PR09-02-2025Min LONGWOOD PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
September 2, 2025
6:30 PM
Present: Larissa Morgan, Chair
Amanda Sackett, Vice-Chair
Judi Coad, Member
Jennifer Barr, Member
Ardel Cheffer, Member
Jason Jose, Member
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
3. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from the August 5, 2025, Meeting.
Vice-Chair Sackett moved to approve the August 5, 2025 minutes as presented.
Seconded by Member Jose and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
B. National Night Out
Mr. Rinaldo reported that twenty-four (24) vendors have registered for the event and
anticipated that an additional twenty (20) vendors would register within the next two
weeks. He noted that Winn-Dixie has once again confirmed its donation of hotdogs and
hamburgers. DJ Dennis and the bounce houses are also confirmed. This year's event will
feature a softball game instead of kickball.
Mr. Capizzi stated that a volunteer sign-up list will be circulated for those interested in
assisting with National Night Out, Dogtoberfest, Truck or Treat, and Celebrate the
Season.
Discussion ensued on vendors, sponsorships, and volunteer support for the National
Night Out event.
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4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Barr advised she is continuing her efforts to secure the Rock Lake Middle School Jazz
Band for a future performance at Reiter Park, noting that the Tree Lighting Ceremony already
has a band scheduled.
Further discussion followed regarding the possibility of scheduling the Jazz Band for future
City events.
Member Coad extended belated birthday wishes to Mrs. Alt-Bowes and well wishes to Vice-
Chair Sackett's son on his surgery. She stated that Santa's Breakfast generally runs smoothly
but encouraged members to reach out with any questions. Information on ticket sales are
expected to be released in early November, noting that the event typically sells out quickly.
At the November meeting, she will distribute the volunteer work schedule for Celebrate the
Season and expressed hope that all members can participate.
She also noted that due to scheduling conflicts, the annual planning meeting with staff has
not yet been held. She has begun working on prizes, identified needs, and assessed remaining
budget funds, reminding the Board that unspent funds are subject to a "use it or lose it"
policy. She then inquired whether the laser light show had been booked.
Mr. Rinaldo responded that he had received a price but would be obtaining additional quotes
due to the cost.
Member Coad emphasized her ongoing concern about the Celebrate the Season budget but
noted the event has been successful in past years. She advised that sponsorships are being
sought. She shared information with Chair Morgan about dog tags for the autism awareness
event. She also stated she may not be able to attend National Night Out.
Vice-Chair Sackett encouraged members to continue promoting the Halloween Dance to
ensure its success, noting the challenge of scheduling it the same week as National Night Out
and several weeks prior to Halloween. She also requested that a flyer be printed for National
Night Out to assist with promotion.
Chair Morgan asked for additional details regarding the Semi-Quincentennial meeting, noting
she had missed the meeting Liane had sent an invite to.
Discussion followed on planning for this event, including a suggestion from Member Coad to
purchase patriotic banners, with additional discussion on fundraising efforts.
Member Jose stated he was also unable to attend the Semi-Quincentennial meeting. He
inquired about a Facebook post referencing flooding at Candyland Park fields.
Mr. Capizzi reported that staff had met with a representative from Longwood Babe Ruth and
explained preparations underway for the upcoming season.
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Member Cheffer advised she had spoken with Eric from the Boy Scouts, who, along with his
troop or another troop, would be selling hotdogs at the Dogtoberfest. She also noted the
community board at Arbor Park and asked if flyers could be posted there.
Mr. Capizzi confirmed they could.
Member Cheffer stated she had received the updated vendor list from Mr. Rinaldo and would
be sending out weekly emails. She added that she would follow up with Mr. Rinaldo on any
responses received.
Discussion followed regarding vendors, entertainment, food, and the pet food drive for
Dogtoberfest.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi reported that the air condition work at the Community Building has been completed and
that staff is in the process of obtaining hail guards for the exterior units. He advised that work is
currently underway on the basketball court at Reiter Park, which is expected to be completed by next
week. Following completion, staff will look into purchasing new backboards and rims for the court.
He announced that Opening Day for Longwood Babe Ruth is scheduled for September 13, 2025. He
also confirmed that Santa will be available for the parade, Celebrate the Season, and Breakfast with
Santa.
Mr. Capizzi stated that staff continues to work on grants and is collaborating with Public Works on
projects at Sandalwood. He met with The Platform Group regarding design plans for the skate park,
which will include replacement of some modular equipment. Public Works will provide millings to be
used as a base for the structure, which will then be covered with concrete, resulting in cost savings.
He noted that he does not anticipate issues with the laser light show for Celebrate the Season,
pending additional quotes. He added that new event plans are forthcoming, with Mr. Rinaldo set to
review them with Member Coad.
Mr. Capizzi reported that events are currently scheduled through May, with the schedule to be sent
to the Board once a few spring events are confirmed.
Member Coad asked whether the Board is still required to vote annually on providing a gift card for
Santa Claus.
Member Coad moved to provide a gift card to Santa Claus for his participation in the City's
three (3) events, in the same amount as in previous years.The motion was seconded by Vice-
Chair Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6. ADJOURN
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Vice Chair Sackett and
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
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Chair Morgan adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 11-04-2025
Larissa Morgan, Chair
ATTEST:
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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