Redington Shores parks advisory committee urges Commission to address Nature Park plant maintenance

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee in Redington Shores told the Town Commission it should address maintenance problems in Nature Park and delay further plantings until existing beds are cared for, Chair Loretta Fricks said at the committee's Aug. 14 meeting.

Loretta Fricks said she will speak to the Commission about the committee's concern that newly planted beds are "weed infested" and that the committee is reluctant to pursue additional plantings until there is a plan for ongoing care. Committee members listed other items they have referred to the Commission for direction, including a proposed Nature Park sign name change, new beach access signs, and refresh work for county park beach-access parking islands.

Committee members also noted that pole decorations along Gulf Boulevard have been referred to the Commission; the Town Manager will speak with the current decorations vendor to seek suggestions for possible changes, and committee members suggested sending a PAR representative to that meeting. Several members raised the idea of installing a permanent sculpture where trees were lost in a recent storm as an alternative to continued plantings that would require regular maintenance.

The committee approved the minutes from the July 31 meeting by motion and unanimous vote. Chair Fricks is scheduled to raise the maintenance and planting concerns with the Commission at its next meeting. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will meet next on Aug. 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.