BUDGET PLAY BY PLAY
Fall Festival! A FIVE STAR PARK
6 2 r e b o t c O , y a d r u t Sa . m . p 0 0 : 9 6:00 ovie
: District Park N O I T A C O L W NE ardens North County Gardens
OufetatduriongoDrisneMy Pixar’s
each The G N, Palm B t C h t 7 1 1 5101
osfic, food vendors t h g i n a y o Enj illed activities, live mu all Festival event 19 F fun-f at our 20 and more
Put on your costume, we’re gonna have a ball. Spooktacular things are coming this fall!
Trunk-or-Treat Food Trucks Photo Booth Bounce Houses
LIVE y MUSIC b dnicks! The Goo Non-food treats available as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project
PRODUCTION
12
Public Media Relations Division CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madelyn Marconi Daniel Prieto Candice Temple
F A L L
2 0 1 9
10
2
Fall Festival 2019
4
City Briefs
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
5
CDBG Success Story
Madelyn Marconi Daniel Prieto Charlotte Presensky Candice Temple
8
Census 2020: A Modern Approach
10
Calendar of Events
20
The Gardens GreenMaret
CONTACT US
6
A Homerun for the Miracle League
signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100
12
FY20 Budget Play by Play
14
How Fans Rate Gardens District Park
16
Featured Art- Above As Below
17
City Social
F E A T U R E S
Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
5
Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites @CityofPBG @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolf @GardensGreenMarket
6
@CityofPBG @PBGardensFire @PBGPD @CityPBG @CityofPBG
ON THE COVER: Councilmember Maria Marino and Deputy Leisure Services Director Daniel Prieto take on new personas while attending the 2018 Fall Festival. This year’s event will take place October 26 at Gardens District Park.
14 FA L L 2019
3
CITY BRIEFS
Voted Florida’s #1 City by chamberofcommerce.com
I
n June 2019, the City of Palm Beach Gardens was named the #1 Florida City to Live In by chamberofcommerce.org, a digital resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The organization noted the City's golf courses, employment, gated communities, quality of life and education for making Palm Beach Gardens “as nice as it sounds”. Congratulations to our residents & businesses for making Palm Beach Gardens a Signature City!
FLORIDA CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK EVENTS
AF
E
Tuesday, October 22 Resident Photo Contest Reception 6:00 p.m. City Hall Lobby See the winning photographs from this year’s contest on display as part of a special exhibition in City Hall!
WEEN WITH NO O L L HA
Thursday, October 24 Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor 9:00 a.m. City Hall Lobby Join Mayor Mark Marciano to discuss issues, share ideas, ask questions and connect in a friendly, casual environment. Coffee & light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, October 26 Fall Festival 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park Don’t miss one of our favorite community events, this year taking place at our new District Park!
BOO-BOOS! Tips provided by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue
H AV
EA
S
Florida City Government Week October 21-27, 2019 My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It! Celebrating the Work of Municipal Government
Join us for the following events during FCGW:
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. • Teach children to stay away from open flames including jack-olanterns with candles in them. • Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters. • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
4
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com
BE A PART OF OUR NEXT SUCCESS STORY!
Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation Financial Assistance
T
he City of Palm Beach Gardens has funds available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant program. Palm Beach Gardens’ Owner-Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program will provide home repair financial assistance in the form of a 0% interest deferred payment loan of up to $20,000 for exterior home hardening, such as repair of roofs, replacement of exterior windows & doors, and exterior accessibility modifications for detached single family homes. The program is available to low- to moderate-income single-family homeowners, per HUD guidelines, on a “first-eligible, first-served” basis. See income limits below:
AFTER
MAXIMUM INCOME LIMITS* ADJUSTED FOR HOUSEHOLD SIZE Household Size
Maximum Income Limit
1................................. $46,850 2................................. $53,550 3................................. $60,250 4................................. $66,900
BEFORE
5................................. $72,300 6................................. $77,650
Look for information on the City’s website!
7................................. $83,000
Applications are available online at www.pbgfl.com/CommunityDevelopmentBlockGrant and in person at City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, between the regular working hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.
8................................. $88,350 (Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. These income figures are for 2019/2020 and subject to change annually) *80% of area median income, effective 04/24/2019; subject to change
QUESTIONS? Contact the City’s Planning and Zoning Department at (561)799-4243. ¿HABLA ESPAÑOL y quiere saber mas sobre este programa? Nosotros te podemos ayudar. Por favor llaménos al 561-799-4243. Gracias. FA L L 2019
5
National Baseball Hall of Fame Member & Palm Beach Gardens resident Johnny Bench at a January 2019 Miracle League Game at Gardens Park.
IMAGINE THIS.
for the
M I R AC L E L E AG U E O F PA L M B E A C H C O U N T Y
for the
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
BACKGROUND
BY DANIEL PRIETO, DEPUTY LEISURE SERVICES DIRECTOR
6
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
The field is ready, the crowd is cheering, teams are in place and ready for play. But this is not your average baseball game. Every season, hundreds of boys and girls step up to the plate and play what has come to be known as “the nation’s favorite past-time”. Starting in the Spring of 2020, the Miracle League of Palm Beach County comes to Palm Beach Gardens. Children with physical and mental disabilities will live their baseball dreams on the brand-new Palm Beach Gardens Miracle League Baseball Field located at Gardens Park Baseball Complex.
l pbgfl.com
The One Cent Sales Tax capital improvement projects for the City of Palm Beach Gardens are proving to be incredible assets for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and the projects are instrumental to providing a high-level of service for all the City’s residents. Perhaps
none more rewarding than the Gardens Park Baseball Expansion project, specifically, the Miracle League Baseball Field. The Miracle League of Palm Beach County is a non-profit athletic group, that operates baseball leagues in Delray Beach, FL for children with special needs. After a very fortuitous phone call in the Fall of 2018 as the City was amidst planning its baseball project, Recreation Department staff and the Miracle League have engaged in discussions and formed a strong partnership. As a non-profit, the program is dedicated to providing baseball leagues for children of all capabilities. Operated by Julia and Jeff Kadel, the Miracle League of Palm Beach County was founded in 2005 in Delray Beach, Florida. Free to play, the league cultivates a buddy system that assist the participants and facilitates games. Buddies are comprised of other children and volunteers, and for the purpose of the new Palm Beach Gardens League, there will be a great opportunity to partner with the PBGYAA Baseball League for buddy participants. The opportunity for a cohesive partnership with the City of Palm Beach Gardens, the PBGYAA and the Miracle League will be an incredible community-building endeavor.
ities. Covered batting cages, covered pitching mounds, and a synthetic turf training field were incorporated as they can be uti-
project is particularly exciting because it solidifies Gardens Park Baseball Complex as a complete baseball destination for young
lized to improve player abilities, but also are resistant to rained outs.
tee-ballers, handicapped youth, high-level youth and High School players and Major League Baseball professionals, all playing in the same park. It will be incredible!
PROJECT HISTORY
The City estimates the project will cost $600,000. $250,000 of the total cost was already planned as part of the Gardens Park expansion which is funded by the One Cent Sales Tax. The remaining $350,000 was donated to the project by Gardens business NUVO Riverside, LLC.
Serving all children and creating opportunity for children of all abilities is paramount for the City’s Recreation Department. The Gardens Park Baseball Expansion was planned, but the partnership made sense and fulfilled the mission to serve the entire community. The expansion is an exciting project that enhances the existing baseball amenities and opportunities for the Palm Beach Gardens community. Gardens Park Field inventory includes eight (8) baseball fields to support age ranges of 4-14, but not a field to support high school aged children. Further, there was a need for increased practice facil-
Other featured amenities of the Expansion Project include a Showcase Field, to provide space for high school and college aged players; a covered training center, including four batting cages and pitching mounds covered by an open walled shelter; and, a baseball specific training center, operated by Cressey Sports Performance through a public-private partnership, a private training facility that trains elite youth, collegiate, and professional baseball players.
The inclusion of the Miracle League Baseball Field was easily incorporated to double as the synthetic turf practice field. The field will be complete with a cushioned synthetic turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to the wheelchair bound or visually impaired players. This plan is comprehensive, but this
PLAY BALL!
In January 2019, the Miracle League Palm Beach Gardens Expo took place. With the Mayor and City Council present, the Miracle League welcomed a special guest pitcher for the game, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, and Palm Beach Gardens Resident Johnny Bench. The Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association (PBGYAA) was also present to embrace and welcome the new baseball group to the City. Dozens of players, buddies and hundreds of other league participants and fans were in attendance. With Julia Kadel as the master of ceremonies, supported by the PBGYAA and the City’s Athletics Department, the game was played, and fun was had by all. The Miracle League Team will be back in the Spring of 2020, with a brand-new field and a brand-new opportunity to provide a wonderful community centric recreational league in the City of Palm Beach Gardens. For more information about Miracle League of Palm Beach County visit their website at www.miracleleaguepalmbeachcounty.com. FA L L 2019
7
CENSUS 2020 A MODERN APPROACH Something big is happening in Palm Beach Gardens next spring
E
very ten years, as mandated by the Constitution, our citizens are counted as part of the official census. The 2020 Census will be the first of its kind as the federal government has adopted new technologies that change how the count is performed. For the first time since 1790, the
you tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020. 95% of households will receive their census invitation in the mail. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Depending on how likely your area is to respond online, you’ll
WAYS TO RESPOND Online By phone By mail process will move away from paper as the main way to collect data. The population will have the ability to answer the census via the Internet, and census workers in the field will use mobile phone apps. On April 1, 2020, Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, 8
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
first receive either an invitation encouraging you to respond online or an invitation along with a paper questionnaire. WHY IT MATTERS You may wonder how the census affects you and why it matters to respond. The truth is, there are many ways the data collected by the census impacts your life on a personal level. The data collected through the census will: • Determine how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
l pbgfl.com
• Inform officials on redrawing the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts to account for population shifts. • Decide how more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support will be distributed for spending on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and more.
WHO TO COUNT If you are filling out the census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time. It is important to remember to count any children who are living with you. This includes: • All children who live in your home, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends. • Children who split their time between homes, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020. • Newborn babies, even those who are born on April 1, 2020, or who are still in the hospital on this date. Babies born after April 1, 2020, should not be counted in the 2020 Census.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES People who are moving should be sure to count themselves just once, in one home. • If they move into their new residence on April 1, 2020, they should count themselves at that residence. • If they move out of their old residence on April 1, 2020, but have not yet moved into their new home, they should count themselves at their old residence.
INTRODUCING
PALM BEACH GARDENS PICKLEBALL LOWER RATES, SAME GREAT PLAY!
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1ST, the Palm Beach Gardens Pickleball program is expanding! Additional programming, new rates and year-round availability for all ages and skill levels will be implemented due to the increase in popularity. The City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center is a premier Pickleball facility with six permanent and six temporary outdoor courts.
PROGRAM FEATURES More court availability for Open Play at Lilac Park (no membership required) Annual Passport for purchase to include unlimited free personal play, priority court reservation, and a 5% discount off resident rates for clinics Drop-in classes with drill sessions, Pickleball Frenzy and lessons The sport is still new and growing very quickly. A lot of people are trying Pickleball to see what the buzz is all about. It’s a lot less intimidating than Tennis and there is always a great environment of players on the court practicing and playing. That positive environment is what attracted me to be out here to help this
Long-time Tennis instructor, Huy Nguyen, is the Head Pickleball Teaching Professional. Nguyen began with the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center over 12 year ago and has become one of the most highly respected teaching pros with a large following. Over the past few years, Pickleball has caught his interest and he is continuing to hone his skills while sharing his new love for the sport with others. He is excited to lend his expertise to Palm Beach Gardens Pickleball as a certified instructor, an excellent player and a great teacher!
Contact Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center 561-630-1180 www.pbgfl.com
sport continue to grow.� - HUY NGUYEN
|
JOSEPH RUSSO ATHLETIC COMPLEX (Programmed Play): 5110 117th Court North Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
|
BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER (Programmed Play): 4404 Burns Road Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
|
LILAC PARK (General Public Open Play): 4175 Lilac Street Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
FA L L 2019
9
OCTOBER
S M T W T F S
NOVEMBER S M T W T F S
DECEMBER
S M T W T F S
JANUARY S M T W T F S
1 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
12 13 14 15` 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
29 30 31
26 27 28 29 30 31
Carly Mejeur: Key Largo
OCTOBER 19
NOVEMBER 2-4
“Harvest” Mixed Doubles & Lunch 10:30 a.m. at Tennis Center
USTA Boys & Girls 18-16 Singles & Doubles 8:30 a.m. at Tennis Center
OCT. 21-DEC. 3 GardensArt Exhibition Carol-Ann Salley “Sharing the Beauty of Nature” Burns Road Community Center Hours vary; call 561.630.1100
O F
E V E N T S
1 2 3 4 5
OCTOBER 22
OCTOBER OCTOBER 6-12, 2019 Fire Prevention Week
Resident Photography Contest Finalists’ Reception Winners Announced 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at City Hall Lobby
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
NOVEMBER 7 Jumpstart’s “Read for the Record” 10 a.m. at Riverside Youth Enrichment Center Fall Canasta Tournament 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Burns Road Community Center Registration Deadline: October 31
OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27
OCTOBER 24
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m-1 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
Budget Oversight Review Board 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. at City Hall
Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor 9 a.m. at City Hall Lobby
NOVEMBER 8
OCT. 14-DEC.19 GardensArt Exhibition Resident Photography Contest Exhibition Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at City Hall Lobby
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 26 Fall Festival 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Gardens North County District Park
Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
NOVEMBER
Hands-Only CPR Classes 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1
NOVEMBER 1
OCTOBER 17- JANUARY 7 GardensArt Exhibition “The Ocean as Canvas & The Mermaid Reveal” by Carly Mejeur Dawn to Dusk at Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
OCTOBER 18 Boo Bash Ages 4 & Under 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Burns Road Community Center 10
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com
Artist Reception for Carol-Ann Salley 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Burns Road Community Center
NOVEMBER 11 City Administrative Offices Closed Veterans Day Holiday Veterans Day Ceremony 11 a.m. at Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
Ladies Nine, Wine & Dine 9-hole Ladies Golf Tournament 2:30 p.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
NOVEMBER 12
“Carve the Park” Fall Skate Jam 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Skate Park
NOVEMBER 15-17
NOVEMBER 2 Mayor’s Veterans Golf Classic Fundraiser for the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 8:30 a.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
USTA Fall Wheelchair Championships 9 a.m. at Russo Athletic Complex
NOVEMBER 16 “Banquet” Mixed Doubles & Lunch 10:30 a.m. at Tennis Center
Carol-Ann Salley: Puffin
1st Annual Fall Classic Flag Football Tournament 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at PGA National Park
NOVEMBER 19 Hands-Only CPR Classes 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1
NOVEMBER 22
DECEMBER 6
Wobble Gobble Party Ages 4 & Under 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Burns Road Community Center
City Tree Lighting Festival 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Burns Road Community Center
NOVEMBER 25-27, 29 Youth Holiday Tennis Camps 9 a.m. at Tennis Center
NOVEMBER 26 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
NOVEMBER 28 & 29 City Administrative Offices Closed Thanksgiving Holiday Observance
Gardens Holiday Bazaar 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Burns Road Community Center
DECEMBER 7 Gardens Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Burns Road Community Center
DECEMBER 8 Art Reception for Carly Mejeur 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
DECEMBER 10
DECEMBER
Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
DECEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
DECEMBER 13
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
Frosty & Friends Ages 4 & Under 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Burns Road Community Center
DECEMBER 2-18 Santa’s Mailbox Hours vary; call 561.630.1100 at Burns Road Community Center
DECEMBER 5 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. at City Hall
DECEMBER 6-11 “Little Mo International” Youth Tournament 9 a.m. at Tennis Center & other PBG venues
BOO BASH October 18th FALL FESTIVAL October 26th
DECEMBER 14 Holiday Mixed Doubles & Lunch 10:30 a.m. at Tennis Center
JANUARY JANUARY 1 City Administrative Offices Closed New Year’s Day Observance
JANUARY 5, 12, 19, 26 The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 9 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 11 “Sweet Treats” Mixed Doubles & Lunch 10:30 a.m. at Tennis Center
JANUARY 12 18TH Anniversary Celebration of The Gardens GreenMarket 10 a.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
FREE Tai Chi by Palm Beach Heartstrong every Sunday, 8-9 a.m. at Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
DECEMBER 17 Hands-Only CPR Classes 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:
DECEMBER 23-24, 26-27; 30-JAN 3
Burns Road Community Center 4404 Burns Road
Youth Holiday Tennis Camps 9 a.m. at Tennis Center
DECEMBER 25 City Administrative Offices Closed Christmas Day Observance
City Hall/Veterans Plaza Amphitheater 10500 N. Military Trail PBG Tennis Center 5110 117th Court N. Sandhill Crane Golf Club/ The Dancing Crane Restaurant 11401 Northlake Blvd. The Gardens GreenMarket 10500 N. Military Trail
FA L L 2019
11
ONGOING & NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020 i.
Burns Road Community Center expansion plans
ii.
Aquatics Complex renovations
iii.
Fire Station #1 renovations
iv.
Public Works site repurposing for public safety apparatus, equipment and EMS supplies storage
v.
Tennis Center Clubhouse construction
vi.
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse entry road extension
vii. City-wide phone system replacement viii. Golf course maintenance replacement
12
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com
General Fund: $127,317,839 (SOURCES) Carryover Other Transfers Ad Valorem Taxes
$30,991,522 $2,514,400 $682,110 $67,183,805
Other Taxes
$3,717,000
Licenses & Permits
$4,217,792
Intergovernmental
$6,423,000
User Fees
$5,976,210
Franchise Fees
$5,612,000
6 General Fund: $127,317,839 (USES)
Reserves Debt Capital
PERSONNEL STATS- $80.1 MILLION 532 Full-time position
$29,018,052 $3,636,222 $5,177,889
Operating
$23,276,545
Personnel
$65,711,376
Transfers
497,754
OPERATING COSTS • $713,000 for roof repair, painting, parking lot repaving, air conditioning, bathroom and plumbing repairs
Total personnel costs are up by 3.9% ($2.9M) Significant Factors:
• $361,600 for parks irrigation, fencing, netting, sod, court resurfacing, equipment repairs, etc.
• PBA Collective Bargaining Agreement
• $120,000 for roadway plant replacement and median tree trimming
• IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement • SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement • General Employee Market Adjustment
• $250,000 for annual storm water repair program (additional $300,000 from State grant)
Personnel- 3 New Positions
• $250,000 for canal dredging and maintenance program
• One Operations Manager for Parks- to keep up with the expansion of parks facilities • One Systems Specialist for IT- to keep up with increased workload due to recent expansion of service area and staffing • One Building Inspector- to keep up with workload from increasing number of development projects
Increase in Full-time Positions Compared to Increase in Population (FY07 to FY20)
FY 2007 FY 2020 INCREASE % INCREASE
Full-Time Employees 514 532 18
3.5%
Population
12.6%
49,387 55,621 6,234
FA L L 2019
13
The long awaited Gardens District Park opened to the public with a bang this summer!
T
by C a n d i ce Te m p l e
he City hosted residents for its 60th Anniversary celebration, which treated guests to everything from games, live entertainment, food trucks and fireworks. Since then, word has continued to spread throughout the north county about the outstanding amenities that visitors experience. There is something for kids of all sizes at the Gardens District Park. As visitors pass the main entrance of the 82 acre park, which opened this past June, they are treated to a sizeable parking lot. As they make their way along the sidewalk system they’ll pass playing field after playing field of fresh grass. Each side of the park includes a playground and a concession stand. The east side of the park contains the fan-favorite gravity rail, while the west side of the park holds a completely different experience in store with the so-called “ninja” playground. There are picnic tables under covered pavilions throughout.
Here’s how some of the park’s raving fans rated their experience!
Everett B. JUPITER
“I like this one. The buckets.” Donamarie V. PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
“I think the most fantastic thing about Gardens District Park is having the splashpad and playground in the center of the fields. So one sibling can be on the field and the other at the park. The “ninja” playground is just as exciting for adults as it is for kids.”
14
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com
Sebastian L. PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
“I like that it’s a public access to a giant park. Where else can you get greenspace this big? While one kid plays soccer, the other can play on the splash pad and the playground.”
“Absolutely phenomenal! Jim W.
Laura Z.
JUPITER
My daughter’s been on the travel team for five years. We travel all over the state to different parks. This ranks in the top 3.”
JUPITER
“I was really blown away by the park. It’s amazing! I think the fields are in impressive condition. I wish this was here years ago.”
Alexander C. PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
“I like how the fields don’t have spots of dirt and sand. I’m here at least three times a week for practice.”
Chloe H.
PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
“I like the slides. And I like to hit the button for the water.”
David C.
PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
Hugh O.
PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S
“The condition of the grass- the flatnessis at a professional level.” The Gardens North County District Park is located at 5101 117th Court N. in Palm Beach Gardens. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
“I love the fact that all of the facilities are in one location and there is plenty of parking.” FA L L 2019
15
Above as Below Written & Photographed by Madelyn Marconi Artist: Lance Wyman
F
or the residents of Clarity Pointe located in Palm Beach Gardens, a luminous sculpture stands outside their windows. The pyramid shaped structure called Above as Below glimmers in the sunshine of the day but becomes most colorful at night. Dimly lit with blue and green LED lighting,
Alton Rd
Donald Ross Rd
Pasteu r Bl
vd Pa
eu st
d lv rB
Above As Below
16
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
the symbolistic features of Lance Wyman’s unique, stainless-steel structure seemingly coincide with the mission of the Independent Living and Memory Care neighborhood in which it is located. One of the newest sculptures in the City’s public art collection, Above as Below is made up of two juxtaposed triangular forms standing over thirteen feet tall. The blue and green cast glass slabs that make up most of the structure are illuminated internally. According to the artist, the blue glass is meant to represent the heavens while the green glass represents the Earth. The glass slabs are outlined by reflective stainless-steel, which gives off a mirror effect to its observers. The four artistic entry columns at the entrance to the sculpture plaza are also il-
l pbgfl.com
luminated and follow the consistent thematic triangular scheme. The six artistic benches that sit along the plaza’s perimeter echo the triangular design, giving admirers the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the simplicity of the sculpture. Lance Wyman, a graduate of Pratt Institute, says the placement of the triangles and colors symbolizes the spiritual balance one might hope to achieve in the course of life. Similarly, Clarity Pointe’s mission is to ensure the residents of their community, especially those experiencing memory loss, lead meaningful and balanced lives. It seems fitting for Above as Below to be placed in the Clarity Pointe community, as it gives a daily reminder to residents that finding balance can be the key to living a rewarding, meaningful life, no matter what hardships one might face.
FA L L 2019
17
18
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com
l
FA L L 2019
19
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 172 West Palm Beach, FL
City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
A FRESH SEASON!
The Gardens GreenMarket
Sponsored in Good Health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
S U N D AYS • 8 A M – 1 P M • 1 0 5 0 0 N . M I L I TA RY T R A I L The Gardens GreenMarket returns to its outside home for a fresh, new season beginning Sunday, October 6th!
Over 140 vendors each week Improve your mind, body, and soul through Tai Chi. Attend a 1-hour class each Sunday from 8-9 a.m. at Veterans Plaza, 10500 N. Military Trail, before you peruse The Gardens GreenMarket. Classes are FREE thanks to Palm Beach Heartstrong.
Fresh produce, plants & flowers, prepared food & drink items, and more! Handmade crafts Seating throughout the market Grab a bite, sit, relax, and enjoy Live music every Sunday
THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE; PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
For more information, call (561) 630-1100. Visit pbgfl.com/greenmarket for a full list of GreenMarket Vendors. 20
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
l pbgfl.com