Sunny Isles Beach commissioners hear update on joint IPAL youth program
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Summary
The commission heard a presentation from Dani Bonini on a two-city Intracoastal Police Athletic League (IPAL) program shared with Aventura, which will offer volleyball, basketball and boxing plus a free mentorship component. Programs are resident-only, charged modest monthly fees and aim to be self-sustaining.
The commission on Feb. 15 received an update on a joint youth program operated by the Intracoastal Police Athletic League (IPAL), which partners Sunny Isles Beach with the city of Aventura.
"My name is Dani Bonini. I'm the executive director for your IPAL, Intracoastal Police Athletic League," Bonini said, describing the program as a two-city effort that mixes athletic activities with mentorship and law-enforcement engagement.
Bonini told commissioners the program will provide volleyball, basketball and boxing plus a mentorship track. Program capacities are limited for the initial season: volleyball and basketball courses are capped at 35 participants each, boxing at 15, and mentorship participation is provided free to families who sign their children up for athletic activities. She said the modest monthly fees — $50 for boxing and $65 for volleyball and basketball — are intended to foster buy-in from families and avoid returning to the cities for recurring operating support.
"One of the reasons...we needed to charge at least a minimal fee is because there needs to be buy in from the parents," Bonini said, adding that the group is a registered 501(c)(3) and will accept donations.
Commissioners pressed staff on logistics: where activities will run, whether classes mix Sunny Isles and Aventura children, coach compensation and registration. Bonini said boxing and jujitsu classes will be held in Aventura, other sports in Sunny Isles, and that the mentorship component will remain free.
Staff agreed to provide registration and capacity details to the commission following the meeting. Bonini said she would follow up on current participant numbers and coordinate registration through the city's systems.
The commissioners welcomed the program and a local commissioner pledged a $500 initial donation to support the launch. The commission did not take formal action beyond directing staff to receive follow-up information.
