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2021-05-03 RAC Minutes Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on May 3, 2021. Members present: Kendra Borja Sandra Carro Alise Henry John Ise Gayle Mercado Michael O’Hara Members absent: Christian Dunham Jacqueline O’Donnell Natasha White Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Jacquelyn Villagran, Recreation Superintendent Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Dan Marinberg, Vice Mayor The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. O’Hara recognized Vice Mayor Dan Marinberg. New Committee member John Ise was introduced to the members. Corrections to the minutes of the March 1, 2021 minutes. Page two, Paragraph two, Line one; change ‘is not interested in every detail’ to ‘does not wish to micromanage’. Page two, Paragraph three, Line three; change ‘but Mr. O’Hara did not allow the question’ to ‘but as Mr. Sarafan was repeatedly disruptive and argumentative with the Committee’. Page two, Paragraph seven, Line four; change ‘that $750,000’ to ‘that at least $750,000’. Ms. Carro made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2021 meeting with corrections. Motion seconded by Ms. Borja and unanimously approved. Ms. Dorney related that Wild Waters opened May 1st with limited capacity; capacity was reached during every session. Total attendance opening weekend was over 500 people. It was also related that summer camp registration has begun. There will be over 27 themed camps offered over the course of the summer. In addition, Miami Shores will offer a swim camp as well as an outdoor adventure camp for teens. Sports and swim camps will be available for nonresidents, based on availability beginning May 10th. It was related that pickleball is gaining popularity, averaging 50 players weekly. Pickleball is sharing court space with basketball. Silver Sneakers is also gaining popularity. Ms. Dorney noted that the baseball/softball program was cancelled this year due to low enrollment and replaced with flag football which quickly filled. It was noted that participant insurance is renewed yearly to confirm residency. The Commission asked about the possibility of alerting people about their expiration date for insurance for registration purposes. Ms. Villagran related that blinds were removed from some rooms at the Community Center and replaced with vinyl window clings. Ceiling tiles, lens covers and lighting were also replaced in the Auditorium. Ms. Henry suggested adding a lunchtime yoga or tai chi class. Ms. Villagran said she is planning on bringing tai chi back in the Fall. Mr. Ise introduced an idea for a scavenger hunt, which has been promoted by the scouts. Items are hidden in various locations around the city; once discovered the person signs a piece of paper and rehides the item for the next person. An app can be downloaded onto your phone which will lead you to the item. Mr. Ise would also like to promote the kayak launch, which could become a great recreation amenity. Any concerns could be mitigated. Mr. Ise would like the Committee to recommend the kayak launch. Mr. Marinberg related that the 2019 Council voted to receive a $125,000 matching grant for the design of a seawall. Mr. Marinberg added that no grant has been allocated and data is still being collected. Mr. Marinberg believes that a grant is possible without the addition of a kayak launch. Ms. Borja noted that grants are intended to benefit the entire community, not only those living in the immediate vicinity. M s. Henry said there is a lot of misinformation circulating about the kayak launch. Mr. Ise added that a kay ak ramp is a golden opportunity and does not want to see it lost. Ms. Borja said that, as a realtor, those living east of the boulevard are aware that there is an existing park. Mr. Marinberg said that balancing needs to be done to see all the benefits. Mr. Ise said that this is similar to the selected location of the dog park, which would be more popular is it was accessible to more people. Mr. O’Hara suggested that the Commission make an informed recommendation after the June meeting to present to Cou ncil. Mr. Ise said there is social media hysteria from those against the kayak launch. Ms. Borja added that there is always a voice against amenities or changes with the community; for example, the community center, dog park and athletic field lighting. Discussion turned to new business. Ms. Villagran noted there will be a virtual Memorial Day program this year. Mr. Dorney said there will be a grand opening for Wild Waters and encouraged suggestions from the Committee. Ms. White had forwarded a recomm endation for health and wellness seminars in the Fall. It was related that pre Covid, the DMV mobile unit was very popular. Miami Shores is waiting for the DMV to relax their restrictions so this can be reintroduced. It was also noted that a grant was received for bike repair stations from the Miami Shores Community Alliance. Charging stations for electric vehicles are being installed around the Village; at the Tennis Center, Pool, Downtown Miami Shores and the Miami Shores Country Club. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.