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Council hears CIP updates across parks: soccer complex, playgrounds, Riverside and Depot Park plans
Summary
Staff updated council on multiple park projects: Leitner Creek Soccer Complex (100% design, permit reviews), Bonita Soccer Complex and tennis court upgrades, Riverside Park phase 2 timeline requiring closures, Depot Park destination playground planning, and other CIP items including Lyles Hotel Plaza and Banyan Tree Park.
Paul Perino, parks and recreation director, briefed the council on the city’s parks and recreation capital improvement program, touching projects from the Leitner Creek Soccer Complex to Riverside Park and Depot Park.
Leitner Creek Soccer Complex: Perino said design work is complete (100% plans) for a youth soccer complex adjacent to the dog park; restrooms are sited to serve both uses. The project is under permit review by Community Development, South Florida Water Management District and BSU; staff said the South Florida Water Management District review may be the longest hold‑up before construction contracts can be brought to council.
Bonita Soccer Complex and tennis courts: staff described completed renovations at the Bonita Soccer Complex (upgraded concessions, meeting rooms and restrooms) and a council agenda item to replace metal halide lights with LEDs to reduce maintenance and ensure dark‑sky compliance. Community Park tennis courts were recently resurfaced and will receive LED retrofits; staff said dual‑striping courts for pickleball is not feasible at the school‑used courts and indoor pickleball remains in demand.
Riverside Park and Depot Park: Perino said Riverside Park phase 1 is complete; phase 2 (interior utilities, artificial turf and event infrastructure) will be more intensive and could shut parts of the park from early April through November, requiring alternate event plans for Memorial Day and other gatherings. Depot Park is a candidate for a more expansive 'destination' playground and riverfront amenities; staff recommended a dedicated public workshop for Depot Park design due to strong neighborhood interest.
Other items: Perino outlined playground pour‑in‑place surfacing maintenance (top layer replacement ~$64,000 every ~10 years), Venina Nature Place roof and fence upgrades, options for the Lyles Hotel Plaza fountain (refurbish mechanism vs. design changes) and Banyan Tree Park permitting and construction timing.
Next steps: staff will return with permit updates, bid/award recommendations for FEMA projects (fencing and repairs) and construction schedules, and will host or schedule additional public workshops for projects that require extensive community input.
