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Belle Glade officials say Airport Park work is underway; contractor start expected soon, scoreboards and sponsorships under review
Summary
City staff and commissioners reported that contractors and city crews have begun hauling muck and leveling Airport Park fields; city staff estimate contractor completion about three weeks after mobilization and said scoreboard replacement may be paid by a sponsor and other amenities are tied to KN grants.
City staff told the Belle Glade commission on Feb. 24 that work at Airport Park has begun and the city is coordinating contractor schedules, community outreach and potential sponsorships for amenities.
Parks staff said in response to community backlash that the city began hauling muck and leveling fields before rain interrupted work. "We started hauling in the muck today before we got rained out," a parks presenter said, and staff expect major improvements once the contractor begins. The manager’s office provided an estimated completion timeline of about three weeks after the contractor’s first start date, weather permitting.
Commissioners and staff also discussed lighting along a curved corridor and the 7:15/715 stretch, where several speakers said there remain dark areas and pedestrian-safety concerns. Public Works staff acknowledged some issues are sensor- or bulb-related and said they will continue inspections; the city has contacted the utility (FPL) for larger lighting upgrades.
Parks staff said scoreboards and additional fitness equipment are being pursued: the scoreboards may be supplied by a private sponsor to save city funds, and exercise equipment and track upgrades are tied to a KN grant. The Parks director sought and received informal commission support for a community Easter-weekend event (April 19) that will request only city security resources.
No new capital appropriation for Airport Park was approved at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue to communicate a contractor start date and completion estimate to the public.
