Minutes 06/23/2015 R Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board
( PARAB )
Minutes
June 23 , 1993
MINUTES
COLLIER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Immokalee Community Park
Naples, Florida
June 23, 1993
PRESENT: Mr. Timothy Blackford, Chairman
Ms. Darlene Koontz
Mr. Joseph Zaks
Mr. Vin DePasquale
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Murdo Smith, Parks & Recreation Operations Manager
Ms. Jacquie Minnis, Office Assistant II
Ms. Yolanda Remora, Immokalee bulletin News
Friends of the Parks - Immokalee
Brooks Swanson - Barany Schmitt Weaver, Inc.
I. Call to Order - 2:00 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
III. Minutes of May 26, 1993, meeting approved. Motion by Mr. DePasquale
and seconded by Mr. Zaks.
IV. New Business/Presentations
A. Presentation by Brooks Swanson of Barany Schmitt Weaver, Inc.
Mr. Swanson reviewed the Immokalee Recreation Center Plan. The
current design retains the existing building with the pool and
gym sharing the locker room. The "circulation" area will be used
for other things as well as serving as a corridor. The
racquetball court and basketball court will be located inside the
building. The existing building is approximately 10,000 square
feet and an additional 15,000 square feet will be added. The
walls will remain intact on the existing building, but a new
roof, floors, and lighting will be added. There is money
budgeted in the coming fiscal year for this project - bids will
probably go out in November 1993. The pool has not been
officially designed yet, but will consist of a regulation pool
and possibly a kiddy pool. The total budget for this project is
approximately 2.7 million dollars.
A representative of the Immokalee Bulletin questioned why the
newspaper was not advised of today's meeting so that it could be
publicized. It was noted that a change of staff has taken place
at the park and an effort is, and will be, made to publicize
meetings and programs to keep the Immokalee community informed.
Mr. Zaks introduced himself, stating that he currently is the
representative of PARAB for the Immokalee area. He requested
that Friends of the Park contact him if they had any questions or
concerns.
It was noted that the new facility would result in employment
opportunities for the community. The hiring process was
explained, the advertising and handling of applications being
done by the Human Resource Department. Ms. Koontz informed the
Friends that she had called the County employment hotline, and
did hear a position in Immokalee advertised.
Notation was made regarding the small amount of space available
for the popular summer camp programs.
As people present had no concerns with the plans for the
recreation Center, Barany Schmitt Weaver, Inc. , will continue
with the design for the project.
The visitors left the meeting with the assurance that the
Immokalee area will be informed of coming events.
B. Cocohatchee River Park
The grand opening for this facility is scheduled for Friday, June
25, 1993, 10:00 am. All Board members have been sent
invitations. This new boat launch park is located at 13531
Vanderbilt Drive. At present the hours of operation will be 8:00
am to 6:00 pm. Those boaters who may return later than 6:00 pm
(:: will still be able to exit through the gate.
C. Golden Gate Aquatic Facility Grand Opening
The pool facility will open to the public on Monday, July 12, and
the grand opening is scheduled for Friday, July 16th at 10:00 am.
The pools have been completed, landscaping is being done,
including the planting of 14 palm trees between the building and
the activity pool. There has been a great deal accomplished
since the last PARAB meeting. The slide has been put together
and has water running through it. The Aquatic Manager and three
full time life guards have been hired.
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES
Mr. Brinkman was called to a budget meeting at the Courthouse
Complex and could not attend this meeting. At his request, the
Reports and Updates will be postponed until next meeting.
A short discussion was held regarding the purpose of PARAB. Many
of the items appearing in the newspaper have not come before this
Board - many of the projects were approved several years ago and
appear in the Growth Management Plan. It is not always possible
to bring everything before PARAB due to time restraints; however,
the BCC does look for PARAB recommendations. This does not mean
that the recommendations of PARAB and staff are always approved
as the BCC has the final approval. Meetings will be held at
various park facilities throughout the County so PARAB members
will become familiar with them.
Meeting was adjourned to tour the Recreation Center site.