Parks advisory committee OKs skate-park mural for commission, schedules workshops on public-art rules

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee voted to move a skate-park mural application "as submitted" to the Fernandina Beach City Commission while also agreeing by consensus to schedule workshops to refine the public-art application and acquisition process.

Scott Michaelson, Director of Parks and Recreation, asked the Committee to "take a deep dive" into the recently updated ordinance and recommended staff set one or two workshops with participation from former Arts and Culture Nassau members and HDC representatives. Michaelson said staff would only send the application to the City Commission if the Committee confirmed it supported the project.

One Committee member made a motion to approve the skate-park project and another seconded it. Member Brown said, "I will recuse myself from this vote." Katie Rivera, Deputy Director, called the vote; the Committee recorded support and staff will take the project to the Commission with a clear record of PRAC's recommendation.

The Committee also agreed — without a formal vote — to schedule workshops open to the public so members can thoroughly review definitions, location maps and operational responsibilities before considering additional applications. Michaelson said he would reach out to former Arts and Culture Nassau leaders and the planning department to ensure HDC input for historic-district matters.

What happens next: staff will set workshop dates, post them as public meetings and forward the approved skate-park application and PRAC recommendation to the City Commission for consideration.