2023-10-02 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on October 2, 2023.
Members present:
Jennifer Baumann
Sandra Carro
John Ise
Dino LaCapra
Gayle Mercado
Jessica Pluhar
Sharon Thompson
Members absent:
Silvia Clarke
Sheryl Piper
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Parks and Recreation Director
Jacquelyn Villagran, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
George Burch, Mayor
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
In terms of a new facility, Mayor Burch suggested that the Committee promote the advantages
of a new community center at events. Mayor Burch said that help is needed to form a grant
committee to fund a new center noting there are grants with Florida League of Cities and
Miami Dade County League of Cities.
With new members now on the Committee, Mr. Ise related that a new chair needs to be
selected for this board, adding that this is an advisory committee and asked for nominations.
Ms. Dorney noted that the only other responsibility of a chair other that run ning the meetings
would be to make a report to Council once a year. Mr. Ise nominated Ms. Carro and Ms.
Baumann as co-chairs of the Recreation Advisory Committee. Motion seconded by Mr.
LaCapra and unanimously approved.
Ms. Baumann made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2023 meeting.
Motion seconded by Mr. LaCapra and unanimously approved.
Mr. Ise suggested that Constitution Park could also be a running/jogging path. Mr. Dorney
noted that the Library is planning on a StoryWalk (a series of signs featuring pages from a
book that are changeable) in Constitution Park.
Ms. Dorney noted the following capital requests for 2024 ; tennis lights (LED lighting) and
resurfacing the courts (both tennis and pickleball).
It was noted that the pickleball admission fees have increased to match the tennis admission
fee. Ms. Thompson said people should be able to reserve a court with increased fees. Mr
LaCapra suggested keeping the resident fee and increasing the fee for nonresidents. Ms.
Dorney noted that there if the number of people playing increases to an unmanageable
number, the fee may need to be raised.
Ms. Villagran gave a recap of summer at this time. It was noted that it was a successful
summer, with all camps offered filled to capacity. For the fall, additional toddler music
programs were added and filled. Upcoming fall events include the artisan fair, wreath
workshops, fine arts concert, pride parade and the Shores Spooktacular.
Ms. Villagran related that the recreation department received a grant from the Miami Shores
Community Alliance to activate a fitness space which will begin in January at Constitution
Park. This will be a free program offered to all.
Discussion turned to the Santa Express. Ms. Pluhar noted that many people were upset that
that they were not able to register last year and the registration capped out early. Ms. Pluhar
suggested having Santa come to a holiday event; she is looking for a way to make an event
that is more inclusive of everyone. Mr. LaCapra suggested that if the Santa Express is
discontinued, raise the price to meet demand. Ms. Villagran noted that the majority of those on
the waitlist for the event were contacted and included. It was suggested promoting the waitlist
for Santa’s Express this year.
Discussion turned to the Mayor Burch’s idea. Mr. Ise noted there is no idea of the cost and
that the ULI study is not a detailed study of the actual cost of a new facility. A professional
consultant needs to be hired for grants and fundraising. Mr. Ise sa id a consultant is needed to
show everyone options and how it will affect a resident’s taxes. Ms. Dorney reiterated that
residents need to be speaking about a new facility at every Council meeting; adding that the
field house needs to be included as both facilities need to be merged together. It was also
noted that the composition of the Village has changed since the last bond.
Ms. Pluhar also noted that many comments in the moms making waves chat is in reference to
the closing of Wild Waters after summer at the pool. Ms. Dorney said that next year Wild
Waters can remain open during the month of September on weekends and then can be
reevaluated.
Ms. Dorney noted that she has not been directed to move forward with the parks master plan
at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm