Parks staff outline projects, events and budget constraints; impact fees may be depleted in FY26

Scott Michaelson, Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation director, briefed the advisory committee on Sept. 9 about multiple near-term projects, staffing and contract changes and the department’s priorities for fiscal year 2026.

Michaelson said the City Commission will hold a second reading of fee schedules on Sept. 16; if approved, the new schedules would take effect Oct. 1. He announced an RFP for a contractor to clean park restrooms citywide starting Oct. 1 (covering Simmons Park, Central Park, Egan's Creek Park, Pirate Park, MLK Fields, downtown and future waterfront restrooms) and clarified youth sports groups such as Babe Ruth will remain responsible for their own facilities unless they opt in to the contract.

The department is interviewing candidates to fill its superintendent vacancy and has five applicants; Michaelson said he hopes to have someone in place by Nov. 1. He also said the Lighthouse lens motor has been shipped to Jacksonville and the U.S. Coast Guard will schedule repairs once it receives the part.

Michaelson reviewed an events calendar spanning September and October with items that include a senior expo, a watermelon ride, a fall festival, new 2nd Street Oktoberfest and Island Hop, and the Amelia Island Half Marathon. The director invited committee members to a batting-cage grand opening and dedication at Central Park on Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m.; the chair noted upgrades and local contractors used for the project and confirmed 286 registrants for fall Babe Ruth.

On larger capital projects, Michaelson said the budget for FY26 includes funds for a master-plan/open-space update (the current plan dates to 2015), a columbarium design and design work for Martin Luther King softball fields, with a target to present MLK design materials to the committee in October. He said an appraisal and cost estimates for the Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex are imminent.

Committee members asked about the city’s impact fee balance; Michaelson said the Waterfront Park and Hickory Street Park already used substantial impact-fee money and that moving forward with both Ybor Alvarez and MLK projects as currently planned would likely deplete impact-fee reserves in FY26. “If we were to move forward with those projects as expected right now, that money would be depleted,” he said.

Members also discussed options for soccer fields — purchasing airport property, leasing it, or reconfiguring Hickory (which is owned by the school board and leased to the city). Concerns included parking, lighting, field size and long-term feasibility of investing on property the city does not own.

Michaelson said the department will provide more detailed financial figures and recommendations as appraisal and design work proceed, and the committee will weigh recommendations about locations and funding when the department returns with specifics.