PR08-04-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
August 4, 2026
6:30 P.M.
Present:
Ardel Cheffer, Chair Aryn Nichols, Member
Judi Coad, Member Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Amanda Sackett, Member Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
Absent:
Larissa Morgan, Vice-Chair
Jennifer Barr, Member
Jason Jose, Member
Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Cheffer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC INPUT.
A. Public Participation. None.
3. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from July 7, 2026 Meeting.
Member Sackett moved to approve the July 7, 2026, Minutes. Seconded by Member
Nichols and carried by a unanimous voice vote with Member Jose, Member Barr and
Vice-Chair Morgan absent.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Chair Cheffer had no report.
Member Sackett had no report.
Member Nichols had no report.
Member Coad had no report.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi provided an update on several ongoing capital improvement and maintenance projects.
He advised that the ballfields at Candyland Sports Complex have been renovated, including the
complete resodding of the infield on Field 1, improvements to the restroom facilities, drainage
enhancements, and repairs to the pickleball and basketball courts. He also reported that new
lighted bollards have been received and will be installed in the Historic District, and that the
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Sandalwood Park playground is being renovated utilizing retrofit equipment. He advised that the
department's proposed FY 2026-2027 budget includes reductions to the Board Promotions budget
and the elimination of funding for the Juneteenth Celebration and Dogtoberfest due to anticipated
budget constraints. He noted that the proposed budget will be presented to the City Commission
for consideration during the September budget hearings.
Mr. Capizzi reported that new trees have been planted throughout the City utilizing Tree Fund
dollars and advised that irrigation improvements have been completed to support the new
landscaping. He also noted that staff continues to prepare City parks for hurricane season through
routine tree inspections and maintenance. He advised that Summer Camp concluded successfully.
He reported that preparations are underway for National Night Out. He noted that Winn-Dixie will
again provide food and beverages for the event, DJ Dennis will provide entertainment,
commissioners will participate in cooking dinner, the annual police vs. fire softball game will take
place, and staff is pursuing additional attractions and activities. He also advised that the City is
involved with the planning of a 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11th
in partnership with the Fire Department, Police Department, and VFW. He further advised that staff
is working with E.J. Burt to establish a youth basketball clinic at Candyland Sports Complex this fall,
pending completion of the required background screening process.
Board Members asked questions regarding hurricane preparedness, maintenance at the dog park
and Community Building, replacement of the existing bollards, the City's memorial program,
Summer Camp finances, and potential projects utilizing remaining Board Promotions funds.
Discussion ensued regarding improvements to the memorial program, potential Board-funded
projects for City parks, and notification of vendors regarding the cancellation of Dogtoberfest.
6. ADJOURN
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Member Sackett and
carried by a unanimous voice vote Member Jose, Member Barr and Vice-Chair Morgan
absent.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 09-01-2026
______0:1Lettl C
Ardel Cheffer, Chair
ATTEST:
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Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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