Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Projects Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks & Recreation staff report completed repairs, grants for batting cage and progress on MLK site plans
Summary
Parks director Scott Michaelson reported completion of boardwalk and skate-park phases, LED tennis-court lighting, a $139,000 batting-cage project funded by a county grant and Babe Ruth, and previewed MLK softball-field site plans and upcoming special events.
Scott Michaelson, director of parks and recreation, told the committee on June 10 that crews finished the third phase of skate-park rehabilitation, replaced tennis-court lights with LEDs at Central Park, and pressure-washed and selectively re-decked the Jean Lafitte boardwalk to address slippery mildew.
"Every day it seems like something comes up and we just work through it," Michaelson said, praising staff and the cooperation with golf operations.
Michaelson said the batting-cage project is a $139,000 effort funded by a $50,000 county grant plus additional contributions from Babe Ruth; when complete, interior netting and modular bays will allow multiple practice layouts. He clarified that some grant and partner funding was required to complete the scope.
On facilities, Michaelson reported that demolition and plumbing on the Atlantic Recreation Center men's locker room are complete and concrete work is underway; Hickory Street Park restroom units have been delivered, with groundwork remaining. He said staff will send a timeline update to committee members.
Recreation staff member Katie provided program updates: 205 people are signed up for swim lessons this summer, offered either as an eight-week weekly option or a one-week daily intensive; beginner levels are offered free to city residents until swimmers meet water-safety standards. Katie also said summer camp is at capacity with roughly 60 children per week and two large trips scheduled this month.
Michaelson previewed a site-plan review for the Martin Luther King Recreation Center softball fields at next month’s meeting and described coordination with Elm Street Little League and temporary use of Ybor Alvarez fields while work proceeds. He also warned that ordinance changes for special events and public art remain in process and will return for review when the city attorney returns.
Committee members asked about sunshade lifespan and maintenance; staff said seam damage and salt/sun exposure have shortened fabric life and that higher-upfront-cost alternatives with lower maintenance are under consideration.
