City of Groveland Minutes Revised Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 11, 2025 The City of Groveland Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 in the Lake David Community Center located at 450 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736. Chair-Person Joscelyn Campbell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the following members present: Vice-Chair Linda Cowels, Frederick Wood, Chuck Kenzig, Michael Gris, David Badillo, David Bergstein, and School Board Member Representative Lashawn Irvin. City staff present were Parks & Community Services Director Mike Walker and Recording SecrelayAdministralive Assistant Maritza Calderon. Excused Absence: Unexcused Absence: Committee Member Shana Martin CONSENT AGENDA Consideration of Approval: December 10, 2024 Revised Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting Minutes Motion: Committee Member David Bergstein moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Committee Member Michael Gris. Motion passed with all committee members present voting aye. January 14, 2025 Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting Minutes Motion: Committee Member Chuck Kenzig moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Committee Member LaShawn Irvin. Motion passed with all committee members present voting aye. PRESENTATIONS 2025 Calendar of Events Special Events Coordinator Francesca Spartz and Steven McDonald referenced an overview of the Calendar of Events contained in the agenda packet and mentioned that the events are also for the public on the city website and provided an update as follows: 1 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES Upcoming Events The Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, held at the Puryear Building on Saturday, January 18th, was a tremendous success. The Stuckey Community Improvement Group provided breakfast, and the event saw around 170 attendees, surpassing the initial goal of 150. Seven local pastors from the community gave moving presentations about the City of Groveland and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This year's event was one of the most successful Martin Luther King Jr. events to date. The 2nd Friday Block Party is set for Friday, February 14th, coinciding with Valentine's Day. The event will feature a performance by the Soul 2 Earth Band and a special appearance by saxophonist Dell O. Barnes. Mary Norwood will serve as the guest speaker, and Captain Schirra will join us in the KidZone area for an exciting time. Steven shared that the Adult Co-ed Volleyball season has officially kicked off, with four teams competing. The games will take place on Tuesdays for the next seven weeks. Following volleyball, the Basketball season will begin once the volleyball season concludes. The Groveland Star Party will be held on February 28, 2025, featuring Captain Schirra as. This event will also be part of the February Outdoor Adventure series. Outdoor Adventure Series by Captain Schirra various events in the month of March to include E-bike and Bird watching on the Van Fleet Trail on Bay Lake Rd, Axe throwing and slingshots at Downtown Festival Park. Founders Day March 29,2025 and will also be the Vietnam Veterans Day Franchesca mentioned that the timeline of that event is being worked on. Mr. Walker echoed Committee Member Kenzig's comments, highlighting the excellent programs and events that Francesca, Steven, and their team have organized, along with valuable community partnerships. He noted that the city is entering its third year of partnership with Hope International Church and the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium. The goal of this partnership has been to help launch programming for the city, rather than waiting for a community center to be built. Mr. Walker thanked the Hope International representatives present at the RAC meeting, recognizing that their partnership has been instrumental in kickstarting both adult and youth recreational programs, as well as the Outdoor Adventure Series with Captain Schirra. Additionally, the partnership with the YMCA helped make last year's summer program a success. He emphasized that, although the city is small and the department is growing quickly, these partnerships have been vital in expanding recreational opportunities. Mr. Walker mentioned TJ would be presenting to see how EYP can be a part of the City of Groveland's Growth and Mr. Walker also said this was not a formal presentation, sO no formal action needed to be made this presentation is fori informational purposes. Mr. Walker also mentioned that the City has designated times, days, and hours for the use of the Nathaniel gymnasium which is under contract for the City to use the facility. Mr. Walker 2 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES mentioned that is was beneficial to have the EYP presentation and gave a history of the way YMCA came about, the YMCA operated from Gray middle school SO City of Groveland reached out to the YMCA to create a relationship as YMCA lost the grant they had to provide the programing sO Mr. Walker reached out to the YMCA to see how City of Groveland could be of assistance to keep the program in the summer. Mr. Walker also mentioned that the Budget for the summer program is $25,000 which is split as follows: $15,000 for YMCA Summer program and $10,000 for Wacky Wednesday Parks and Program. Walker believes in sponsorship within the community. TJ McCoy, CEO of Empowering Young People (EYP), presented on the organization's mission to support middle and high school students. TJ spoke about the nonprofit organization's mission to support middle and high school students. Established in 2017, EYP is entering its fourth year of operation and aims to inspire youth through personal development, academic tutoring, behavioral services, and community programs. Currently, EYP runs three key initiatives: EYP Takeover, the Summer Program, and the Fatherhood Initiative. The Summer Program, designed for children ages 5 to 12, is a six-week initiative that offers a wide range of activities including tutoring, games, crafts, and more. TJ emphasized the increasing need for such programs and the significant positive impact they could have on the City of Groveland. This year, the program expects to engage approximately one hundred youth participants. To support the Summer Program, EYP is requesting $100 per child per week for six weeks from the City of Groveland. The funding will cover the Camp Director's salary, staff support, supplies, transportation, field trips (including activities like Jujitsu, volleyball, and basketball), meals, snacks, and educational programs such as academic tutoring, financial literacy, American history, and Spanish language learning. TJ also highlighted that by partnering with EYP, the city would save $60 per child per week. This partnership would allow Groveland residents to participate at no cost, with only a reduced fee of $30 per week for extended day services if necessary. Committee members asked TJ questions regarding the EYP Program: David Badillo inquired about current funding. Mr. Walker responded, stating that the program partners with the YMCA. Chuck Kenzig asked whether the EYP organization is a 501(c)(3) or if it operates under an umbrella organization. TJ McCoy clarified that EYP is a separate entity, specifically owned and operated by his father Pastor Tony McCoy, who is also the pastor of Hope International Church. TJ also confirmed that EYP is under contract with DCF, but there is no formal contract with Hope International Church. Chair-Person Joscelyn Campbell asked how long has EYP been established? TJ responded EYP has been established for eight years. Chairperson Joscelyn also thanked EYP for coming in to present. Joscelyn Reported that she had a follow up meeting with all the Pastors who attended the MLK event on how they can make the event better. 3 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES Although it was a momentous event there were still a few things that could have been better, Joscelyn also mentioned that there was no Promotion of the event as far as Press release and only one post was done for the MLK by the Parks and REC. Pastor Tony McCoy addressed the EYP program, clarifying that EYP is a 501(c)(3) organization independent of Hope International Church. He corrected an error made by T.J., who had claimed that EYP did not need to pay. In reality, Hope International Church has an agreement with the City of Groveland, similar to the YMCA's arrangement, which covers the cost. As a result, EYP will save about $60 per child. Pastor Tony McCoy emphasized that he did not want his son, the CEO of EYP, to be penalized because of his last name. Pastor Tony McCoy believes T.J. should not be discouraged from returning to the City of Groveland, a city that had once supported him. Pastor Tony McCoy also discussed the concept of community, explaining that it is made up of people with shared interests. He believes the RAC committee and EYP share similar goals. He noted that T.J. embodies key values aligned with the Strategic Planning Committee's mission. Pastor Tony McCoy also mentioned that the building is secured, and the next step is to identify those who truly belong to their community and have their best interests at heart. He concluded by thanking the RAC committee for the opportunity to speak at the meeting. Though no decisions would be made that day, he hoped his words would be considered in future decisions, as they all share a common goal of providing better educational opportunities for students with the EYP program. Vice Chair-person Linda Cowels asked - Is YMCA also using the Nathaniel Gymnasium while EYP is meeting thee as well during the summer? The response to her question was that EYP had a schedule and used the field outside of the GYM and when YMCA was not in the GYM that is when EYP used the Gymnasium and also all-day Friday as there was no YMCA on Fridays. EYP summer camp was a paid camp by the parents of the students that attended the program. Committee Member Lashawn Irvin mentioned that YMCA only runs through the school year and that YMCA would not run during the summer as they do not have enough funding to run a summer program. OLD BUSINESS 1. Capital Improvement Plan (FY24-25) Mr. Walker referenced the first quarter of the fiscal year to the Capital Improvement spreadsheet contained in the agenda packet and reported the following: South Lake Regional Park - Still a few weeks away from having any construction documents to review and to take to city council for approval for constructing Phase 1B not much change just waiting on the documents. 4 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES Cherry Lake Park Phase 3 - Still working on the Design Phase for the project is still being done just with like South Lake Regional Park. Ronald Sefton Gaffney Park Phase 2- Mr. Walker presented paperwork for all RAC members to review the conceptual plan adopted by both the City Council and the RAC Committee. He highlighted key elements of Phase 2, including the playground area, an enhanced memorial, benches, picnic tables, pavilions outside the playground, and additional sidewalks. The second page displayed the playground design recommended by the RAC, which was initially presented by Audri from Kompam a few months ago. This design features wooden playground structures with various amenities, selected by the RAC. The third page includes the layout of entry sidewalks leading into the playground and additional pathways around it. The blue-colored roof on the map indicates the pavilion's location, with another sidewalk extending to the left, connecting to the Gaffney Memorial pole. A full property survey is required to begin the construction design process. The red dotted lines on the map outline the entire property, while the black dotted line marks the parcel gifted to the city for future recreational use. The survey will be sent to Kimley Horn and Elizabeth Manley to initiate construction planning. They aim to have the phase coordinates ready by the end of March or early April. Following this, they will begin the permitting process, which may take another 6 weeks, bringing the final construction documents for review with the City of Groveland around May or June. NEW BUSINESS None REPORTS a. Elese Tomlin Community Center Vice Chair Cowels noted that no packet was provided but continued to share the following updates. Currently, there are thirty-two adults enrolled in the ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) program-25 at Level 1 and seven at Level 2. Some of the Level 2 students are already fluent in English. The parking lot is at full capacity, and there are more than thirty children registered. The training lab, which accommodates thirty, also exceeds its capacity. The Computer Lab, library, and game room are being utilized as spaces for children. It has been a joy to see the children welcomed into the Else Tomlin Center, and it is clear that this has helped increase their sense of pride and awareness of their success. 5 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES Staff training is currently focused on trauma-informed care, as many students are facing challenges from adverse environmental factors, such as family members frequently incarcerated or living in homes affected by domestic abuse. This training helps staff address these circumstances and behaviors in the children. The Center has also recently received approval from the Department of Health to begin receiving a food permit, allowing them to partner with Second Harvest's Kids Café program to provide food year-round, not just in the summer. The Women's Ignite program has enrolled five hundred women, and the Center has partnered with "I Am Safe Place, an organization that supports domestic violence victims. The training room is now being used as a multipurpose space for "Brunch and Learn" sessions; benefiting both women and local businesses in the community. As for seniors, there are approximately thirty participants, and Groveland has the largest number of seniors receiving Meals on Wheels in Lake County. Additionally, Edge Memorial Church is bringing in training for dementia and Alzheimer's care, to be held in the Center's space. b. Committee Reports Chair-Person Joscelyn Campbell Nothing to report at this time. Committee Member Badillo Nothing to report at this time. Committee Member Gris Nothing to report at this time. Committee Member Bergstein: Expressed that he went to Cherry Lake Park and talked about the pickle ball, He is also working with United Way of Lake County on Wednesday's free help on helping with taxes. Committee Member Wood Nothing to report at this time. Committee Member Kenzig Nothing to report at this time. School Board Representative Irvin Nothing to report at this time. Vice Chair Cowels Nothing to report at this time. 6 February 11, 2025 RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC) MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair- Person Joscelyn Campbell adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. auur le GN Groveland F ORIDA Gapen Joscelyn gampbell, Chairperson Cib wth Niatural Churn Attest: ond Celdid Maritza Calderon, Recording Secretary 7