Minutes
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting of June 6, 2014
7:30 a.m. – Tree Tops Park – Davie
Board Members Present:
Alex Lazowick
Christina Clifford
Dana MacDonald
Daniel Mulieri
David Flaherty
Guy Roper
Howard Nelson
Jack Mathison
Patrick Brochu
Stephanie Munson
Stephen Lawson
Tyson Jones
William Norkunas
Board Members Absent:
Terry Danger
Members of the Public:
None
County Staff:
Barbara Reinking, Parks
Carol Morgenstern, Parks
Cherise Williams, Parks
Cheryl Cayer, Parks
Chester Pruitt, Parks
Chris Deal, Parks
Cyndy Baker, Parks
Dan West, Parks Director
Gary Remillet, Parks
Gayle Preston, Parks
Katie Hendrickson, Parks
Lou Metz, Parks
Martin Gross, HCED
Mary Noe, Parks
Patty McCrum, Parks
Racquel Henry, Parks
Rhonda Martorelli, Parks
Sachiel Simon, Parks
Sarah Perkins, Parks
Toni Peyton, Parks
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (Board) meeting was called to order by Chair Mathison at 7:34 a.m.,
after which all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called; a quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Mr. Mulieri to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2014,
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald and was passed unanimously.
New Business: The Chair suggested that the New Business section of the agenda be moved up while a quorum
was present, as some of the members were to leave the meeting early. A motion was made by Mr. Mulieri to
change the date and time of the next meeting from 7:30 a.m., September 5, 2014 to 6 p.m., September 4, 2014,
at Anne Kolb Nature Center, followed by a Public Forum at 7 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lawson
and was passed unanimously.
Employees of the Quarter: Each Employee of the Quarter was introduced and presented with a framed
certificate to commemorate the award, a tote bag, and a Division “Find it All” mug.
Employees for the 4th Quarter 2013 were: Bobby Cheatham, Park Aide I at Brian Piccolo Park, unable to attend
the meeting. Katie Hendrickson, Park Naturalist I at Quiet Waters Park. Lamicky Carter, Park Aide I at
Easterlin Park, unable to attend the meeting.
Employees for the 1st Quarter 2014 were: Kelly Whitney, Park Naturalist II at Long Key Nature Center, unable
to attend the meeting. Patty McCrum, Groundskeeper at Parks Maintenance Group. Rhonda Martorelli, HR
Assistant, at Administrative Offices. Sachiel Simon, Account Clerk II at Administrative Offices.
Park Manager’s Report: Barbara Reinking, Parks and Recreation Manager III, reported that Tree Tops Park
has a nine (9) mile interlocking equestrian trail and is one of the few facilities in South Florida where you can
bring your own horse, rent a horse or take pony rides. She stated that Tree Tops has many attractions, including
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Page 2
a viewing tower that has been rebuilt and renamed the Big Tree House, a 15-acre lake with paddle boat rental,
and a restored 23-acre fresh water marsh that has a board walk. She talked about all the animals found at the
park. She stated that archeological surveys have confirmed that sites on the adjacent Pine Island Ridge were
locations of hunting camps for the ancient Tequesta Indians and that Pine Island Ridge was probably one of the
first permanent habitation sites occupied by the Seminole Indians in southeast Florida. Ms. Reinking stated that
many programs are offered at the park, including lessons in baton twirling, dance and karate. The park has two
(2) primitive areas with dense forest growth that are used by scouts and youth camping groups. Oak Ridge Hall
is rented for showers, social parties, and weddings. Other County agencies and private businesses host
meetings, trainings, and seminars in the hall.
Ms. Reinking stated that the property is threatened by uncontrolled fires, a drawdown of the water table, exotics
and destruction by park patrons.
She invited those present to attend the July 4th fireworks display at Vista View Park.
Bond Construction Update: Martin Gross, Parks Planning and Design, provided a brief update on current
projects. Mr. Gross shared some photos of recently completed projects, including the waterslide at C. B.
Smith Park, Saw Palmetto Natural Area, Deerfield Highlands Natural Area, and the maintenance building at
Central Broward Regional Park.

Markham Park Target Range: The lead reclamation project at the Trap and Skeet Range was
recently completed costing $2,000,000. Over 1,000,000 pounds of lead, accumulated over the past 20
years, was reclaimed from the range. Seven (7) acres of melaleuca scattered with lead was cleared
from the area. The four (4) acre lake was excavated and the lead removed. This area is now a 12-acre
open grass field. Mr. Nelson asked if the reclamation process on the lake has solved the ground water
issue. Mr. Gross replied that there are no ground water issues. Ms. Munson asked if the sporting clay
course was excavated. Mr. West replied that the clay course is not an issue. He credited Mr. Federici
and his staff for their hard work in completing the project.

Easterlin Park: A new administrative building is under construction.

Everglades Holiday Park: The Board of Commissioners has approved the agreement for Walters
Zackria Associates to design a two (2) lane entry bridge to replace the one (1) lane bridge. There are
several site improvement projects to develop new docks, boats ramps and parking areas.

Tradewinds Park: There is a Design Build project being developed to include a new visitor’s center, a
new barn and a new sewer system.

Miramar Pineland: New nature center building will be under design shortly.

C. B. Smith Park: Renovations to the existing campground to include new water service and additional
RV parking spaces.

Sunview Park: Plans are underway to design a new community center.
Mr. Brochu asked about the status of the capital project at Easterlin Park. Mr. Gross said that the administrative
building is under construction and a new roadway is being constructed.
Parks and Recreation Division Update
Parks Operations, Gayle Preston: Ms. Preston introduced Cherise Williams as the new Security Manager for
the Division. She stated that the goal is to standardize security throughout the Division, placing more state of art
security features such as cameras, strengthening liaisons with law enforcement agencies, and using standardized
signage to improve safety and security for both staff and park patrons.
Ms. Preston reported that three (3) long term managers retired from the Neighborhood Parks and two (2)
recreation coordinators were promoted to fill two (2) of the vacancies. The third manager position was filled
with a candidate that previously worked for Miami-Dade County Parks. Ms. Preston said that the newly hired
and promoted employees will bring fresh new ideas and enthusiasm to the Neighborhood Parks.
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There is a significant increase in activities and attendance at Central Broward Regional Park. Ms. Preston stated
that a new partnership with Broward County Convention & Visitors Bureau will help to bring in more cultural
events and sporting events such as Quidditch, which is a popular sport, as well as Cricket matches. Ms. Preston
reported that minor adjustments were made to the stadium: the pitch was moved back and a fenced area was
opened up to bring the soccer field closer to the stands, and two (2) light poles will be relocated to the outer
perimeter of the stadium.
Mr. Jones asked about the Division’s policy on guns. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Metz stated that park
visitors with valid concealed weapons permits may bring their firearms into the parks subject to Florida Statutes
790.053, 790.06, and 790.33.
Parks Operations, Sarah Perkins: Ms. Perkins introduced Gary Remillet, crediting him and his Parks
Maintenance Group (PMG) staff for many of the improvements being done throughout the Division. She stated
that PMG did an incredible job renovating the waiting area at Markham Target Range and the group is now
renovating the Skeet and Trap building.
At Everglades Holiday Park, the roof is done, extending over the front porch and providing more shade. The air
conditioning will be improved at a later date. Ms. Perkins reported that the first major renovation to the tower
at Tree Tops Park is complete. At Brian Piccolo Park an athletic coordinator position was created and the
position has been filled. Also, a new park manager was hired for Brian Piccolo Park. Ms. Perkins said that these
additions to staff will improve the field conditions and the programs there. She stated that all the restroom
renovations were completed, making them ADA accessible.
Mr. West stated that the Division has completed between 400 to 500 ADA accessibility projects per year. The
Division currently has a team of five (5) skilled trade and semi-skilled trade workers. A request to continue the
program for another five (5) years to work on ADA projects across the Division is being presented to Budget,
then to the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. West stated that the Division is a quarter of the way through
the list of things that need to be upgraded to be in compliance with the new 2012 ADA laws.
Planning and Development, Carol Morgenstern: Ms. Morgenstern stated that improvements at Saw Palmetto
Natural Area and Deerfield Highland Natural Area are near completion and plans for the openings are
underway. Saw Palmetto neighbors five (5) other natural areas, all connected by the Coconut Creek Greenway.
Deerfield Highlands now has a new playground and is open to the public. The trails are still recovering from
Hurricane Wilma and will be opened in the fall. She reported that the West Lake Mitigation Project is now in
the final stages. This is the mitigation for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport runway and the
Port Everglades expansion project. The airport project is completed and was very successful as impacted
wetlands were restored. The Port Everglades expansion project was delayed and will go to the Board of County
Commissioners on June 24 or after the break.
Community Partnerships, Chester Pruitt: Mr. Pruitt reported that the Parks Foundation has been meeting
monthly for the past year. The website for the Foundation is near completion. A membership application is
being developed and will be distributed to the Board at the next meeting. The goals of the Foundation are to
introduce more fitness zones, cultural events such as a monthly Jazz in the Park concert series and overall park
improvements. The next meeting will be June 12 at Parks Administration in the Cypress Room.
Division Director, Dan West: Mr. West commended staff at all of the parks for working hard to make the
County Park system work successfully. He said at this point the biggest challenge is to stay on top without
being exhausted while managing at the same level.
Old Business
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Page 4
Gift Cards: Mr. Nelson stated that Board members have been giving completely voluntary contributions of gift
cards to the EOQ award honorees. Mr. West reported that that the gift card fund is depleted and if any member
of the Board would like to donate to the fund it will be greatly appreciated.
Other Discussion: None
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:51 a.m.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held at Anne Kolb Nature Center at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday,
September 4, 2014, followed by a Public Forum at 7 p.m.