PR06-02-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
June 2, 2026
6:30 PM
Present: Amanda Sackett, Member
Ardel Cheffer, Chair Aryn Nichols, Member
Larissa Morgan, Vice-Chair Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Judi Coad, Member Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
Jennifer Barr, Member Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
Jason Jose, Member
1. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Cheffer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
3. ACTIONS ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from May 5, 2026, Meeting.
Member Sackett moved to approve the May 5, 2026, Minutes. Seconded by Member Jose
and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
B. Discuss Light Bollard Project with Recreation Impact Fees.
Mr. Capizzi presented a proposed project to replace the existing lighted bollards in the Historic
District, including the Clock Tower area, Community Building parking lot, gazebo area, and Heroes
Monument. He advised that many of the existing bollards are more than twenty years old, are no
longer manufactured, and have sustained damage over the years.
He explained that staff is proposing the replacement of fifty-two bollards with new LED louvered
dome bollards utilizing Recreation Impact Fee funding in the amount of approximately $17,056,
with installation costs to be funded through the department's operating budget. He stated that
the new bollards would improve lighting, aesthetics, and safety within the Historic District.
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of installing similar lighting at Reiter Park and future
connections to the park area adjacent to the new fire station.
C. Budget.
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Mr. Capizzi reviewed the preliminary FY 2026-2027 budget and advised that the department's
event budget reflects an overall three percent reduction.
He reviewed proposed adjustments to several event budgets, including minor reductions to
BarkFest, increases for the Christmas Parade and Rock, Freedom, and Fireworks due to rising
vendor costs, and the elimination of the New Events budget line.
Mr. Capizzi advised that the proposed budget also eliminates funding for the Juneteenth
Celebration due to the event's cost compared to attendance. He noted that the event could
continue in the future if sponsorship funding becomes available to cover costs for the event.
Discussion ensued regarding event sponsorship opportunities, parade sponsorships, Juneteenth
programming, and long-term funding strategies for special events.
Mr. Capizzi also reviewed the General Fund event budget and advised that there are no significant
changes other than a slight decrease in rental and lease expenses.
Discussion ensued regarding Recreation Impact Fee funding, future park projects, shade
structures, splash pad improvements, maintenance equipment, and the potential purchase of a
large event tent.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Barr reported concerns raised by residents regarding shade at the Reiter Park splash pad and
requested that comments and concerns posted on social media be addressed when possible. She also
inquired about conditions at the Candyland Park pickleball courts.
Mr. Capizzi advised that staff is aware of the concerns regarding the splash pad and that
communication efforts will continue. He further advised that repairs to the pickleball court cracks have
been approved and that replacement of the perimeter fencing has been included in a future Capital
Improvement Project. He noted that resurfacing of the courts is planned for the next fiscal year.
Member Coad reported that she had no updates regarding the holiday events. She suggested including
a schedule of upcoming City events in City communications and inquired about conditions at the tennis
courts.
Mr. Capizzi advised that the tennis courts remain in good condition and are not currently experiencing
any issues.
Member Nichols reported that she met with an individual involved in organizing pageants and advised
that discussions continue regarding incorporating a pageant component into the Strawberry Festival.
Discussion ensued regarding pageant concepts, sponsorship opportunities, prizes, and potential
participation in future parades.
Member Sackett inquired about hurricane preparation efforts, skate park improvements,the pump
track, bat boxes, ant treatment at Candyland Park, speed bumps, and future basketball court
improvements.
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Mr. Capizzi advised that staff continues to prepare facilities for hurricane season and provided updates
regarding ongoing maintenance and capital improvement projects. He reported that the pump track
remains in good condition and that a seal coat project is being considered to extend its useful life. He
also advised that skate park improvements have been successful and that additional enhancements are
planned for the future.
Vice-Chair Morgan reported that the Longwood Luau has been rescheduled to June 14, 2026. She
thanked staff for coordinating the date change and discussed event logistics, including shade, cooling
stations, and spectator seating.
Discussion ensued regarding cooling stations, tent placement, and event accommodations.
Vice-Chair Morgan also introduced the concept of a future park project involving communication
boards and encouraged further discussion at a future meeting.
Member Jose reported that he had been traveling and inquired about preparations for the Rock,
Freedom, and Fireworks event.
Mr. Rinaldo advised that the city continues its partnership with iHeart Media and that sponsorship and
promotional support remain in place for the event.
Mr. Capizzi advised that FDOT permits have been secured and that preparations for the event are
progressing as planned.
Chair Cheffer shared examples of event and communication materials from neighboring municipalities
and discussed educational opportunities related to Florida's wildlife corridor and environmental
conservation.
Discussion ensued regarding possible environmental programming, educational seminars, and future
Movies in the Park opportunities.
5. STAFF REPORT
A. Staff Report for June 2, 2026.
Mr. Capizzi advised that significant renovations are underway at Candyland Sports Complex,
including complete replacement of the infield turf on Field 1.
He reported that Summer Camp has begun and is operating at capacity.
Mr. Capizzi provided an update on upcoming events, including the Longwood Luau, Rock,
Freedom, and Fireworks, and other summer programming. He advised that a detailed schedule for
the Rock, Freedom and Fireworks event will be distributed prior to the event.
He further advised that the event will include a Liberty Tree dedication ceremony, patriotic
programming, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities.
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Discussion ensued regarding event promotion, parking, road closures, food vendors, and
entertainment.
6. ADJOURN
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Member Sackett and carried
by a unanimous voice.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation dvisory Board: 07-07-2026
Ardel Cheffer, Chair
ATTEST:
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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