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Vero Beach Council backs phased plan for Pocahontas Park overhaul, seeks private and grant funds
Summary
Council agreed to proceed with a phased redevelopment of Pocahontas Park, starting with replacement playground equipment and site survey work for an amphitheater and gateways; staff will return with cost options, procurement steps and fundraising plans that include EDZ funds, grants and private sponsorships.
The Vero Beach City Council on Feb. 3 endorsed moving forward with a phased redevelopment of Pocahontas Park, beginning with replacement of aging playground equipment and follow-up design work to site a proposed amphitheater and gateways.
Planning Director Jason Jeffries presented the DPZ CoDesign plan and Recreation Director Jim O'Connell told council the Recreation Commission selected GameTime to supply the playground equipment. Assistant Recreation Director Patty Howard said the city has budgeted funds for the project but has not yet placed an order. Howard gave a preliminary cost range of $450,000 to $550,000 for demolition and installation; she said customized elements could extend vendor lead time beyond the typical six-to-10-week window.
Councilmembers pressed staff on fencing options and durability. O'Connell explained that coated chain-link fencing can rust from the inside if the coating cracks; Howard said aluminum fencing pricing is being developed. Falls said the playground equipment vendor does not provide fencing and that the fence procurement will require a separate RFP.
Councilmember Linda Moore displayed amphitheater examples and proposed siting a stage at the park's south end to increase park usage. Mayor John Cotugno and staff agreed the project is likely to be phased: playground first, gateways and gazebo in a later year. Mr. Falls said $1.4 million has been budgeted for overall park work and staff will return with scaled site layouts and cost estimates so Council can decide which elements to start first.
On funding, Vice Mayor Taylor Dingle urged outreach to the private sector and noted prior successful sponsorships; Jaqueline Williams of MainStreet Vero Beach urged the city to pursue state and federal grants and offered nonprofit assistance to manage grants, and reminded council that private donors had previously pledged support. Councilmember John Carroll said the county permit for refurbishment of the Rotary Fountain was approved and contractors must mobilize within 14 days, with work expected to finish by early May.
Next steps: staff will request a site survey, develop scaled plans tying the improvements to the Heritage Center, solicit fencing pricing via RFP, and return to council with cost and funding scenarios.
The council opened and closed public comment on the park at the Feb. 3 workshop; no formal motions or votes were recorded.
