amenities but asked staff to research safety implications and best practices before adding lights systemwide.

The director asked commissioners to consider the skate-park design funding in the current capital plan to jump-start a fundraising and grant-matching effort led by community volunteers. Commissioners also discussed potential land acquisition for future fields (including a county property negotiation) and the need to pace capital requests against other budget priorities.