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Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

May 14, 2026 ·8:15 AM Final ·https://coralgables.zoom.us/j/89943974263

Youth Center - Conference Room

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 17 items

  1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
  2. 2 ROLL CALL
  3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 8:23 a.m.
  4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
  5. 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
  6. 4 Present: - Maite Halley: attended via zoom - Kirk Menendez - Erik Rodriguez - Richard Smit - Vanessa Gutierrez - Jennifer Marques - Michelle White
  7. 5 a. General Updates Director Couceyro provided an update regarding operations at the Granada Golf Course. He reported that the transition to BrightView Landscape Services had begun and that tee box improvement work was underway as part of the maintenance agreement. The project is expected to result in upgraded tee boxes throughout the course. Director Couceyro also discussed recent City Commission action regarding golf fees and memberships. He explained that the former golf-only membership structure had been replaced with a golf add-on to the Coral Gables Golf & Country Club membership. The revised structure includes 30 complimentary rounds with cart usage, discounted rates for additional rounds, and priority tee-time reservations. Vice Chair Maite Halley discussed membership trends and the Country Club Advisory Board’s recommendation to maintain an eventual membership cap. Director Couceyro explained that membership levels fluctuate due to renewals and attrition and that the upcoming Country Club Open House would help promote the new membership offerings. Director Couceyro reported that the City Manager has directed departments to review operational costs and revenue recovery opportunities. Staff are currently conducting cost analysis across programs and services. Particular attention is being given to summer camp operations, where transportation and field trip admission costs have increased significantly. Director Couceyro will evaluate future camp pricing to ensure that program costs are adequately recovered while maintaining affordability for participants. Similar reviews are expected to be conducted for other divisions, including tennis operations. Director Couceyro announced that the City has awarded its youth soccer contract to Coral Gables Soccer powered by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Competitive team tryouts have begun and early feedback has been positive. Director Couceyro noted that the organization has demonstrated professionalism and experience operating competitive soccer programs. The Board was informed that the competitive soccer structure differs significantly from the City’s previous recreational soccer model. Director Couceyro explained that participation in competitive soccer often involves additional expenses beyond registration fees, including uniforms, tournament fees, travel costs, and coaching-related expenses associated with overnight tournaments. He emphasized that these costs are standard throughout the competitive soccer industry and that the organization has developed informational materials to help parents understand the expectations and financial commitments associated with competitive play. Board Member Michelle White inquired about opportunities for girls' participation within the new program and noted the importance of ensuring that female athletes have access to dedicated soccer opportunities. Director Couceyro explained that the organization intends to develop a full girls’ soccer pathway and is actively working toward establishing dedicated girls’ teams. Director Couceyro anticipates that participation levels will increase as awareness of the program grows and as the organization establishes itself within the community. Director Couceyro further explained that the organization expects participation during the first year to be concentrated primarily among younger age groups, as older players are often already committed to established clubs and teams. The organization’s strategy is to develop a strong foundation of younger athletes and grow those teams over time, creating a sustainable competitive program that expands into older age divisions in future years. Initial projections estimate approximately 175 competitive players during the first year of operation. The Board was also advised that recreational soccer programming will continue to be offered in conjunction with the competitive program. Director Couceyro emphasized that the City remains committed to providing soccer opportunities for participants of all skill levels. Director Couceyro provided an update regarding a proposal from Fritz & Franz Bierhaus to host World Cup watch party activities within the Plaza during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He explained that the proposal exceeds the duration permitted under the City’s Special Event Guidelines and therefore requires City Commission approval. The Commission requested a more detailed operational plan addressing concerns related to noise, event duration, plaza activation, and impacts on nearby residential buildings before taking further action. Director Couceyro continues to work with the applicant to develop a revised proposal for Commission consideration. Vice Chair Maite Halley commented that downtown residences should reasonably expect activity associated with a vibrant downtown environment and suggested that concerns regarding noise should be evaluated within the context of existing event regulations. Director Couceyro acknowledged the observation but reiterated that the primary issue before the Commission is whether the proposed event complies with established Special Event Guidelines. Because the request falls outside those guidelines, Commission approval is required. Director Couceyro also explained the City's special event review process, noting that applications are evaluated by a multidisciplinary committee that includes representatives from Police, Fire, Parking, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and other City divisions. The committee reviews event operations, traffic management, public safety considerations, noise impacts, and neighborhood compatibility before making recommendations. For events involving amplified sound or potential impacts to nearby residents, conditions such as noise monitoring, code enforcement oversight, police staffing, and other operational requirements may be imposed. b. Special Events - Accessible Recreation Squad Night Out at Tap 42 - Tuesday, May 12, from 6 - 8 p.m. - CC Kids club Parents Night Out - Friday, May 15, from 6 - 9 p.m. - YC Gables Family Literacy Festival - Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - AAC Spring Volunteer Luncheon - Friday, June 5, from 1 - 4 p.m. - Accessible Recreation Squad Night Out at Doc B's, June 10, from 6 - 8 p.m. Youth Center Evolve Theater Presents : Hadestown, Showtimes: - Friday, May 15, from 7 - 8 p.m. - Saturday, May 16, from 5 - 6 p.m. - Friday, May 22, from 7- 8 p.m. - Saturday, May 23, from 2 - 3 p.m. Travel Team Soccer Tryouts: - Tuesday, May 12, U8-U12 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. and U13-U15 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (boys only) - Thursday, May 14, U8-U12 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. and U13-U15 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (co-ed) - Saturday, May 16, U8-U12 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. (co-ed) - Tuesday, May 19, U8-U12 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. and U13-U15 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (co-ed) -Thursday, May 21, U8-U12 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. and U13-U15 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (co-ed) c. C.I.P Updates Director Couceyro reported that the City has begun installing outdoor Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stations in parks. Recent installations have been completed at Salvadore Park and Maggiore Park, with additional units planned for Phillips Park, Rotary Centennial Park, and Cooper Park. The initiative was recently presented to the City Commission and received positive feedback. Director Couceyro provided an update on the Phillips Park redevelopment project. Construction is progressing well and the park is nearing completion. The Board was informed that roadway improvements surrounding the park are occurring concurrently with the park construction project to minimize future disruptions. Pickleball court construction has begun, and funding has been secured to replace the existing tennis court fencing to better match the newly renovated facilities. Director Couceyro explained that Phase I includes a synthetic turf athletic field, playground, basketball court, tennis court, pickleball courts, pavilion, and related site improvements. Future phases may include a community building and splash pad pending available funding. Board members discussed future operational considerations, including security and after-hours use of the facility. Director Couceyro indicated that the park will be secured after closing hours through gate closures, lighting controls, and security monitoring. Director Couceyro presented preliminary concepts for the next generation of Holiday Park. Staff evaluated proposals from multiple holiday design firms and selected Joy By, LLC. to develop a new holiday experience centered around a gingerbread village theme. Proposed features include: - New themed slide attractions - Redesigned Santa House - Upgraded holiday train - Interactive display elements - Enhanced lighting features - Decorative fencing and pathways Board members expressed support for the updated concept while suggesting the addition of more vibrant holiday colors. Director Couceyro indicated that refinements were already being discussed with the designer and that traditional elements such as the polar bear display, mailbox, gingerbread figure, and other recognizable holiday features would be retained. The Board also discussed the possibility of incorporating snow-themed attractions during future holiday events. Diector Couceyro noted that similar concepts have been evaluated previously but present logistical, safety, and cost challenges. Director Couceyro further advised the Board that staff continues to evaluate future improvements to existing athletic fields at the Youth Center. He explained that the heavily utilized athletic field has experienced significant wear due to continuous programming and is approaching the point where major rehabilitation will be required. Preliminary planning has begun for a comprehensive field restoration project that would involve removal of the existing turf, grading and laser leveling of the field, installation of a new soil and sand base, and complete sod replacement. Director Couceyro anticipates that such a project would require approximately 10 to 12 weeks to complete and will likely be scheduled after the opening of Phillips Park to ensure alternative athletic field capacity remains available during construction. Director Couceyro informed the Board that staff is currently developing the procurement documents for baseball services. He explained that Community Recreation staff, led by Assistant Director Carlos Pichardo, is working on finalizing the scope of services and bid specifications before releasing the solicitation to prospective providers. The goal is to ensure the City secures a qualified organization capable of operating and managing the baseball program while maintaining high-quality recreational opportunities for participants. Director Couceyro noted that while the baseball procurement remains in development, procurements for the City's dance and art programs have already been completed. Assistant Director Espino reported that Rotary Centennial Park is moving forward and is currently in the procurement phase. Staff has submitted grant funding applications for the project similar to those successfully utilized for previous park improvements, including Salvadore Park and David Lawrence Jr. and Family Park. The Board was also informed that William and Leona Cooper Park continues to progress. Assistant Director Espino stated that the project has moved forward following the completion of the community input and conceptual planning process, and staff has likewise submitted grant funding applications to assist with future development. Assistant Director Espino also provided an update regarding several improvements planned at the Granada Golf Course. These projects include renovations to administrative office areas, construction of new rain shelters throughout the course, and other facility enhancements intended to improve the overall golfer experience. While smaller in scale than some of the Department's park projects. Assistant Director Espino concluded the update by announcing that the Department will be initiating a comprehensive master planning effort for the entire Country Club campus. The study will evaluate future opportunities involving the Coral Gables Golf & Country Club, Granada Golf Course, tennis facilities, maintenance operations, Boy Scout House, and other adjacent recreational assets. Board Members expressed concerns regarding traffic circulation and congestion along Greenway Drive and within the Country Club area. Assistant Director Espino noted that circulation, access, parking, and traffic concerns will be evaluated as part of the upcoming master planning process. Vice Chair Maite Halley inquired about the City's responsibilities related to The Underline, specifically asking about maintenance, operations, programming, and long-term management obligations associated with the various facilities located within the corridor. Director Couceyro explained that multiple entities are involved in the operation of The Underline, including The Underline organization, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Coral Gables. He noted that ownership and management responsibilities vary depending on the specific facility and location. While Miami-Dade County owns much of the land beneath the Metrorail corridor, The Underline organization oversees programming, sponsorships, maintenance, and operations for many of the amenities through agreements with the County. Director Couceyro stated that Bark Park operates differently than other portions of The Underline. The dog park is located on land owned by both the City and Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County funded and constructed the facility and subsequently turned over operations and maintenance responsibilities to the City. As a result, the Community Recreation Department is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of Bark Park. He further explained that The Underline organization continues to pursue sponsorship opportunities and programming partnerships related to Bark Park and noted that discussions are ongoing regarding sponsorship agreements that may assist with future maintenance costs. Director Couceyro reported that Bark Park has been performing exceptionally well and recently hosted a successful community event in which participants established a Guinness World Record for the largest dog pool party. He noted that the event attracted significant participation and demonstrated the popularity of the facility within the community. Chair Jennifer Marques commended staff on the condition and operation of the dog park, noting that residents frequently comment on the cleanliness and overall quality of Bark Park. Director Couceyro explained that the facility receives daily maintenance and sanitation services to ensure a clean and safe environment for users and their pets. Director Couceyro further advised the Board that, at the present time, the City does not have responsibility for the maintenance, management, or programming of the fitness stations or pickleball facilities located along The Underline corridor. Those amenities are currently maintained and operated by The Underline organization. While future discussions regarding City involvement could occur, no changes to the current operational structure are anticipated at this time.
  8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
  9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APRIL MEETING WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER KIRK MENENDEZ AND SECONDED BY VANESSA GUTIERREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
  10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
  11. 8 a. 520 University Dog Park Update The Board was informed that 356 public comments had been received and reviewed. Of those comments, 11 were City of Miami residents, 248 expressed support, 101 expressed opposition, 7 were neutral, and 16 attendees at the community meeting remained undetermined despite follow-up outreach efforts. Board members discussed the public outreach process, petition language, and interpretation of community feedback. Vice Chair Maite Halley noted that some petitions expressed general support for dog parks rather than specifically supporting a dog park at 520 University Drive. She stated that support for dog parks as a concept may differ from support for a specific location and encouraged careful consideration of that distinction when presenting public feedback. Director Couceyro explained that staff intends to present all petitions and comments as part of the public record while acknowledging the limitations inherent in voluntary petition efforts. The Board discussed the importance of providing the City Commission with a complete and transparent summary of public input before any future action is taken.
  12. 9 DISCUSSION ITEMS
  13. 10 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
  14. 11 Next meeting date is on Thursday, June 11th at 8:15 a.m.
  15. 12 ADJOURNMENT
  16. 13 NOTE
  17. 16 The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 a.m.