04-14-2015104 N. Riverside Drive
Edgewater, FL 32132City of Edgewater
Meeting Minutes
Recreation & Cultural Services Board
6:30 PM Council ChambersTuesday, April 14, 2015
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman Tom Tipton called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Also present was Councilman Gary Conroy, members of the public, Jack Corder, Director of Leisure
Services and Barb Kowall, Board Coordinator.
Walt Zakaluzny, Debra Sopko, Michael Visconti and Thomas TiptonPresent4 -
Kadie MullinsExcused1 -
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
AR-2015-823 Approval of January 13, 2015 meeting
Approve Minutes of the January 13, 2015 meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Zakaluzny, seconded by Mrs. Sopko, to approve the minutes
of January 13, 2015. The motion was APPROVED unanimously.
4. OLD BUSINESS-PUBLIC HEARING
AR-2015-821 Staff update for Rotary Park and U.S. 1 Sidewalk
Mr. Corder updated the Board on Rotary Park, saying the renovations to the restrooms were
completed about 60 days ago. Also, yesterday the project for paving the parking lot there had been
started with a projection to finish it in about 90 days. Stormwater improvements will be added as
well to meet St. John's Water Management District requirements.. He stated the project should be
completed before the trail comes there this Fall.
5. NEW BUSINESS - PUBLIC HEARING
AR-2015-822 Renovation of Whistle Stop Park with Public Participation
Mr. Corder stated that Whistle Stop Park was developed in the mid-80's to early 90's, and is now
outdated and in need of upgrade and renovation. He proceeded with a power point presentation he
had shown to Council at the Workshop held for Whistle Stop Park.
The presentation included pictures of the park as it is now, examples of new play equipment,
pavilions, splash pad, adult fitness systems, accessories like picnic tables and trash cans. There were
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April 14, 2015Recreation & Cultural Services
Board
Meeting Minutes
conceptual drawings of how it might look when completed and an estimated cost list for
improvements.
Some of the renovation ideas included: New all-inclusive play equipment, pavilions, skate park,
shuffleboard courts, signage, paved parking, walking trail, adult fitness systems, and a splash pad.
The Board discussed a survey to get public input for renovation ideas and Mr. Corder agreed to do
this and put it on Facebook for resident input, as Mr. Zakaluzny recommended.
Mr. Tipton opened the public participation of the meeting. Councilman Gary Conroy spoke about
the opportunity to make this park a real jewel, and noted we can spend a lot of money, but we need to
run out the criminal activity that goes on in the park. He said he would like to see park rangers to
monitor the activity that goes on. The office building could be turned into a PAL satellite office and
could be used as a multi-purpose building, for seniors, teens, Scout groups, etc. He also mentioned
the skate park presently there might be more suited to another location in the city.
Glen Powers spoke next and stated the biggest issue with the park is the security. The seniors and
little children need to feel safe and agreed with Councilman Conroy that the park ranger idea was a
good one. He said he has been approached by a group called Miracle League , which is set up to
build areas for handicapped kids. A small area of a park would have 15,000 sq. ft. devoted to the
handicapped and is supported by fundraisers and National Baseball. He also asked if it might be
possible to change the name of the park when the renovations were completed, as it now is
associated with the bad activities now going on there. Mr. Corder said that would be something that
would be up to Council.
Donna Nicholson of 123 28th St. stated she lived near Whistle Stop and walks throught there most
every day, but no longer wishes to because of the security issues. She says she is very excited about
this project and looking forward to the improvements.
Councilman Conroy's wife says she is excited about the possible new changes and spoke about splash
pads, and Port Orange has one that is a good example.
Scott Nicholson stated he liked the idea of a clubhouse there that could be shared with the seniors
and teens. There are several homeowners groups and it would be good to have somewhere for them
to go. In all, he thought the ideas presented were great.
Mr. Corder concluded and spoke about other things they need to consider, such as funding,
maintenance costs, and a preliminary concept design for the park.
8. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Barb Kowall
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