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Council urges bolder design, approves move to 90% for Torino Regional Park Phase 1 despite budget gap
Summary
Council directed staff to advance Torino Regional Park Phase 1 design to 90% while asking consultants to increase the project’s “wow” elements and consider phasing, noting the project is over budget and tied to ARPA funding.
Port St. Lucie City Council on July 14 heard a 30% design update for Torino Regional Park Phase 1 and authorized staff to advance the project to 90% design, with instructions to pursue higher‑impact features, examine phasing and pursue cost mitigation.
Zach Sherman, executive project manager with Parks and Recreation, and Kimley‑Horn designers Jonathan Hague and Kristin Alexa presented a site plan that includes trails, a skate park, six pickleball courts, a covered basketball court, a fitness area, a large themed playground with multiple “pods,” a splash pad, a restroom and a maintenance facility. The presentation emphasized inclusive elements, shade structures and a sensory/young‑child “village” area.
Council feedback: ‘wow’ factor and safety
Several councilmembers praised specific elements, especially the splash pad and shade, and asked the consultant team to increase the overall “wow” factor so the park becomes a destination comparable to Pioneer Park and examples such as Sugar Sand Park.
Councilman Pickett questioned safety for tall climbing elements on the proposed owl play structure and requested design modifications to limit risky climbs; Parks Director Brad King said manufacturer standards and safety surfacing will guide design and suggested adding design features to prevent climbing to exposed heights. The council asked that inclusive features remain part of the design.
Budget and schedule
The city manager informed the council the project is currently over budget; staff and consultants said they will pursue options including direct procurement of equipment, phasing some elements and other mitigation measures. Staff noted the project has ARPA funding tied to it and that a December groundbreaking remains the stated goal. Staff asked council for permission to proceed to 90% design to meet schedule; council voted to advance the design and requested the team return with the updated site plan and cost adjustments for further review.
Action taken
Council authorized staff to move the park design to 90% and to work with consultants to incorporate council feedback on design, accessibility and cost mitigation. The motion passed unanimously.
Ending
Staff will return with the 90% design, an updated budget and potential phasing options. Council emphasized the desire for a destination‑level project and asked that staff and consultants study exemplary installations (including Sugar Sand Park) as part of the design refinement process.
