Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Youth Center - Conference Room

Agenda — 18 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 -Vanessa Gutierrez - Kirk Menendez - Jennifer Marques - Maite Halley - Michelle White - Zoom Absent: - Erik Rodriguez
7. 5 a. General Updates Director Couceyro introduced representatives from De La Guardia Victoria Architects to provide the Board with an overview of the proposed improvements to Ponce Circle Park. The presentation was provided in response to the Board’s previous request to hear directly from the project’s architects and designers. Maria de la Guardia and Keegan Marshall of De La Guardia Victoria Architects presented the conceptual design and discussed the historical inspiration for the project. The design draws from the original vision for Coral Gables and seeks to establish Ponce Circle Park as a cultural park where residents and visitors can experience art, music, performances, sculpture and other community activities. The architects explained that the existing park has significant potential due to its central location but currently lacks adequate shade, seating and separation from surrounding vehicular traffic. The proposed design addresses these concerns by creating a landscaped buffer around the perimeter of the park while maintaining visibility into the space for safety purposes. The design includes an Odeon/bandshell for performances, a sculpture garden featuring the City’s Frank Stella sculpture, shaded colonnades, landscaped areas, built-in seating and movable outdoor furniture. A continuous promenade is also proposed around the park to provide opportunities for walking and general recreation. The architects explained that the design intentionally maintains flexibility within the central green so the space can accommodate a variety of community events and activities. The Board discussed pedestrian circulation and access throughout the park. The architects advised that the primary pedestrian entrances would correspond with existing crosswalk locations, while certain areas would primarily serve maintenance and operational purposes. Landscaping, walls and other design elements would help create separation between park users and surrounding traffic. The Board also discussed the proposed bandshell and its orientation. The architects explained that the performance area is positioned to direct sound toward the commercial area and away from nearby residential properties while maintaining a visual connection between the park and Miracle Mile. Additional discussion included proposed materials, lighting, seating and landscaping. The architects stated that the stone, stucco and oolitic limestone are being considered as primary materials. Existing mature oak trees and other significant trees are intended to remain wherever possible, with some trees potentially relocated as necessary to accommodate the expanded park footprint. Board members raised concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the southeast and southwest portions of the park due to traffic conditions and limited visibility for motorists approaching the crosswalks. Director Couceyro explained that the roadway and traffic improvements surrounding Ponce Circle are part of a separate project. He advised that staff would coordinate a future presentation to the Board regarding the proposed streetscape and traffic-calming improvements. The Board asked about the anticipated project schedule. The project team advised that the project has received approvals through several stages of the review process and is continuing through additional advisory and design reviews. The development team is anticipated to oversee construction as part of its public-benefit obligations, which may allow the project to proceed on an expedited schedule. The goal discussed was to begin construction during the following summer and complete the project within approximately one year. Funding for the project was also discussed. Staff and the project team explained that funding is anticipated to come from a combination of existing City funding, developer contributions and other sources. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER KIRK MENENDEZ TO APPROVE THE DESIGN AND PROJECT AS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD FOR PONCE CIRCLE PARK AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER RICHARD SMIT. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Director Couceyro continued his report by providing an update on the Department’s summer camp programming and reported that the summer season was successful. Approximately 535 participants were registered per week compared with approximately 440 participants per week during the previous year. Director Couceyro explained that a portion of the increase was attributable to the return of Venetian Pool programming, which added approximately 50 participants per week. Tennis camp participation also increased by approximately 20 participants per week, while Youth Center programming increased by approximately 15 participants per week. The Department’s established camps remained popular, with many reaching capacity throughout the summer. The new soccer camp operated by PSG began with lower enrollment but steadily increased throughout the summer and eventually reached its maximum enrollment of approximately 30 participants. Indoor basketball and girls' volleyball camps continued to experience strong participation. The Department also introduced a STEM camp this year as an alternative to previously offered LEGO and art camps. Although initial STEM enrollment was modest, staff received positive feedback and anticipates that participation may increase as awareness of the program grows. Golf and Country Club camps also experienced increases in participation, which Director Couceyro attributed in part to transitioning programming from half-day to full-day formats. Board members complimented the Department and camp staff for the quality of programming, customer service and attention to participant safety. Director Couceyro reported that the City’s Fourth of July celebration was successful and experienced significantly higher attendance than the previous year. Technology utilizing cellular data estimated attendance at more than 30,000 people, with actual attendance potentially higher due to children and others not captured by the technology. Director Couceyro advised that staff experienced significant logistical challenges immediately before the event when a new equipment vendor was unable to provide several critical event items, including barricades, lighting, ATVs and message boards. Department staff worked with other vendors, City departments and outside partners to secure the necessary equipment and ensure the event proceeded without disruption to the public. The Board discussed the fireworks and drone show, both of which received positive feedback. Director Couceyro emphasized the value of maintaining reliable relationships with experienced event vendors, particularly for large-scale events requiring significant advance coordination. Director Couceyro reported that the Department completed its national accreditation visit during the week leading up to the Fourth of July celebration. The Department has maintained national accreditation since 2001 and is required to complete the accreditation review process periodically. Director Couceyro advised that the Department anticipates receiving its official report in October and preliminary results indicate a 100 percent passing score. He recognized Department staff for successfully completing the accreditation process while simultaneously preparing for major summer events. Director Couceyro provided an update regarding the Department’s soccer watch parties held during the summer. The Colombia game generated the largest attendance, while the semifinal and final events experienced lower participation. The Board discussed other watch parties occurring within the downtown area and whether they affected attendance. Director Couceyro noted that the Department’s events provided a larger, more family-oriented environment with open space and activities for children. Director Couceyro advised the board that an ordinance was being considered to restructure the Youth Advisory Board into a broader teen-focused board addressing issues beyond recreation. The Board discussed challenges associated with attendance due to students' school schedules and extracurricular activities. Director Couceyro explained that virtual participation options have been provided, but scheduling continues to be a challenge. Director Couceyro provided an update regarding public input concerning the proposed dog park at 520 University Drive. He advised that residents had proposed an alternative location utilizing the west parking lot along Segovia Street adjacent to the Youth Center. The City Commission directed staff to objectively evaluate the feasibility of the alternative location. Public Works will conduct a parking study once regular programming and school-year activities resume so that parking demand can be evaluated under typical conditions. Director Couceyro explained that the feasibility review would consider Youth Center programming, soccer participation, staff parking, church usage, elections, special events and other operational demands affecting the parking area. A resident who proposed the alternative location requested an opportunity to present the concept to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Director Couceyro advised that the presentation would be scheduled for a future meeting. b. Special Events. Director Couceyro reviewed upcoming Community Recreation programming, including Adult Activity Center Senior Week, Kids Club Parents Night Out and Accessible Recreation Mud Day. Director Couceyro explained that Senior Week would include a variety of activities, presentations, social events and other programming for Adult Activity Center participants. The Board also discussed Accessible Recreation Mud Day. Director Couceyro explained that the program incorporates sensory-based activities and is designed to provide participants with opportunities to experience different textures and sensory environments in a recreational setting. c. C.I.P Updates. Director Couceyro reported that Phase I of Phillips Park is nearing completion, with most improvements anticipated to be completed by mid-September. The restroom improvements are anticipated to be completed by approximately mid-October. Director Couceyro explained that the existing pavilion requires more extensive reconstruction than originally anticipated due to current building code requirements. The pavilion area will remain fenced while work continues; however, the Department intends to open the remainder of the park once it is ready for public use. Director Couceyro reported the department is also working with the neighboring school on a joint-use agreement, including the possibility of allowing park users to utilize school parking after school hours. The Board discussed future pickleball operations at the park. Director Couceyro explained that the courts would initially operate differently from facilities without the need for reservations. Operational procedures will continue to be evaluated as Phase I opens and as future phases of the park are developed. Director Couceyro reported that contracts for Cooper Park and Rotary Park were nearing award and would proceed to the City Commission. Following Commission approval, staff will be able to establish construction and mobilization schedules for both projects. Director Couceyro reported that staff was awaiting the executed contract for the Granada Rain Shelters project. Once the purchase order is issued, the contractor will provide a mobilization and construction schedule. Director Couceyro provided an update regarding the new golf course maintenance provider and stated that the department has been pleased with the contractor’s performance to date. Improvements have included work to the greens, repairs to course areas, weed management and tree maintenance. Director Couceyro noted that the Department had not received complaints regarding the maintenance transition.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE JUNE MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER KIRK MENENDEZ AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER VANESSA GUTIERREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. 9 PUBLIC COMMENT
13. 10 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
14. 11 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 10th at 8:15 a.m.
15. 12 ADJOURNMENT
16. 12 The Board discussed items to be brought forward at upcoming meetings. Director Couceyro advised that a conceptual presentation regarding future improvements to the Youth Center would be distributed to Board members and placed on the next meeting agenda for discussion. The Board also requested a future presentation regarding the streetscape and traffic improvements surrounding Ponce Circle Park, particularly the proposed pedestrian-safety and traffic-calming measures.
17. 13 NOTE
18. 17 The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 a.m.

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