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Residents press for improved sports facilities as organizer pitches 'Melby Day' event
Summary
A youth football coach asked the commission for a dedicated football complex and improved field maintenance; an event organizer proposed an annual 'Melby Day' community event and said she is coordinating security with local police, while commissioners requested clearer plans for Frasier Field improvements.
Residents and local organizers used public comment to highlight recreation and community-event needs.
Terrell Polk, president of the Lake Wales Steelers, described the challenges facing inner-city youth sports: "We don't have nowhere to call home," Polk said, describing poor lighting, aged stadium wood, poor restroom facilities and unlined fields. He asked the commission to help start a football complex or indoor basketball facility to provide a home field for local teams.
Kerry Davis, owner of I'm Fabulous LLC, introduced "Melby Day," an inaugural community-focused event scheduled for Nov. 1 that she described as a family-friendly day to promote unity, brotherhood and outlets for youth. Davis said she is coordinating with the Lake Wales and Bartow police departments on a security plan and asked council support for venue selection and permitting.
Commissioner Gillespie said citizens concerned about Frasier Field need clearer information on the long-term plan and the status of any updates; the city manager replied that both long-term and interim solutions are being pursued and that the parks and recreation director would be connected with citizens to share details.
The commission did not adopt a specific capital project or funding decision at this meeting; speakers requested staff follow-up to translate requests into planning steps and to report back to commissioners and the public.
