Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board

Youth Center, Conference Room

Agenda — 17 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 Meeting began at 6:15 p.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 ASSISTANT DIRECTORS REPORT
6. 4 Present: Cecilia Slesnick Leyla Alfonso Absent: Lucy Hansen Lucas Miro
7. 5 a. General Updates Assistant Director Pichardo opened his report by providing a detailed overview of current and upcoming youth programs. He highlighted the continued success of the travel and recreational soccer leagues, the upcoming basketball season, and the strong community interest in both flag football and recreational volleyball. In addition to these athletic programs, he noted the Community Recreation's Departments ongoing coordination of special events, emphasizing their role in fostering community engagement and offering diverse recreational opportunities for residents. Assistant Director Pichardo further reported on recent developments within the department’s educational programming. He announced that Study Smart Tutors has been awarded the contract to provide STEM services following a competitive bid process. He explained that the new contractor will support the expansion of STEM-focused activities and enhance the quality of instructional offerings available to youth participants. b. Special Events Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Christmas Tree Lighting Event at Merrick Park, Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m. - A Saturday at the Cinema, December, "The Time Machine" at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, Saturday, December 6 at 9:30 a.m. - Planting Pollinators Dedication and Reception at Coral Gables Library Garden, Sunday, December 7 at 9 a.m. - Hot Chocolate with Santa at Merrick Park, Sunday, December 7 at 6 p.m. - Centennial Grand Finale at the Venetian Pool, Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. – Twinkle and Toast at the Country Club, Friday, December 12 at 1 p.m. - Annual Holiday Celebration 2025 at the Adult Activity Center, Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. - Pancake and Pajamas at the Country Club, Sunday, December 14 at 1:30 p.m. – Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration at Ponce Circle Park , Sunday, December 14 at 5 p.m. – JOB Parade, Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. – Menorah Lighting at City Hall, Friday, December 19 at 6 p.m. – Movies Under the Gables Moonlight at Ponce Circle Park, Sunday, December 20 at 9 a.m. - Hot Chocolate with Santa at Merrick Park. c. Administrative Updates
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 The quorum was not met. Approval of the November Parks Advisory Board minutes will be deferred to the next meeting.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 a. Selection of Vice Chairperson Deferred to the January meeting. b. Selection of Board as a Whole Member Deferred to the January meeting.
12. 9 DISCUSSION ITEMS
13. 10 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
14. 11 Next meeting date is Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 p.m.
15. 12 ADJOURNMENT
16. 13 NOTE
17. 16 The meeting ended at 6:23 p.m.