PR05-05-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
May 5, 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 Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
Absent:
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. None.
3. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from April 7, 2026 Meeting.
Member Sackett moved to approve the April 7, 2026, Minutes. Seconded by
Member Coad and carried by a unanimous voice vote with Member Jose
absent.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Before Board Reports, Chair Cheffer reminded the Board to review the flyer for the Board
Appreciation Dinner and to RSVP.
Member Barr did not have a report.
Member Coad congratulated Vice-Chair Morgan and her husband on the success of the
event and noted that she had planned to attend the Luau, but the weather prevented it
from taking place as scheduled. She also congratulated Mr. Rinaldo on becoming a future
father and advised the Board that it was her 53rd wedding anniversary.
Member Nichols reported that she will be meeting with the individual who oversees
pageants in two weeks and expects to have additional information for the next Board
meeting.
P&R 05-05-2026/1
Page 2 of 8
Mr. Capizzi advised that he would like to meet with her before and after that discussion to
review a few items.
Member Sackett reported that there are ants around the benches and seating areas at
Candyland Park and asked whether bat boxes could be installed to help with flying insects in
the evening.
Mr. Capizzi advised that staff would address the ant issue and look into the possibility of
installing bat boxes.
Vice-Chair Morgan thanked Mrs. Alt-Bowes for her assistance with the Autism Walk for
Awareness and Inclusion. She also thanked Chair Cheffer for notifying her in advance that
she would be unable to attend due to a prior commitment. She reported that the event was
successful, with increased attendance and approximately ten additional vendors
participating this year. She thanked Mr. Capizzi and Mr. Rinaldo for their assistance and
advised that the Longwood Luau was postponed due to weather and rescheduled for
Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Chair Cheffer advised Vice-Chair Morgan that she would be out of town on July 19, 2026.
She complimented the banners installed at Reiter Park and advised the Board that she is
working on establishing a volunteer beautification board for the City of Longwood. She
stated that several individuals have expressed interest in participating, although no one has
volunteered to lead the group. She asked Board Members to forward the names of any
interested Longwood residents and explained the intended purpose and goals of the
volunteer board.
Discussion ensued regarding the creation of a beautification volunteer board.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi confirmed that the Longwood Luau has been rescheduled. He reported on
upcoming events, including the Mother/Son Dance,Flag Retirement Ceremony,
Father/Daughter Dance, Juneteenth, and Rock, Freedom and Fireworks and advised the
banners have been installed. He provided updates on ongoing capital and maintenance
projects, including progress on FRDAP grant-funded improvements at Sandalwood Park and
enhancements at Candyland Park including major renovations to the ballfields.
Mr. Capizzi advised that staff received a quote from the IT Department for installation of an
Easy Ad TV at Reiter Park for event promotion and public messaging; however, staff will also
request pricing for a smaller televis'_ n option. He further advised that City employees
recently participated in a Cancer Prevention Sun Safety course presented by Wanda Adorno
of IFAS. He also reported that an issue with a sprinkler control system at Reiter Park has
been repaired.
P&R 05-05-2026/2
Page 3 of 8
Mr. Capizzi advised that plant maintenance continues throughout the City and that the new
mowing contractors have resumed mowing operations. With regard to the Autism event, he
advised that after speaking with an autistic couple who attended the event, staff plans to
add a shaded sensory station next year. He then confirmed that Summer Camp is sold out.
Mr. Capizzi advised that he is scheduled to meet with the City Manager and Finance
Manager on Thursday on status of the department budget and expects to have additional
information following that meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding the budget.
Member Coad advised that she spoke with the supervisor and arborist from RCI, the City's
new mowing contractor, and found them to be very knowledgeable and informative. She
encouraged Mr. Capizzi to speak with them as well.
Mr. Capizzi advised that the stakes currently located throughout the Historic District mark
areas where additional trees will be replanted.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Member Sackett
and carried by a unanimous voice vote with Member Jose absent.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 06-02-2026
C
Ardel Cheffer, Chair
ATTEST: '
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
P&R 05-05-2026/3
Page 4 of 8
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
P&R 05-05-2026/4
Page 5 of 8