PARAB Minutes 09/24/1997 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
September 24, 1997
Minutes
Immokalee Community Park
310 Alachua,Naples, Florida
PRESENT: Timothy Blackford, Chairman
Joseph Zaks
Billie Cheney
Daphnie Bercher
ABSENT: Elaine Wicks,Vice Chair
Gayle L. Stan
Gil Mueller
ALSO PRESENT: Marla Ramsey,Director
Murdo Smith,Recreation Manager
Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
Jacquie Hart, Secretary II
John Dunnuck, Operations Coordinator
Jim Thomas,Athletic Supervisor
Ed Sorenson of Habitat
Suzanne Foster,Habitat Executive Director
Annie Pappalardo,Recreation Supervisor East
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 2:20 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
III. INVOCATION: by Jacquie Hart
Iv. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 27, 1997 meeting.
Motion by Joseph Zaks to approve August 27, 1997 minutes. Seconded
by Tim Blackford. Passed 4/0.
Correction: The correct spelling of Ms. Bercher's first name should read
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V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Playground Equipment Request - Ms. Suzanne Foster, Habitat
Executive Director, stated that she has been working with a member of the
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community who is very concerned about the fact that there is no park
available around the Habitat Subdivision area in Immokalee. The children
in the Habitat community may get into mischief . Ms. Foster is
requesting that the Parks and Recreation Department install playground
equipment at the Tony Rosbaugh Facility. Ms. Foster indicated that
Habitat is a non profit organization and they are limited from giving cash
but Habitat could donate materials or volunteers are available to construct
the park.
Mr. Sorenson of Habitat suggested that the Parks and Recreation
Department construct a playground equipment in the existing park facility.
Funds will be provided by the community but Mr. Sorenson is requesting
that the project become a joint venture with the Parks and Recreation
Department.
Ms. Pappalardo explained that there is a grassy area at the Tony Rosbaugh
facility which will meet the needs of playground equipment. Ms.
Pappalardo stated that she received a twenty five hundred ($2,500) dollar
donation for a playground that was built by the community in Green Land,
which is sitting in the Friends of Immokalee Park's account. Ms.
Pappalardo stated that the money could be used for a playground. The
Tony Rosbaugh Park has been vandalized and the maintenance department
has to paint and repair on a daily basis. Ms. Pappalardo stated that the
project could be a community effort but the department is focusing on
regional parks also. Ms. Pappalardo also stated that it would not be a
problem to raised ten thousand($10,000) dollars for the project.
Chairman Blackford tabled the request.
b. Joint City/County Board Meeting - The City of Naples sent a
letter suggesting that the County and City schedule a joint board meeting
on October 22, 1997 at the Golden Gate Community Center. Ms. Ramsey
stated that she will meet with Don Wirth to set up an agenda.
c. Aggressive Skateboard Association - The event will be held
October 11, 12 & 13. Participants will be accommodated by the Radisson
Hotel on Marco Island. Shuttle buses will be used to commute
individuals. Ms. Ramsey distributed some pictures of the skateboard
park. ESPN will cover the Skateboard Park event. There will be 64 top
male professionals, 64 top male amateurs, 16 top women professionals
and amateurs. The event will go on from 9:00 am to 10:00 p.m and the
event is free. There will be V.I.P. parking.
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VI. REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION/SPECIFIC UPDATE ITEM
VII. REPORTS & UPDATES
a. Monthly Report (August) - a brief discussion took place regarding
the August monthly report.
b. Parks Brochure - The brochure is colorful, beautiful, and will be
available at 100 different locations.
c. Copeland Playground - The playground is installed at the church
grounds and a dedication will be held on October 18, 1997. All board
members are invited.
d. Adopt-A-Park Report - Ms. Bercher reported that she visited the
Golden Gate Community Park and the west parking lot needs some
lighting. Ms. Bercher would like to commend Janice Elliot for such a
positive attitude with the children that utilize the facility. Janice Elliot
would like to set up a program for children who could not afford
summer camp. Ms. Bercher also visited the Max A. Hasse Community
Park and it is in good condition.
e. PARAB Meeting Schedule - The next meeting will be held at the
Golden Gate Community Center due to a Joint meeting with the City
board on October 22, 1997 at 2:00 p.m..
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 3:40 P.M.. Motion by Tim Blackford to
adjourn. Passed 4/0.
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