Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Youth Center - Conference Room

Agenda — 20 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 8:20 a.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
6. 4 Present: - Richard Smit - Kirk Menendez - Jennifer Marques - Michelle White Absent: - Maite Halley - excused - Vanessa Gutierrez - Erik Rodriguez
7. 5 a. General Updates Director Couceyro provided an update regarding the proposed dog park at 520 University Drive and the alternative location presented by the neighborhood group. The group had previously requested an opportunity to present its alternative site to the Board but was unable to attend the September meeting. The presentation will therefore be scheduled for the October meeting. Director Couceyro provided an update regarding the proposed dog park at 520 University Drive and the alternative location presented by the neighborhood group. The group had previously requested an opportunity to present its alternative site to the Board but was unable to attend the September meeting. The presentation will therefore be scheduled for the October meeting. The Board discussed existing parking and traffic conditions surrounding the Youth Center, particularly during heavily attended youth sports programming. Director Couceyro noted that soccer participation has increased significantly under the new provider, with enrollment currently at approximately 255 participants and the potential to increase further as the program becomes established. The additional use of the site for soccer, pickleball and other recreational activities has increased demand for available parking, particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Director Couceyro explained that the alternative dog park site is considerably smaller and that parking, pedestrian access, traffic circulation and safety will need to be considered as part of the overall feasibility analysis. Once the study is completed, the findings, including the advantages and limitations of the alternative location, will be presented to the City Commission for further direction. Director Couceyro reported that the Department had transitioned from a successful summer season into fall programming. Summer enrollment was strong, with several programs experiencing increased participation. Fall athletic programming is underway, including soccer, flag football and volleyball. Director Couceyro discussed the growth of the City's new soccer program and noted that feedback from participating families has been positive. The provider has maintained a professional presence at the facility, made staff readily available to parents and continued to increase enrollment. The Department is also preparing a solicitation for baseball services. Director Couceyro is reviewing the language carefully based on issues identified during implementation of the soccer agreement, particularly regarding resident, non-resident and membership pricing. Director Couceyro explained that a significant number of non-residents participating in soccer elected to purchase Youth Center memberships because doing so provided access to the member program rate. Director Couceyro is working with the City Attorney's Office regarding the existing soccer agreement and will ensure that future solicitations clearly address applicable membership and program fees. The Board also discussed opportunities to expand girls' participation in soccer. Director Couceyro explained that the provider intends to build the girls' program from the recreational level upward, allowing younger players to develop together before advancing into more competitive divisions. b. Special Events Director Couceyro reviewed upcoming fall and holiday programming. October will include several consecutive weekends of special events, including the Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Float and Youth Center Haunted House. The Pumpkin Float is scheduled for October 24, 2026, and the Youth Center Haunted House is scheduled for October 30, 2026. The Board discussed attendance at the previous year's Haunted House and the impact of competing Halloween activities throughout Coral Gables. Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez explained that attendance had been significantly lower than in prior years due in part to the number of Halloween activities taking place simultaneously throughout the City. The Board discussed whether scheduling the Haunted House before Halloween could improve participation. Marketing opportunities were also discussed. Director Couceyro advised that the Department promotes events through social media, CG News, Constant Contact and other City communication channels. Additional programming discussed included the Western Round Up at the Adult Activity Center, an October movie presentation of Psycho, and a Halloween event at the Youth Center on October 23. Director Couceyro also discussed preliminary plans for a Veterans Day event on Giralda Plaza. The event is being developed in response to a City Commission resolution requesting Veterans Day programming. Plans include a patriotic flag installation along Giralda Plaza, recognition of veterans and representatives from the branches of the United States Armed Forces, remarks and remembrances, entertainment, family activities, patriotic crafts and commemorative giveaways. Director Couceyro is scheduled to present the proposed event to the City Commission for consideration. The Board also discussed the Adult Activity Center's Saturday movie program. Director Couceyro noted that the recent showing of An American in Paris was very well attended and that he would continue evaluating similar films for future programming. c. C.I.P Updates a. Granada Golf Course Rain Shelters Director Couceyro reported that construction of the Granada Golf Course rain shelters was preparing to begin. b. Phillips Park Director Couceyro reported that Phillips Park was nearing completion, with a soft opening anticipated toward the end of September. Remaining work primarily involved completion of the courts and restrooms. The pavilion will require additional work after it was determined that the existing structure could not simply be refurbished and would instead need to be reconstructed. c. Rotary Centennial Park and Cooper Park Director Couceyro reported that the construction contract for Rotary Centennial Park and Cooper Park had been approved. He anticipated that work could begin shortly after October 1, once project funding became available. d. Country Club Pool Deck Director Couceyro advised that the Country Club pool deck project is anticipated to begin in November. The project will involve a substantial renovation of the pool deck and supporting infrastructure. He explained that improvements to the Country Club pool area have been completed in phases to avoid an extended closure of the facility. Previous work included improvements to the pool coping, pool bottom, filtration system and pumps. The upcoming phase will address the pool deck, water intrusion concerns and structural conditions within the equipment vault below the deck. The project may require an extended construction period depending upon conditions discovered once work begins. To continue providing swimming opportunities to members during construction, they are evaluating keeping an alternative City pool available during portions of December and January. Future Country Club improvements discussed included windows, improvements surrounding Le Parc Café, landscaping, outdoor seating, lighting and enhancements to the exterior dining area. Director Couceyro also advised that the City is developing a broader master plan for the Country Club campus that would evaluate the relationship between the Country Club, golf course, tennis facilities, Boy Scout House and potential pedestrian connections throughout the campus. e. Youth Center Field Director Couceyro reported that the Department is preparing a solicitation to resod and rehabilitate the Youth Center athletic field. The project was previously delayed to avoid interfering with the transition to the new soccer provider. Director Couceyro discussed the need to complete major field work during the summer when impacts to athletic programming can be minimized. Due to the amount of activity occurring on the field, periodic resodding, soil improvements and laser leveling are necessary to maintain appropriate playing conditions.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A quorum was not achieved; therefore, the Board was unable to take formal action or approve any pending items. The minutes requiring approval will be presented at the October meeting.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 a. Youth Center Master Plan Presentation Director Couceyro presented the conceptual master plan for a potential future redevelopment of the War Memorial Youth Center. He emphasized that the plans are preliminary concepts and would be subject to substantial additional review, community input, funding considerations and future City Commission direction. Director Couceyro provided historical background on the existing Youth Center and discussed operational challenges associated with the original building design. Although the facility was considered architecturally attractive when it opened, staff identified operational limitations over time involving security, circulation, accessibility between program areas and the overall functionality of several spaces. The conceptual redevelopment focuses on creating a more open and functional facility with increased natural light, improved circulation and centralized security. The proposed design would expand indoor court space and provide the ability to accommodate additional basketball, pickleball and recreational uses. Parking would be incorporated beneath portions of the expanded facility, with approximately 68 additional spaces contemplated in the conceptual design. The ground floor concept includes a centralized entrance and security desk designed to better control access throughout the facility. Proposed amenities include an outdoor playground, indoor recreation areas, an aquatic and water-play area within the existing courtyard area, locker rooms, pool support areas, cabanas, multipurpose spaces, a theater and stage area, an expanded gymnasium and improved back-of-house maintenance and storage areas. The second floor concept includes administrative offices, activity and classroom spaces, a dance studio, flexible programming areas, an expanded fitness center and an indoor running/walking track overlooking portions of the gymnasium. Director Couceyro emphasized the importance of retaining the running track in future designs, noting that it could increase family use of the facility by allowing parents to exercise while children participate in recreational programs. A third-level outdoor recreational area was also presented. The concept includes elevated walking areas, flexible recreational space and opportunities for additional amenities such as climbing elements and play areas. The proposed design would also incorporate substantially more glass and natural light while utilizing architectural materials intended to complement the character of Coral Gables. Board Members discussed the importance of ensuring that the final architectural design remains consistent with the City's overall aesthetic. The Board discussed the proposed location of the toddler room and the importance of maintaining appropriate security and supervision for young children. Director Couceyro explained that the conceptual location was selected because of its proximity to the security desk and administrative areas. Director Couceyro acknowledged that the location could be reconsidered as the design develops and as future childcare or toddler programming needs are evaluated. Director Couceyro advised that the conceptual project is currently estimated to potentially cost approximately $60 million. If the City elects to proceed, the overall process could take approximately five years or longer due to community engagement, design, procurement, funding and construction requirements. Board Members expressed positive feedback regarding the overall concept. Because a quorum was not present, no formal action was taken. The Board discussed placing consideration of the conceptual plan on a future agenda so that a formal motion may be considered when a quorum is present.
12. 9 DISCUSSION ITEMS
13. 10 PUBLIC COMMENT
14. 10 a. Annual Board Report Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez discussed preparation of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Annual Report and requested that Board Members identify major accomplishments or initiatives they would like highlighted. Potential items discussed included World Cup-related activities, improvements to Holiday Park and other significant Department projects completed or initiated during the reporting period. Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez advised that a draft annual report would be prepared and distributed to Board Members for review and comments.
15. 11 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
16. 12 The next meeting is schedule for Thursday, October 8th at 8:15 a.m.
17. 13 ADJOURNMENT
18. 14 NOTE
19. 15 Director Couceyro explained that a Public Comment section has been added to the Board's agenda to provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the Board when attending future meetings.
20. 19 Due to the lack of quorum, no formal Board action was taken during the meeting. Pending minutes will be presented for approval at the next meeting. The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez will confirm Board Member availability prior to the meeting. The meeting concluded thereafter.

Watch Coral Gables

This is one agenda. Coral Gables publishes another every few weeks, and the thing you care about is rarely on the one you happened to find. Name it and we will email you when it appears.

Watch this

Free for 14 days, no card — and nothing charges itself: at day 14 the emails simply stop unless you choose to subscribe ($19 a month). One email when something matches, and nothing else. Unsubscribe from any of them. Searching stays free — it is public record.