Commission debates Dante Faso building versus park upgrades; mayor suggests privatizing tennis center

Parks priorities took center stage at the June 9 CIP workshop as commissioners weighed whether to advance the Dante Faso community building or focus on other high‑priority amenities such as the South Miami Park parking lot and the fitness trail.

Parks staff said they have design and outreach work underway on multiple sites, including 90% plans for Brewer Park lighting and connectivity that would link courts and sidewalks. Commissioners asked whether park impact fees will cover planned work; staff said finance has fact‑checked the allocations and that park impact funds will be exhausted first with the general fund used if those revenues run short.

Mayor Fernandez raised the idea of a public‑private management agreement for the tennis center, which staff said currently projects about $825,000 in revenue with operating costs below that figure. "Let's privatize it," the mayor suggested as a way to have an outside operator finance and run a new facility while the city benefits from improved amenities and reduced operating burdens. Commissioners responded with interest but asked staff to assess operational details, obligations, and any restrictions associated with a prior $500,000 state appropriation tied to facility improvements.

Commissioners also discussed Manor Lane park (community outreach ongoing), Jean Willis Park signage (questioned as $10,000 while the park's long‑term location is in flux), the 74th/67th parking lot design to preserve protected trees, and dog‑park options. Staff said community meetings and surveys will continue through the summer and will be shared with the Commission before construction funding is allocated.