PR02-03-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
February 3, 2026
6:30 P.M.
Present:
Ardel Cheffer, Chair Aryn Nichols, Member
Larissa Morgan, Vice-Chair Amanda Sackett, Member (6:31 p.m.)
Judi Coad, Member Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Jennifer Barr, Member Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
Jason Jose, Member Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Cheffer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC INPUT. None.
3. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from January 6, 2026 Meeting
Vice Chair Morgan moved to approve the January 6, 2026 Minutes. Seconded
by Member Jose and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
B. Review Upcoming Board Meeting Dates
Member Coad advised that she is available for the May meeting. She stated that while it
falls on her anniversary and she would prefer not to attend, she will be present.
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of moving the May meeting due to Member
Jose being unable to attend. It was ultimately decided that the May meeting would not
be rescheduled.
Chair Cheffer asked if there were any additional date conflicts.
Member Coad inquired about the date of the election and was advised that it is
November 3, which coincides with a scheduled meeting date. She stated that this has
historically been an issue and made a motion to change the November 3, 2026 meeting
to another date.
Chair Cheffer advised that she also has a standing commitment on that date.
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Discussion ensued regarding changing the November meeting date. It was decided to
table the discussion for a future meeting and for the Recording Secretary to obtain
alternative available dates from the City Clerk.
Member Sackett inquired about the October meeting date and was advised that the
October meeting will be cancelled due to National Night Out and is not a rescheduled
meeting.
C. Patriotic Banners
Chair Cheffer presented the 250th Celebration Flag for City Hall and banners to staff for
approval.
Discussion ensued regarding banner placement at Reiter Park and along State Road
427/Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
Discussion ensued regarding Member Jose's concerns about the banners, selection
options, and placement.
Member Sackett moved to approve banners 1 and 4 to be displayed together on
the poles and presented to the Commission. Seconded by Vice-Chair Morgan.
and carried by a 6-1 vote with Member Coad voting nay and Member Jose
changing his vote from nay to aye after discussion.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Barr did not have a report.
Member Coad inquired about the availability of strawberries for the Strawberry Festival.
Mr. Rinaldo advised that he would look into the matter and stated that if there is a shortage
due to the freeze, staff will notify the public accordingly.
Member Nichols reported that she has been promoting the Chili Cook-Off.
Member Sackett requested an update on maintenance at Candyland Park, including the
parking lot striping.
Mr. Capizzi advised that operations are progressing well and that the parking lot will be
striped as done previously for Opening Day. He stated that foul ball netting should be
installed soon, possibly within the week. He advised that the new Field Pro has been
received and is being used to properly groom the fields. He explained that the Bermuda
grass has gone dormant due to the freeze but will recover and green up. He further advised
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that the infield on Field 1, and possibly additional areas, will be resodded after the Spring
season.
Member Sackett asked how the skate park compares to other skate parks in the area.
Mr. Capizzi advised that it is in good condition and that staff is coordinating with Duke
Energy to have the lighting connected within the next few weeks. He stated that plans for
the skate park expansion are expected from the Platform Group within the next couple of
weeks and that renovations should be completed in March. He advised that approximately
30 cubic yards of fill from Public Works road projects will be used for the expansion.
Vice-Chair Morgan reported that the second Autism Walk planning meeting was held earlier
that day. She advised that updates include a new logo, new shirts, a redesigned banner, and
several additional enhancements. She requested that Board Members promote the event
on social media if they see it posted. She advised that vendor recruitment is ongoing, with
20 vendors confirmed to date. She stated that Jacqueline Aubrey, Community and Media
Relations Manager, has been instrumental in promotion efforts and that outreach to radio
stations is underway. She further advised that a Commissioner is assisting with news station
coverage. Meetings will be held bi-weekly until the event, and a volunteer list will be
distributed. With regard to the Luau, she stated that promotion is ongoing and requested
that any information on Hawaiian vendors in Florida be forwarded to Rachel for
coordination with Horsepower Ranch.
Mr. Capizzi advised that he and Mr. Rinaldo met with Kevin from Longwood/Lake Mary Life
and that upcoming events through the Luau will be featured in the next edition. He stated
that he will follow up to see if they will attend the event and advised that the Community
and Media Relations Manager will take photos.
Member Jose advised Mr. Rinaldo that he received his email and will provide the Chili Cook-
Off information later in the week.
Chair Cheffer inquired whether staff has considered offering a Spring Break Camp, noting
that Summer Camp sells out and there appears to be demand.
Discussion ensued regarding the feasibility, cost, and pros and cons of offering a Spring
Break Camp.
Chair Cheffer asked whether a Sun Safety for Outdoor Professionals workshop has ever
been offered to City employees.
Mr. Capizzi advised that he did not believe so and requested additional information on the
workshop.
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Chair Cheffer recalled that Sunshine Law training was offered around the same time the
previous year.
Discussion ensued regarding Sunshine Law training for the board.
Chair Cheffer advised the Board that the Rotary Club of Seminole County Central awarded a
teacher at Longwood Elementary with the Dr. Beth Sharp Seminole County Teacher Award
and explained the selection process.
Chair Cheffer advised that seven cookers are currently confirmed for the Chili Cook-Off and
that recruitment efforts are ongoing. She asked whether it would be too late to include a
canned food donation drive benefiting The Sharing Center.
Mr. Capizzi advised that it could be included in promotions.
Discussion ensued regarding Chili Cook-Off outreach, sponsorship, age requirements for
cookers and volunteers, and selection of judges.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi advised that staff prepared for the freeze; however, some impacts occurred. He
stated that plant materials are generally in good condition, with some windburn expected
to recover. He advised that most landscaping is Florida-friendly and outlined steps needed
for plant recovery. He reported issues with the drinking water fountains at Reiter Park,
stating that one will be repaired and the other will require replacement.
Member Coad asked whether these were the new fountains at Reiter Park.
Mr. Capizzi clarified that he was referring to the drinking water fountains, not the pond
fountains.
Mr. Capizzi advised that FRDAP grant projects are moving forward, including skate park
improvements, new asphalt and restriping of the basketball court at Sandalwood Park, and
upgrades to netting at Candyland Sports Complex. He advised Member Coad that he had
not yet received information regarding the strawberry crop but will follow up. He stated
that preparations for the Strawberry Festival are progressing well, with strong
entertainment booked and the event extended by one additional hour due to popularity. He
advised that the Easter Egg Hunt planning is underway and that Leanne from the Church on
434 will provide an inclusion area for children with disabilities and participate as a vendor at
the Autism event.
Discussion ensued regarding promotion of the inclusion area for the Easter Egg Hunt.
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Mr. Capizzi advised that Caribbean Crew will perform at the Concert in the Park and Food
Truck Battle on April 11, 2026. He noted that April 11 will be a particularly busy day with
multiple events scheduled, including the Car Show and Community Health Fair, and stated
that spring programming has continued to expand in recent years.
Member Barr referenced a prior request for final plans for Clock Tower Park renovations.
Mr. Capizzi apologized for not having updated plans available and advised that he will
obtain confirmation from Public Works and present an update at the next meeting.
Member Coad asked whether the pond fountains at Reiter Park had been repaired.
Mr. Capizzi advised that both fountains have been repaired and that the issue was related
to a relay.
Member Coad asked whether any questions regarding the 131 Fund would be reviewed.
Mr. Capizzi advised that he would address any questions as needed.
Discussion ensued regarding the 131 Fund related to the Pirate Seafood Festival,
sponsorships, Celebrate the Season, and Breakfast with Santa.
Member Sackett noted that the agenda reflects future meetings as starting at 6:00 p.m. and
requested it be corrected to 6:30 p.m.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Member Sackett moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Vice-Chair
Morgan and motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 03-03-2026
Ardel Cheffer, Chair k;
ATTEST:
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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