Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Youth Center - Conference Room

Agenda — 18 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
4. 3 Present: - Jennifer Marques - Vanessa Gutierrez - Erik Rodriguez - Michelle White - Maite Halley - Kirk Menendez Absent: - Richard Smit - excused
5. 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
6. 5 a. General updates. At the beginning of his report, Director Fred Couceyro provided the Board with an update on the start of the Department’s Summer Camp programs, including the addition of the new PSG Summer Camp. He continued his report by reviewing recent and upcoming programs and events, membership updates, and potential FIFA-related activities, including community watch parties and other associated programming opportunities. Director Couceyro concluded this portion of his report by providing information on the upcoming project planned for Ponce Circle Park. He presented a project presentation to the Board members, highlighting the proposed improvements, project goals, and anticipated benefits to the community. b. Special events. Director Couceyro proceeded to update the board on the forthcoming events for the month of July and August - Summer Camp began June 8th. - Saturday, July 4, 2026: Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel from 5 - 10 p.m. - Saturday, July 4, 2026: Sensory Friendly 4th of July at Ruth Bryan Owen from 7 - 10 p.m. - Saturday, August 6, 2026: A Saturday at the Cinema: The Color of Money at 11 a.m. - Friday, August 7, 2026: Annual Quinceañera Celebration at the Palace from 1 - 4 p.m. - Monday, August 3 - Saturday, August 8: Youth Center Maintenance Week (facility closed) c. C.I.P updates. Director Couceyro continued his report by providing updates on Phillips Park and Rotary Centennial Park. He also reviewed the status of Nellie B. Moore Park, and William & Leona Cooper Park. Additionally, he shared progress updates regarding the Granada Golf Course rain shelters and discussed forthcoming improvements and initiatives planned for Holiday Park. - Phillips Park - Construction is underway on the Phase 1 improvements. - Ponce Circle Park - Community meeting took place on June 1st. - Rotary Centennial Park - The project has advanced into the procurement phase. - Cooper Park - The project has advanced into the procurement phase. - Granada Golf course Rain Shelters - The project has advanced into the procurement phase. - Holiday Park - Contract with Joy By, LLC. is currently being prepared.
7. 5 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MAY MINUTES MEETING WAS MADE BY KIRK MENENDEZ AND SECOND BY VANESSA GUTIERREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 7 OLD BUSINESS
10. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
11. 9 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
12. 9 Board Member Kirk Menendez inquired about the status of the Youth Center improvement projects and requested that staff present an update at a future Board meeting. Director Couceyro responded that staff would be able to provide an update on the Youth Center improvements and include the item on an upcoming meeting agenda.
13. 10 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9th at 8:15 a.m. A MOTION TO RECESS THE JULY BOARD MEETING AND RECONVENE ON AUGUST 13 WAS MADE BY MICHELLE WHITE AND SECONDED BY VANESSA GUTIERREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. 11 ADJOURNMENT
15. 11 Board members requested a follow-up regarding the Dog Park project. Director Couceyro provided a brief status update and discussed recent developments and next steps associated with the project. Chairperson Jennifer Marques inquired about the status of the pending FRP applications. Director Couceyro reported that the Soccer FRP has been approved and noted that the Dance and Art FRP applications remain pending. Board Member Vanessa Gutierrez reported concerns regarding the PA sound system at the Venetian Pool. Assistant Director Espino advised that a contractor is expected to repair the system within the next few weeks, potentially during the week.
16. 12 NOTE
17. 13 Chairperson Jennifer Marques shared that she recently visited the Venetian Pool and was impressed by the attentiveness and professionalism of the lifeguard staff. She noted that she observed the lifeguards conducting a training drill and was pleased to see their level of preparedness and focus. Director Couceyro responded by noting that the Department had recently received a complimentary report from a county official who visited the Venetian Pool. According to Director Couceyro, the official spoke highly of the facility's customer service and commended the lifeguards for their attentiveness and professionalism. Chairperson Jennifer Marques suggested exploring healthier food options at the Venetian Pool concession stand. While she complimented the quality of the chicken nuggets, she expressed interest in seeing additional nutritious menu offerings available to patrons. Director Couceyro responded that the Department had previously introduced healthier food options; however, those items did not generate sufficient sales and ultimately resulted in financial losses. He noted that patron demand has historically favored the current menu offerings.
18. 17 The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 a.m.