PR08-05-2025MIn LONGWOOD PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
August 5, 2025
6:30 PM
Present: Larissa Morgan, Chair
Amanda Sackett, Vice-Chair
Jennifer Barr, Member
Ardel Cheffer, Member
Jason Jose, Member
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
Absent: Judi Coad, Member
Abdallah "Albert" Ghazzawieh, Member
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 July 1, 2025, Meeting.
Vice-Chair Sackett moved to approve the July 1, 2025 minutes as presented. Seconded by
Member Jose and carried by a unanimous voice vote with Members Ghazzawieh and Coad
absent.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Barr stated that she had heard there was a dog park in Casselberry with a splash pad and
inquired why something similar could not be added to the city's park. Although she was unable to locate
such a facility, she expressed interest in exploring the possibility for the city. She also reported that she
had emailed the band director at Rock Lake Middle School about their band attending a city event
during the holidays and expects to receive a response within the next few weeks.
Mr. Capizzi and other board members clarified that Pawmosa Dog Park in Casselberry does not have a
splash pad.
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Vice-Chair Sackett had no report.
Chair Morgan thanked staff for their work on Summer Camp, noting it was a great success and that her
son enjoyed all of the field trips. She also attended the Police Department's Back-to-School event and
reported that it went very well.
Member Jose had no report.
Member Cheffer shared that she had communicated with Mr. Rinaldo regarding the upcoming
Dogtoberfest event and asked whether vendors would be able to prepare a "doggie plate" with treats
for the puppies.
A discussion followed regarding vendors and doggie plates, the possibility of collecting donations of
canned dog food, and having the Scouts serve hot dog meals for attendees during the Dogtoberfest
event.
5. STAFF REPORT
A. Staff Report for August 5, 2025.
Mr. Capizzi reported that the next Senior Matinee will be held on August 20, 2025, featuring the
movie Heads of State. He noted the event has been well-attended recently and continues to be a
successful partnership with Tony Boni. He stated that August and September are traditionally
slower months for events due to heat and rainy weather, but recurring events will still take place.
October will mark the start of the busier fall event season.
Mr. Capizzi provided an update on the Haunted House, noting that Gary Adams will not be able to
participate this year. However, Mr. Adams will coordinate a smaller activity for the Truck or Treat
event. He noted the Halloween Dance has been moved to a Friday. He reported that the sidewalks
at Candyland have been replaced and repaired resulting in a much-improved appearance. At the
dog park, dead and diseased trees have been removed, and new sidewalks have been installed. He
expressed hope for a mild hurricane season and noted that staff will be working on two
wayfinding signs for Reiter Park, to be provided by Media One. The signs will include a map of the
park.
Mr. Capizzi advised that the AC units in the Community Building will be replaced next week. He
advised Longwood Babe Ruth Opening Day is scheduled for September 13, with skills assessments
on August 9 and 16. Practices will begin after August 16. He recognized Softwash Systems, an in-
kind sponsor for the Rock, Freedom, and Fireworks event, for cleaning the entire concrete surface
at Reiter Park. He also reported that the basketball court at Reiter Park will be resurfaced within
the next couple of weeks.
Mr. Capizzi met with Chad DeGroot of Mr. Bikes and Boards and Tito Parada of the Platform Group
to discuss skatepark design updates. He explained the proposed changes and improvements to
the skatepark.
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Mr. Rinaldo reported that Summer Camp concluded last Friday, providing an overview of
attendance and program highlights. He also reviewed the Rock, Freedom, and Fireworks event,
noting total expenses of$29,662 and sponsorship/vendor revenue of approximately$12,000.
Mr. Capizzi informed the Board that Ms. Cartagena has been nominated to serve on a Seminole
County Board for the Semi-quincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence. He explained the planned activities and invited interested board
members to notify him so he can share the information with Ms. Cartagena.
Chair Morgan, Member Jose, and Member Cheffer expressed interest in participating.
A discussion followed regarding the 250th Celebration.
Vice-Chair Sackett asked if the Candyland parking lot would be lined before Opening Day. Mr.
Capizzi confirmed it would.
Finally, Mr. Capizzi reported that Member Coad had been in contact with Mr. Rinaldo and will be
working on sponsorship for the Celebrate the Season event.
6. ADJOURN
Member Jose moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Vice Chair Sackett and
motion carried by a unanimous voice vote with Members Ghazzawieh and Coad absent.
Chair Morgan adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 09-02-2025
Larissa Morgan, Chair
ATTEST:
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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