COOL POOL MAKEOVER Gardens Golf is Growing
MAKING WAVES
Returning October 3, 2021! SAVE THE DATE
PRODUCE • FLOWERS • PLANTS • BREADS S E A F O O D • B A K E R Y I T E M S • C H E E S E S • S AU C E S LIVE MUSIC • AND MUCH MORE!
We hope you’ve missed us as much as we’ve missed you! The Gardens GreenMarket will return to our original format this fall, offering over 120 vendors and live music. Come shop with us and stay a while. 2
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
The Gardens GreenMarket Sundays beginning October 3, 2021 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 10500 N. Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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For more information or to become a GreenMarket Vendor, contact us at 561.630.1100. Visit our website: Pbgfl.com/greenmarket. Questions or concerns? Email recinfo@pbgfl.com.
PRODUCTION
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Public Media Relations Division CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madelyn Marconi Casey Mitchell Charlotte Presensky David Reyes Candice Temple
S U M M E R
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Coming Soon: The Gardens GreenMarket Opening Day!
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City Briefs
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Hurricane Preparedness
Madelyn Marconi Olivia Glowala Candice Temple
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What’s New at Gardens District Park?
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Calendar of Events
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2021 Resident Photo Contest
CONTACT US
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2 0 2 1
signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100
F E A T U R E S
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Cool Pool Makeover at Burns Aquatic Complex
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Making Waves
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.
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Call for Instructors!
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Featured Art: Freedom Flock
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Gardens Golf is Growing
Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites
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Around Town: Project Update
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City Social
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@CityofPBG @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolf @GardensGreenMarket @CityofPBG @PBGardensFire @PBGPD @CityPBG @CityofPBG
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flickr.com/cityofpalmbeachgardens Find us on Spotify for a playlist inspired by this issue! Visit www.spotify.com or download the app & search “City of Palm Beach Gardens.”
ON THE COVER: The Splash Pad at the Gardens North County District Park is the perfect place to get in the Summer Spirit! Young Josiah visits almost daily and loves to meet new friends while he’s splashing around. Photo by Madelyn Marconi.
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SUMMER 2021
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CITY BRIEFS Upcoming City Council Meetings
Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home!
Thursday, July 15 Thursday, August 5 Wednesday, September 8 Wednesday, September 22 Thursday, October 7 City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled.
LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg
Budget Hearings Budget Hearings for the Proposed FY21/22 Budget have been scheduled for the September 8 and September 22 City Council meetings at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at 10500 N. Military Trail. Staff has proposed no tax increase for this year’s budget.
Grilling Safety There’s nothing like outdoor grilling! It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
SAFETY TIPS
GRILLING STATISTICS FROM N.F.P.A.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. • Never leave your grill unattended. • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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10,600 home fires are started by grills each year, on average. JULY is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May and August. 19,700 patients went to the ER per year because of injuries involving grills, including 9,500 thermal burns.
64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smokers. Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills.
HU RRICAN E
S E ASO N : JU N E
1 T H ROU G H
N OV E M B ER
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by David Reyes / Photo by Madelyn Marconi
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urricane Season has arrived, once again! As you prepare your family and home, I want to update you on how the City prepares for impending storms. Prior to June 1st, our employees work to ensure that our internal and external communication protocols are in place. We go through all our emergency response contracts and check that our list of resources is updated. Our Critical Infrastructure Systems, such as building generators, are inspected and tested. In addition, in the event a storm generates debris, we approve our Disaster Debris Sites. When a storm strikes, our staff reports to special duty areas to form an Emergency Management Team. Resources are distributed citywide starting with our Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. This is the City’s “situation room” before, during and after the storm. It is centrally located for receiving and disseminating information.
In the EOC, staff can monitor damage assessment, response, and recovery progress, and coordinate all local, state, and federal resources. From there, our Emergency Management Taskforce Teams are deployed throughout the City and strategically organized into zones. Located at Fire Stations 1-5 and Sandhill Crane Golf Club, the E.M. Taskforce Teams are each comprised of Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Leisure Services, and Building Inspectors. Each Team is designed to be capable to operate fully independently from each other and from the EOC Each location has use of a fire engine, ambulance, law enforcement and public works. In an emergency, the teams respond together. For example, in the event of a structure fire, the Taskforce uses Public Works to clear roadway debris that would otherwise inhibit emergency vehicles from responding. This allows us to avoid any delays
in response to an emergency. Rapid Response Teams, which are part of the Taskforce, are comprised of Building Inspectors who are deployed immediately after a storm event to perform initial damage assessment for both residential and commercial properties throughout the City. Outside of our City departments, we work with many local utility partners to coordinate efforts to serve the public. During a storm, we are in radio communication with Seacoast Utility Authority and Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (NPBCID). Our work with Seacoast allows us to assist with the restoration of water and sewer related services, while our coordination with NPBCID allows us to work cohesively on drainage related issues, including debris clearing and removal.
Once winds reach 45 mph, most agencies shut down field operations. Any emergencies would go on a waiting list to be treated after the windspeed dies down. Palm Beach Gardens is fortunate to have a vehicle that is capable of being operated under high wind situations. The TK-4 can go out during the storm, run over debris, pull up to the home and treat patients during hurricane force winds. A team of six S.W.A.T. officers, two S.W.A.T. Certified Fire Medics and a supervisor make up this High-Risk Response Team. As you can see, City staff lies ready to respond to the needs of Palm Beach Gardens residents in the event of a storm. I’d like to encourage each of you to create your own Emergency Plan with all the essentials for at least 5 days.
BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR COPY of the Official City of Palm Beach Gardens Hurricane Guide on hand and be STORM READY! Visit our website at www.pbgfl.com/stormready to download a copy. SUMMER 2021
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by Charlotte Presensky
The year was 1982 and the headline read: “PBG Swimming Pool Opens with Funds from House Sale.” Just like that, developer Otto (Buzz) Divosta, through organizing a major community project, assisted with providing a public pool to Palm Beach Gardens.
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ncredibly, Mr. Divosta organized 550 construction workers to build a 1,712 sq. ft. three-bedroom, two-bath house in a record time of seven hours and thirty-five minutes! The house sold for $155,000, and a portion of the proceeds provided the funding for the community pool located at the Burns Road Community Center Aquatic Complex. The pool built in 1982, designated the “main pool”, has been an essential venue for many aquatic activities that have served the community well. Through swimming lessons, scuba classes, and water fitness programs, the main pool has been a central hub for community members to gain water safety knowledge and skills, while enjoying the social networking that community 6
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
centers naturally provide to its patrons. In addition to the main pool, and by keeping up with the growing demand of the community, the Aquatic Complex has a competition pool that is home to the Mako Swim Team as well as a splash playground and spray playground for the enjoyment of our younger residents. This facility is also home to the Palm Beach Gardens High School Swim Team.
Recreation Campus. The new pool will become the centerpiece of learn-to-swim programs, which are incredibly vital for youth in South Florida. Additionally, the pool will feature a zero-depth entry point that will allow access into the water for those who may experience mobility challenges. With this specific feature, staff plan to increase the number of adaptive programs offered to the community.
This facility has served us well, but the time has come for a change! To proportionally continue providing water safety classes and water fitness programs with the increased demand from the community, the main pool is being renovated this fall. The renovation is a key step in updating the recreational facilities on the Burns Road
A consideration in any community pool construction, or renovation, should be the incorporation of ‘fun’ into the design. Whether the focus is kids in camp enjoying the summer or a family splashing around in the afternoon, the two water slides and rock-climbing walls will become the main attractions for pool fun! Included in the
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2022
CURRENT
THE PLAN AQUATIC CENTER BUILDING FEATURES:
NEW MAIN POOL FEATURES:
A 16-foot, open flume slide is planned for the Burns Road Aquatic Center.
renovation are lap lanes for warmup areas so swimmers can ready themselves for competition. The consistent depth of the pool will also allow for additional water fitness programs and an increased number of swimming lessons.
• Beach entry design for accessibility
• 2 storage rooms
• Learn to Swim/Recreational Swim Area
• First Aid Room
• Sun shelf
• Covered patio with drinking/ bottle-fill fountains
• 16-foot, open flume slide
• 3 exterior pool showers
• Dedicated slide plunge area
• Locker rooms with showers and group restrooms
• 5-lane lap pool area • Multipurpose section
To compliment the updated features of this new pool, the existing bathhouse and pool office building are also being replaced. In addition, to increase the level of safetymonitoring, the new, single building will afford lifeguard staff a full view of all pools in the complex. This building will also house restrooms with changing facilities, family restrooms, a first aid office, and staff offices. Construction on both projects will begin this fall and have a one-year anticipated construction length. During this construction period, the competition pool will remain open to the public. On a weekly basis, patrons can participate in lap swimming, water fitness classes, swim team, and other aquatic programs. To check out the pool schedule, please visit the City website at pbgfl.com/aquatics.
• Supervisor office
• Dive Well
• 2 family restrooms • Electrical/Mechanical Rooms • Lifeguard workstations
• Rock Walls
A Demolish 2 existing buildings
A Demolish the main pool and deck (does not include lap pool or Splash Zone)
A Construct new pool
(1,456 square foot pool entry & restroom building and 288 square foot lifeguard stand)
A Construct a new 6,200 square
A Budget: Approximately $3 million
foot aquatic center in their place.
A Budget: $2 million
NEW POOL CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE AUGUST 2021
JANUARY 2022
MARCH 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022
Begin demolition of Burns Road Main Pool
Begin demolition of Pool Building
Completion of New Pool
Completion of New Building
SUMMER 2021
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Palm Beach Gardens
CARES
Mortgage and Rent Assistance Program The City of Palm Beach Gardens continues to accept applications for its Mortgage and Rent Assistance program, designed to aid low-to moderate income ASSISTANCE families that were directly impacted by the IS STILL COVID-19 Pandemic with funds provided through AVAILABLE! the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Please note, households do not need to be behind on rent or mortgage payments to receive assistance.
What’s New at District Park?
Online and paper applications will be accepted. Paper applications are available at City Hall or via email. An appointment must be made with City staff to submit a paper application. QUESTIONS? Contact: Joann Skaria, Planning Manager | 561-799-4261 | jskaria@pbgfl.com 10500 N. Military Trail, PBG | www.pbgfl.com/PBGCares Scan the QR Code for program details and to apply via ZoomGrants™!
A BRAND-NEW TODDLER SPLASH PAD and large pavilion are now open at The Gardens North County District Park. The new splash pad is designed for smaller children, while the existing splash pad continues to supply fun for all ages. Families are welcome to cool off with their little ones at the new splash pad or relax in the nearby shaded seating.
A FUN AND FREE WAY TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT! T h u r s d a y, A u g u s t 1 2 t h 5:oopm-8:oopm R e g i s t r a t i o n Fe e : $5 per person online $10 per person at the door • Complimcntary Welcome Drink • Wedding Party Games & Prizes • Hors d’oeuvres
LOCATION: The Gardens North County District Park 5101 117th Court North Open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
For More Info: (561) 630-1171 www.sandhillcrane-events.com
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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by Candice Temple
eing around bodies of water, whether manmade or natural, has led Natalya Reyes to the place in life she feels she was meant to be. At age 20, she’s living her dream. Perhaps it all started with her first swimming lesson at Burns Road Aquatic Complex. She says she has never really had a fear of water. That instinct will serve her well as a brand new “Coastie” in the U.S. Coast Guard. Natalya has been part of City programs for as long as she can remember. She attended Riverside Youth Enrichment Center, swam on the Makos Swim Team in middle school, and logged 100 hours as a teenager with the Recreation Department’s Counselor in
Natalya as a Swim Instructor at Burns Road Aquatic Complex
Training Program. Her first paid job was as a Recreation Aide at the Burns Road Aquatic Complex where she eventually worked her way up. She has been a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the facility, as well. Years later, it became apparent that service in the military was her calling. It was around the 5th grade that she decided public service would be her life goal. “In middle school I remember learning that they were allowing women into any job in the military. I started researching opportunities and I got more excited,” she shares. The daughter of the current Community Services Administrator/Director of
Emergency Management for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Natalya knew she wanted a career in first response or lifesaving. After so many years of watching her father David Reyes report for duty during hurricanes, she witnessed the work ethic and dedication to helping people and wanted to be part of that. She loved her time working as a lifeguard and learning CPR. Swimming was a big part of training in the Coast Guard and her experience through various roles with the City made her feel more confident when completing her classes. In fact, she already had the required CPR certification and was able to check that box for military requirements. Weighing options, she looked at the Navy and the Marines before ultimately deciding on the Coast Guard because of its family-oriented management style and assignments based on the coast. With all the training and support from her real family and her Team Gardens, Natalya strapped on her boots and shipped out for basic training at Cape May, New Jersey on March 2, 2021. She credits her work for the City for turning her focus to opportunities with the Coast Guard. “It was definitely difficult,” reflects Natalya. “In a way, I enjoyed the structure of it all. But, the fear of getting reverted (extra time in basic training for not meeting expectations) was a big pressure. It was very stressful!”
Not only did she successfully complete boot camp, but she received the prestigious designation of Honor Graduate. The Honor Graduate for each graduating company is selected by the company instructors. “It’s a huge deal because I represent my company commanders,” shares Natalya. “I didn’t think I deserved this. There were so many individuals who were strong and amazing.” Working to create a connection with her fellow Coasties, the trait that earned her Honor Graduate recognition, is a skill she honed while working for the City. So far, her experience in the Coast Guard has lived up to her expectations. She’s still in the beginning stages of her career but is adjusting to her new life. Now that boot camp is complete, she is at her first duty station in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and has set her sights on her next goal: applying to Health Services Technician School. Homegrown in the Gardens, and now making waves in the United States Coast Guard. SUMMER 2021
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CALENDAR of EVENTS NOW THROUGH AUG. 8
JULY 3, 17, 31
JULY 27
AUGUST 11, 18, 25
Main Pool and Splash Zone Summer Hours Daily, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. PBG Aquatic Complex
Junior Drop In Clinic 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. - 5p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JULY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
AUGUST
AUGUST 12
NOW THROUGH AUG. 26 GardensArt Exhibition Andrea Huffman “Connecting Threads” Mixed Media Fiber Art Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
NOW THROUGH AUG. 30 GardensArt Exhibition Rochelle Irons “Sinking to New Depths” Mixed Media Paintings Daily, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
NOW THROUGH SEPT. 27 GardensArt Exhibition Gretchen Cocuzza “Naturally, South Florida” Oil Paintings Daily, Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
JULY
Men & Women Mixed Get Golf Ready 10:30 a.m. - 12 Junior Team Golf 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
JULY 7, 14, 21, 28 Parent/Junior Clinic After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
JULY 13 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at City Hall
JULY 15 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
JULY 19-22 Golf Summer Camp 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JULY 1 - 31
JULY 22
Park & Recreation Month Theme: Our Park & Recreation Story
Budget Oversight Review Board 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
JULY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
JULY 23
Saturday Splash 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PBG Aquatic Complex
Junior Recreational Singles 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
JULY 4, 11, 18, 25
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
AUGUST 2-5 Golf Summer Camp 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
AUGUST 5 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
AUGUST 7 Junior Recreational Doubles 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Adult 1-Day Singles 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
AUGUST 14, 21,28 Junior Drop in Golf Clinic 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
AUGUST 18 After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 9-10 Sandhill Crane Golf Club Closed for Maintenance
AUGUST 25
AUGUST 9
After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
School’s Out Camp 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Burns Road Community Center
AUGUST 9 PBG Aquatic Complex Closed for Maintenance
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at City Hall
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AUGUST 14
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
AUGUST 10
Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market Sundays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
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AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Summer Bridal Expo 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
AUGUST 28 Junior Recreational Singles 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
AUGUST 30-OCTOBER 7 GardensArt Exhibition Nina Davidowitz “The Beauty All Around Us” Acrylic Paintings Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
JULY S M T W T F S
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
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S M T W T F S
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18 19 20 21 22 23 24
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10 11 12 13 14 15 16
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
SEPTEMBER SEPT. 1-NOV. 2
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3 17
4 18
5
6
19 20
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SEPTEMBER 4
Junior Recreational Singles 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 16 School’s Out Golf Camp 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
SEPTEMBER 6, 7, 16 School’s Out Camp 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Burns Road Community Center
SEPTEMBER 8 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 11 Adult 1-Day Singles 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
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12
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14
19 20 21
26 27 28 29 30
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15
16
17
18
22
23 24
25
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24 25 26 27 28 29 30
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School’s Out Camp 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Burns Road Community Center
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market Sundays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
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Junior Drop In Golf Clinic 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
SEPTEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26
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Sandhill Crane Golf Club Closed for Maintenance
SEPTEMBER 22
Junior Team Golf 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
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OCTOBER 15
SEPTEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Junior Drop In Clinic 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
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OCTOBER 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25
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SEPTERMBER 13-14
GardensArt Exhibition Ellen Negley Watercolor Paintings Daily, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Adult Mixed Doubles & Lunch 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
S M T W T F S
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 25
SEPTEMBER 28 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
SEPT. 28 - OCT. 2 USTA Senior Women’s National Clay Court Championships 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Men & Women Mixed Get Golf Ready 10:30 a.m. - 12 Sandhill Crane Golf Club
OCTOBER 23 Junior Team Golf 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27 After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
OCTOBER 7
OCTOBER 19-23 Florida City Government Week
OCTOBER 26 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
OCTOBER 9
OCTOBER 27
Adult 1-Day Singles 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Mummy and Boo To-Do Tot Party 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Burns Road Community Center
OCTOBER 11-NOVEMBER 4
GardensArt Exhibition Laurie Snow Hein “Tropical Artwork for a Florida Home” Oil Paintings Daily, Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
GardensArt Exhibition City Government Week: Annual Resident Photo Contest Group Exhibition of Contest Finalists Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 12
The Gardens GreenMarket 20th Anniversary Season 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
Fall Festival 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
SEPT. 29-DEC. 14
OCTOBER 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
School’s Out Golf Camp 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at City Hall
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: City Hall Municipal Campus 10500 N. Military Trail Gardens 2 Go/The Gardens GreenMarket 10500 N. Military Trail Burns Road Community Center/ PBG Aquatic Complex 4404 Burns Road Tennis & Pickleball Center Clubhouse/Center Court Café 5110 117th Court N. The Gardens North County District Park 5101 117th Court North Sandhill Crane Golf Club/The Dancing Crane Restaurant 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive
SUMMER 2021
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Are you interested in becoming an instructor? Our Recreation Department is looking for individuals with fresh ideas and a desire to share a skill or interest with the community! We are currently searching for instructors in the following areas: ADULT PROGRAMS • Group Fitness
• Technology
• Nutrition/Health
• Aqua Fitness
• Senior Fitness
• Dance
• Mah Johgg & Canasta
• Foreign Language
• Dog Obedience
• Adaptive Programming
YOUTH PROGRAMS • Dance
• Sports/Fitness
• Art
• Competitive Swim Coaches
• Drama
• Foreign Language
• Toddler Enrichment
• SAT/ACT Prep
• Cooking
• STEM
• Adaptive Programming
• Gymnastics
Interested instructors can request a letter of interest form for the program in which they are proficient by emailing recinfo@pbgfl.com Call (561) 630-1100 or visit pbgfl.com/instructor for more information.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Freedom Flock by Madelyn Marconi
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magine the boundless sense of freedom birds experience soaring high above our city trees, buildings, and homes. With the functional gift of feathers, powerful wings, lightweight bones, and a strong heart, these feathered creatures can take flight at a moment’s notice; allowing them to view the world in a way that no other species in the animal kingdom can. While some birds in our area endure a long migration south and eventually return to the north, others maintain lifelong residency here in Palm Beach Gardens. Just south of Burns Road on Riverside Drive, a particular flock of birds permanently resides at the entrance to Nuvo Business Center. Freedom Flock is a stainless-steel spiral column decorated with a mixture of cut-through metal birds performing a vertical dance toward the sky. Renowned artist Mark Fuller, a frequent flyer in the City’s Art in Public Places program, is the creator of this uplifting piece. As told by Fuller, Freedom Flock forms a poetic illustration of transformation and freedom. The flock of metal birds transforms into a cylindrical shape with metal cut-outs allowing parts of the sculpture to become fully transparent. The freedom represented in the sculpture is illustrated by the birds’ imaginary kinetic motion moving them upwards, perhaps on a new journey to a new destination. The metal art sits atop a concrete pedestal base standing fifteen feet high. Sand Cordgrass and LED lights line the pedestal to illuminate the sculpture at night. A small lake and fountain serve as the backdrop, an added touch that compliments Fuller’s environmental art style.
Riverside
Dr
Freedom Flock Nuvo Business Center
SUMMER 2021
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Gardens Golf is Growing by C a s e y M i t c h e l l , D i re ct o r o f G o l f
“There hasn’t been this much optimism and new activity in the golf business since the turn of the century.” Those are the words of Joe Beditz, President and C.E.O. of the National Golf Foundation in an April 2021 article. His comments reflect something everyone in the Golf world realized in 2020: Golf is at an all-time high.
D
espite the pandemic and its positive effect on golf across the nation, traffic at Sandhill Crane Golf Club has held steady with 40,000-45,000 annual rounds for over the last decade. In 2013, Palm Beach Gardens began exploring their options for acquiring land and expanding the golf course offerings. As part of an agreement with the developers of Avenir, the City acquired roughly 115 acres which was earmarked for recreational use. Community involvement charettes held in 2013 and 2015, alongside a professional market study done by True Club Solutions in 2020, all came to the same conclusionpublic golf trends in our area are on the rise. Demand indices of the golfing household participation rate within 10 miles of Sandhill Crane Golf Club are at 25% above the national average and seasonal household 14
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
participation rates are at 57% above the national average. With planned construction of 3,100 residences to the west of Sandhill Crane Golf Club over the next 20+ years in the Ancient Tree and Avenir developments, a Town Center that houses retail outlets, restaurants, a proposed hotel, and a large office complex, it was clear that the economic growth of western Palm Beach Gardens favors additional recreational development.
3 golf course was the best choice for the City’s western golf expansion.
As part of the market study, an evaluation of industry trends and use-maximization of the property were also reviewed. Three quotes were received by course designers to provide cost-estimates, proposals, and ultimately a recommendation of use and amenities that best fit the needs of the residents and the available funding for the project. City and Golf Administration, True Club Solutions, and Nicklaus Design were all in concurrence that a Par-
Accompanying the Par-3 course is a two-story driving range with Top Tracer Technology – an innovative practice tool used by the PGA Tour that provides players valuable data such as shot distance, height, and ball speed. The range will also allow players the ability to compete against other players world-wide in long drive, capture the flag, or nearest to the pin competitions and affords them the opportunity to play virtual golf on iconic, world-class
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golf courses such as Pebble Beach or St. Andrews. Players will be able to track and store their statistics, analyze multiple data points, and record and share videos of their swing all at the tip of their fingers. A Solicitation for Qualifications opened in February 2021 for the design of the Par3 golf course and accompanying practice facilities. Seven respondents were assessed with the contract awarded in March to the highest-ranking firm by committee evaluation, Nicklaus Design. Concurrently, Golf and Community Services Administrative staff worked with Ohlson Lavoie, an architecture design firm, on a 14,000 square foot satellite clubhouse which is slated to incorporate eighteen covered driving range bays on two stories, a golf shop with retail, two multipurpose rooms opening to the range for event rental, office space with a conference room, a second-floor indoor/outdoor bar, a first-floor outdoor bar, and food and beverage concessions to service both the clubhouse and driving range. These improvements will not be funded through “tax dollars”. On January 20, 2021,
a Public Improvement Bond was issued to the City in the amount of $14,000,000. This bond will be paid back through recreation impact fees, non-ad valorem golf revenues, and the non-ad valorem unrestricted golf fund revenues. Annual revenue contributions of the expansion are also used to pay back the bond. The overall goal of the course is for it to be a strategic, yet playable, design with several template greens adding character and enjoyment to the holes ranging from 69 to 253 yards. The star of the course is the 19th hole island green which will be used for the ongoing charity shootout initiative that was founded in 2018 in an effort to raise funds for our local non-profits. Palm Beach Gardens is excited to expand the recreational offerings, bringing the work of a world-renowned course designer, tour player, and Majors Champion to the City to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere for our residents and guests. The Sandhill Crane Golf Club Par-3 is tentatively scheduled for its grand opening in November 2022 where we hope to see you on the links!
PROPOSED PAR-3 COURSE FEATURES: A 3,100-yard Par-3 A 18-holes plus a 19th “Shoot-out”/
Tie-Breaker Island Green Hole
A 18 feet of elevation changes A Holes ranging from 69 to 253 yards
OTHER PROPOSED AMENITIES: A 14,000 square foot satellite clubhouse
with second-story driving range bays
A Outdoor event area A Grass Driving Range A 35,000 square foot Putting Course A Food and beverage options A Golf Shop A Multipurpose and Event Rental Space OPPOSITE PAGE (top): The satellite clubhouse will
feature a second-story driving range. OPPOSITE PAGE (inset): The outdoor event area will
include an outdoor bar. THIS PAGE (top): Sandhill Crane Golf Club’s
proposed Par-3 course designed by Nicklaus Design.
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AROUND TOWN
Your resource for the burning question:
“What are they building over there?”
Florida Power & Light’s PGA Office Center Perhaps you’ve been traveling on I-95 and seen a large structure to the east being erected in Palm Beach Gardens. The building can be viewed from this vantage point, as well as north of PGA Boulevard. What is that? Florida Power & Light’s professional office building has gone vertical with construction! Approved preliminarily in 2013, the project will result in a 270,00 square foot, six-story building with 3-story parking garage able to withstand up to Category 5 winds. The unique building design is intentionally meant to reduce wind shear and to maximize natural light. This project is estimated to be completed in spring 2022. 16
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Costco on Northlake Boulevard After recently completing construction of a new 24 pump Fuel Center and parking lot improvements, Costco has now started construction on its store expansion. They expect to have this portion completed by November 2021. Right-of-way work at the intersection of Northlake Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard is currently underway and the signal work should commence soon. The changes to the intersection will reduce wait times at the traffic light.
Downtown Palm Beach Gardens: LifeTime Fitness and More Redevelopment of Downtown Palm Beach Gardens is underway. If you have visited this shopping center over the past several months, you have seen a lot of construction activity. Phase 1 of their efforts is the LifeTime Fitness project, a 3-story building with adjacent parking garage that will be home to a variety of health club uses and salon/spa services. This project is slated for completion in early 2022. Phase 2 of redevelopment will see the iconic carousel relocated to the lakeside and a new interactive water feature where the carousel was previously located. Phase 3 of the project is in the review process. The development proposes a mixed-use tower with 9 stories and 174 hotel rooms that will include retail, restaurant and office space. Also proposed are 280 residential apartment units and a garage.
Alton Town Center One of the City’s newest developments has really flourished over the last year and there is more to come. Alton Town Center, located on Donald Ross Road, has built out most of its shopping center, however construction of two of its big components is underway. From Donald Ross, you can see a large building taking shape at the front of the center. This will be a 7,225 square foot Miller’s Ale House, estimated to be completed in September 2021. To the rear of the plaza, another project is nearing completion. A 136,000 square foot Home Depot with Garden Center will be ready to welcome guests this fall, as well.
Get the Details! These projects and more are detailed in Mayor Litt’s 2021 State of the City Virtual Presentation. The video can be viewed on the City’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/CityPBG. To keep up with development around the City, visit our Project Location Map at www.pbgfl.com/ProjectMap. SUMMER 2021
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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SUMMER 2021
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City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Capture the ♥ of Palm Beach Gardens! Show us your best photos of the city you love! The much-anticipated Resident Photo Contest returns this fall in recognition of Florida City Government Week. Enter online at www.pbgfl.com/PhotoContest.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
PHOTO CONTEST CATEGORIES: Photo submissions will be accepted in the following categories: 1. iGardens: No need for fancy gear! Send us your best phone snaps from around the city. This category is for cellphone photography only. 2. Beauty Abounds: In a “garden city” full of lush landscape, this one’s easy. Enter your favorite nature or landscape photograph. 3. Digital Manipulation: Time to get crafty! This category is for photographs with added artistic flair. Use Photoshop, Lightroom … anything goes. 4. PBG at Work & Play: People connecting with other people or their environment. It’s a beautiful thing! Send us your best unposed, candid scenes of people interacting with each other or physical environments throughout the city.
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A FEW RULES: A Deadline for submissions September 3, 2021 A Photographers must be City residents or students attending school in the Gardens. (Proof of address/school status required) A Photos must be taken at locations within Palm Beach Gardens city limits. A Photos must be taken between January 2020 and September 2021. A Juried Photography Contest Exhibition: Finalists will be unveiled at a special reception & photos will be on display for the public as part of a GardensArt Exhibition at City Hall from October 11 through November 4. A Winning photos will be published in a future issue of Signature City Magazine.
