PARAB Minutes 10/15/2025 (Draft)Page 1 of 4
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MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Naples, Florida — September 17, 2025
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Collier County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, in and for
the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 2:00 P.M. in REGULAR
SESSION at 15000 Old Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109, USA, with the following members present:
Chairman: Edward “Ski” Olesky
Vice Chairman: Josh Fruth
Rebecca Gibson-Laemel
Jessica Bergel
Eric Kelly
ALSO PRESENT:
James Hanrahan – Director
Said Gomez – Regional Manager
Brian Maloney – Director, Facilities
Eric Short – Superintendent, Maintenance
Any persons needing the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the audio
recording from the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department.
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1. Call to Order
PRESIDING Chairman Edward “Ski” Olesky called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance and invocation were conducted.
2. Agenda review:
No motion or vote recorded.
3. Approval of the meeting
No motion or vote recorded.
4. New Business
No new business discussed.
5. Old Business
A. Immokalee Sports Complex Update – Presentation by Brian Maloney
Mr. Brian Maloney, Director of Facilities, provided an update on the Immokalee Sports
Complex project.
Highlights included:
Project divided into three phases: Phase 1A (open turf fields and lighting), Phase 1B
(restroom and storage), Phase 2 (aquatics center). Design 100% complete; permitting
ongoing with variance petition for landscaping reduction to accommodate full-size fields.
Approvals: construction phasing plan, Immokalee Water and Sewer District, South
Florida Water Management District Water Use Permit and ERP. Procurement timeframe:
eight months; construction: nine months; fields projected completion 2027. Stormwater
management: perforated piping and gravel underlayment, exfiltration trenches, new outlet
structure. Construction start projected September 2026; fields maintained until then, with
alternatives (e.g., Big Corkscrew, CRA sites) to be coordinated with YSFA presidents.
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Discussion:
Discrepancy noted on 2027 timeline, with staff confirming it was presented since April
2024. Concerns raised about soccer season closure (December 2025–2026), stormwater
flooding, and community communication. Staff committed to monthly updates, working
with organizations on alternatives, and addressing flooding with current drainage plans.
No action required; informational presentation.
6. Board / Public Comments
1. Public comments were received as follows:
• Maria Sierra raised questions about the projected timeline (disputed 2027
completion), fields closure during soccer season, alternative plans, and
stormwater management.
• Tom expressed concern about construction timing conflicting with soccer season,
lack of a plan during closure, and requested a pre-construction meeting.
• Randy Geron discussed summer field closures, impacts on youth programs,
fairness with other parks, and lighting issues.
• Ms. Marcy inquired about budget ($4.2 million set aside, potential $3 million
additional), procurement, and economic factors.
• Mr. Mangrove questioned delays from prior projections, procurement process,
and contractor outreach.
• Additional speakers thanked staff, requested online updates, and highlighted
transportation concerns for relocated programs.
7. Manager Updates
No additional staff reports presented.
8. Director’s Report
Board expressed frustration with project delays and turnover, emphasizing the need for
accountability and seeing the project through.
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9. Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
COLLIER COUNTY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Edward “Ski” Olesky, Chairman
These minutes were approved by the Board/Chairman on , as presented (choose
one) , or as amended .