PR04-07-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
April 7, 2026
6:30 P.M.
Present:
Ardel Cheffer, Chair Amanda Sackett, Member
Larissa Morgan,Vice-Chair Aryn Nichols, Member
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 February 3, 2026 Meeting.
Member Sackett moved to approve the February 3, 2026, Minutes. Seconded
by Member Jose and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
B. Strawberry Festival Recap.
Mr. Rinaldo reviewed the final figures for the Strawberry Festival. He advised that total
expenses were approximately$11,000.00, exceeding the initial budget of$9,000.00.
However, the event generated approximately$4,000.00 in revenue, resulting in the
event coming in under the total allocated funding. It was noted that the budget sheet
provided had not yet been fully updated by Finance.
Discussion ensued regarding event finances, layout, and overall operations.
C. Chili Cook-Off Recap.
Mr. Rinaldo reported that the Chili Cook-Off was a successful event. Ticket sales totaled
approximately 216 tickets, compared to 290 tickets sold the previous year, with a
maximum capacity of 300 tickets. The event generated approximately$1,500.00 after
expenses.
Discussion ensued regarding ticket sales, water distribution, event timing, and logistics.
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It was also noted that there was confusion regarding the process for providing sample
cups for judges. Staff advised that rules will be updated to clarify that all judging samples
must be served in uniform cups provided by staff to ensure consistency.
Additional feedback was received that some chili samples were not at appropriate
serving temperatures when presented to judges. Staff will review procedures to ensure
proper temperature control in future events.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Barr reported feedback from attendees at the Strawberry Festival and indicating a
desire for increased involvement from Police and Fire Departments in children's activities,
improved spacing of vendors to reduce crowding, and clearer announcements during the
event. She also inquired about the process for becoming a judge for the Chili Cook-Off. Staff
explained that judges are typically volunteers, with preference given to individuals who
have reliably participated in prior years.
Member Barr noted difficulty identifying vendor booth numbers during the Chili Cook-Off
and suggested using larger, more visible numbering. She also reiterated concerns that some
online ticket purchasers did not receive their complimentary water.
Member Coad reported the Strawberry Festival was well attended and asked for
attendance estimates. Mr. Rinaldo advised attendance was estimated between 8,000 and
10,000 people. She also noted issues with vendor signage obstructing booth numbers and
emphasized the importance of maintaining visibility for judging purposes.
Member Nichols reported the Strawberry Festival was well attended and positively
received. For the Chili Cook-Off, she noted confusion at the ticket booth regarding free
water distribution and online ticket processing but stated that overall operations ran
smoothly.
Member Sackett reported the event was successful and noted that announcements for the
costume contest at the Strawberry Festial were made multiple times; however,
participation was limited. She stated that volunteers distributed water upon request during
the Chili Cook-Off.
Vice-Chair Morgan reported both events were successful and provided updates on the
upcoming Autism event, noting approximately 50 vendors are currently confirmed. She
referenced ongoing discussions regarding safety considerations for children on the autism
spectrum, including the potential use of door alarms and the exploration of swim
instruction resources. She noted these topics are being discussed internally as part of
planning efforts for the upcoming Autism event and related initiatives. She advised efforts
are being made to expand offerings for older participants and to increase overall event
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promotion. She also requested staff confirm coordination with Horsepower Ranch for the
upcoming Luau.
Discussion ensued about vendors and performers for the Longwood Luau.
Member Jose reported feedback from attendees requesting an increase in strawberry-
themed food offerings and improved vendor spacing for future festivals.
Chair Cheffer reported that the Tanghulu vendor was highly popular and suggested securing
their participation at future events. She also proposed consideration of a "Little Miss
Longwood Strawberry Festival" pageant to increase community engagement.
Discussion ensued about having a Little Miss Longwood Strawberry Festival pageant
contest.
Chair Cheffer noted operational challenges during the Chili Cook-Off, including running low
on small denomination currency, lower water sales, partially due to free water distribution
by another vendor, and the lack of clear signage indicating water sales. She also suggested
developing a standardized checklist to improve event coordination.
Further discussion ensued regarding event operations, including the need for improved
signage for water sales, clarification of sponsor recognition on event tickets, and the
development of a standardized checklist to enhance organization. Additional concerns were
raised regarding chili sample temperatures, with staff advised to monitor and maintain
proper serving conditions during judging.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi reported on upcoming events, including the Concert in the Park, Food Truck
Battle, Community Health Fair, Car Show, Autism event, and the Longwood Luau. He
advised that staff is currently engaged in seasonal landscape maintenance, including
improvements to the streambed at Reiter Park to enhance stormwater runoff, as well as
general beautification efforts within the historic district through a tree planting initiative
funded by the tree fund.
Discussion ensued about plant maintenance on Warren Avenue.
Mr. Capizzi provided updates on ongoing capital and maintenance projects, including
progress on FRDAP grant-funded improvements at Sandalwood Park and enhancements at
Candyland Park, noting the recent skate park upgrades have significantly improved the
facility and increased usage. He further advised that additional grant funding may be
applied toward ballfield improvements and fencing.
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Mr. Capizzi reported that patriotic banners are expected to be installed by the end of April
and that staff is coordinating with the IT Department on the installation of a digital display
at Reiter Park for event promotion and public messaging. He advised that Summer Camp
registration has begun and is progressing well, with enrollment expected to reach capacity
within several weeks. He also reported that recruitment efforts are ongoing for a Park
Service Specialist position and that the skate park lighting project has been completed,
pending final activation by Duke Energy.
Additional discussion included updates on the mowing contract, budget preparation, and
maintenance needs at the Community Building, including anticipated gutter replacement.
Mr. Capizzi also reported that improvements at the dog park have been completed,
including fencing and tree removal, with future enhancements to be considered through
the tree fund.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Member Sackett
and carried by a unanimous voice.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 05-03-2026
JAI(
Ar•el Cheffer, Chair
ATTEST:
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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