Mayor Scott J. Brook
@CSCommissioner1
Vice Mayor
Shawn Cerra
@CSCommissioner2
Commissioner
Nancy Metayer Bowen
@CSCommissioner3
Commissioner
Joshua Simmons
@CSCommissioner4
Commissioner
Joy Carter
@CSCommissioner5
Coral Springs residents are invited to make a splash this spring and summer with special events and initiatives throughout the city.
The new Splash-N-Play at Betti Stradling Park is officially open! This new park amenity features a large water play area for our youngest residents and is strategically located near Meadow’s Playground and park pavilions for community use. Features include custom water jets, palm trees, cloud umbrellas, and a huge dump bucket — plus shaded funbrellas and LED lighting.
Our 60th Anniversary celebrations have been a great way to connect with our residents. In January, we held our inaugural Campout Coral Springs, which was a great success, hosting nearly 100 families for an overnight camping adventure. In February, we danced on the City Hall Lawn with a Community Celebration Concert. And as we continue to honor our milestone 60 years Under the Sun, we look forward to the city’s Birthday Ice Cream Bash pop-up party on July 10th and the city’s Largest Pizza Party in the fall. Be sure to check our website at CoralSprings.gov/60 for details.
We are also excited to have our Move with the Mayor series underway – see page 19 for more on how to get active with your commission!
In January, Campout Coral Springs – the only overnight adventure in our city’s history – brought together campers of all ages for s’mores, kickball, movies and BBQ food!
CELEBRATE WITH US! CORALSPRINGS.GOV/60
WWith 2023 underway, I am pleased to share that we have implemented a number of projects to improve our parks, streets, drainage, and facilities that will help enhance the aesthetics and well-being of our community.
Construction on our new Public Safety –Public Works Campus, located at NW 4150 120th Avenue, is complete. This state-ofthe-art facility is a crucial hub for vital city services. It is a Category 5 Hurricane-rated facility which is climate controlled, housing essential supplies that ensure our continuity of operations during emergencies. At the campus are our Public Works Streets Division, Fleet Services, Central Stores, Fire Administration, the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety (CSRIPS) Training Administration, Community Risk Reduction and Emergency Management Operations.
I am also pleased to share that we enhanced safety features at our city parks, including plans for the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and water rescue rings near bodies of water in certain city parks. The rescue rings were installed in partnership with the Aden Perry Good Samaritan and Scholarship Fund in honor of a teen who died trying to save someone from the water (see page 15 for details).
We understand the importance of quick emergency response, and these life-saving tools will provide critical intervention if needed.
Lastly, we hosted a multi-city Commission Workshop to discuss the “Hub” solution for greater 911 interoperability in Broward County. As a result, Broward County is working toward testing this solution for CAD-to-CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) interoperability. The county anticipates completing the interface by August for testing by October. This is a significant step forward in 911 interoperability for Coral Springs, Broward County, and possibly neighboring counties. We remain committed to solutions which prevent any delay in critical 911 operations.
Thank you for your continued support to help make us a safe and connected community.
Frank Babinec, City Manager
You will notice QR codes throughout this issue. Use your cell phone camera and hold it over the code (no need to take a picture), which will then prompt you to open the link!
Young residents cool off at the new Splash-N-Play at Betti Stradling Park, which is the place to be this summer!
Coral Springs has been unique from its inception as it is one of the first truly planned cities in Florida. Our founders’ vision lives on with continued innovative leadership and a community dedicated to progress.
Take a trip down city memory lane and test your history I.Q.! Then, use the QR code at the end of the timeline to check your answers.
The City of Coral Springs began with one man’s vision. Which city founder and Admiral of the Coast Guard created Coral Ridge Properties in 1945?
In 1964 Coral Ridge Properties hosted the Land Sale BBQ, selling more than $5 million worth of land in 15 minutes. Who was the celebrity host?
Chief Vic Vedilago was the city’s first employee in 1963. What was the name of his K-9 companion?
1970
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department began with a group of volunteer firefighters in 1970. What was the original color of the fire trucks?
In 2003, the city published a history book “Images of America: Coral Springs.” What historic landmark is on the front cover?
Marking the city’s 25th anniversary in 1988, the city broke a Guinness World record by cooking the world’s largest hamburger. What giant-sized beverage accompanied the oversized patty?
The first Downtown in December event was in 2014. What epic Disney movie was featured?
The land north of Wiles Road wasn’t purchased until 1971. What was the name of the Rancher who sold his 3,000 acres of land that would become North Springs?
Hint: there is a street in North Springs named after him.
Want to learn more? The Museum of Coral Springs History will be hosting free tours on the fourth Saturday of every month, including May 27 and June 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
10250 NW 29th Street
60th Anniversary merchandise is now available to honor our history and our milestone anniversary! Available items include t-shirts, hats, travel mugs, and more.
We appreciate the support of our 60th sponsors! As Coral Springs continues to celebrate its anniversary year, we invite local businesses to consider sponsoring one or more of our signature events. These events are expected to draw thousands of attendees and leave a lasting impact on our community.
The City of Coral Springs has a history of marking its anniversaries in style. Typically hosting several large scale events throughout the birthday year, these events stand out and bring together our amazing and diverse community. Join us July 10 to celebrate the city’s official birthday at our ice cream bash!
Next up!
Thank you for celebrating with us at: Campout
Coral Springs
60th Community Concert
Feb. 11, 2023
Follow us on social to be the first to receive updates!
Visit CoralSprings.gov/merch for details and opportunities to purchase items at events. CityofCoralSprings CoralSpringsFL CoralSpringsFL
We are asking residents to provide input as part of a community-wide visioning initiative known as “Vision 2035: Impressions on the Future” – a process that will take place now until October 2023.
As part of the plan, residents will be asked to provide feedback via surveys, through in-person focus groups, interactive stations at city events, and more. Surveys will ultimately ask the question “What do you hope to see by 2035?” The goal is to ensure results are inclusive of all ages and backgrounds who represent our community.
The visioning process will culminate with an in-person event where discussion groups and visioners will discuss how to make these visions a reality.
“Our theme is ‘Impressions on the Future’ because we believe everyone should have a say in the direction Coral Springs is headed toward,” said Mayor Scott Brook. “I participated in the vision exercise ‘Just Dream It’ in 2012 and the outcomes of that experience led to the development and redevelopment of our city today.”
The results will form the city’s Vision 2035 Plan to provide a long-term, aspirational, and flexible framework meant to serve as a blueprint for other city plans going forward. The plan will be a driving factor in the city’s strategic planning process and future budget initiatives.
More information, including an online version of the visioning survey, and a list of upcoming opportunities to participate in-person, can be found at CoralSprings.gov/Vision2035.
The Coral Springs Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Committee voted to award the 2023 MLK Monument Award to local educator Annejeanette Washington-Collins for her valuable service and contributions to the Coral Springs community.
A resident of Coral Springs for 14 years, Washington-Collins works at Ramblewood Middle School as an American History Teacher. In addition, she is a STEM advocate, educator, and college professor. Recently having her work noticed at the state level, Washington-Collins was named the Dr. Theron Trimble Florida Social Studies Teacher of the Year for Middle School by the Florida Council for the Social Studies. The award recognized exceptional and innovative teachers for creating meaningful lessons for their students and advocating for social studies education.
As soon as Coral Springs tennis instructor, Dan Bobrow, was given the opportunity to teach tennis to local students with autism, he couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
A longtime tennis professional and coach, Bobrow once founded a program in another state teaching the sport he loves to individuals with Down Syndrome. So, when the nationally known “Love Serving Autism” program contacted the Coral Springs Tennis Center wanting to establish a program here, Bobrow was ready.
“I jumped at the opportunity,” Bobrow said. “I knew it was something I always wanted to come back to.”
Love Serving Autism is a South Florida-based nonprofit, with programs nationwide, that specializes in therapeutic tennis instruction for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. As part of the program, Bobrow has undergone specialized training to teach tennis to those in Coral Springs and
surrounding communities with unique learning needs using a specialized, visual guide, and a gentle, encouraging teaching style.
They finally feel like they’re part of something.
Most Saturday mornings at the Cypress Tennis Courts, Bobrow meets with a group of mostly preteens and teenagers to conduct the lessons. They go through simple, no-pressure drills and games, like balancing the ball on the racket, “high five” game, and lots of extra chances to try again. At the end of a six-week session, Bobrow almost always notices a stark difference in the students’ selfassuredness in their own abilities.
“The cool thing about it is that I’ve had some of the same kids since the beginning, and I’ve had parents come up to me in tears saying it’s the first time they’ve seen their kids smile,” Bobrow said. “They finally feel like they’re part of something.”
Our dedicated team of Code Compliance Inspectors and Managers work daily to maintain the clean, beautiful aesthetic that makes Coral Springs a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
We’re pleased to announce the Lynne Johnson Award Winners for 2022. This program recognizes city volunteers who went above-and-beyond to support our community. The City of Coral Springs relies on its volunteers to help in our city’s success.
If a resident receives a code violation, they are given the direct contact information of their community’s Code Inspector. Inspectors are encouraged to listen to residents who reach out to them and offer help, advice, and give extensions if-needed. The Coral Springs Code team lists sidewalk, roof, and landscaping violations as the top reasons why citations are issued, and they are proud to have a voluntary compliance rate of more than 80% — meaning the vast majority of cases were resolved without the need for a formal order or hearing.
Visit our website for resources and more homeowner’s tips!
Youth Making a Difference
Julia Fox
Seniors Making a Difference
William “Bill” Vasquez
Working with Youth in Sports
Jennifer Brown
Committed to Enhancing City Services
Scott Smith
Enhancing the Lives of Coral Springs Residents
Sandy Lobel
Enhancing and Preserving the Natural Environment in Coral Springs
Jessica Argumedo
The Coral Springs Community Garden will soon receive a new facility thanks to a $122,250 donation from the Rotary Club of Coral Springs that was presented at a recent City Commission Meeting.
The funds, provided in conjunction with P&H Interiors and the Levitetz Family Foundation, will be used to construct a new on-site pavilion at the garden that can be used for shade, picnics, gatherings, and more.
When it comes to water quality, grass clippings and lawn waste are considered stormwater pollutants that can cause harm to natural bodies of water when swept into a storm drain.
Coral Springs Ordinance 250835 B (4) prohibits blowing, sweeping, or dumping grass clippings and yard waste onto streets, ditches, driveways, or storm drains. Always blow away from roads, ditches, gutters, and areas of runoff, then return grass clippings to the lawn or bag them along with other yard waste for proper disposal.
In addition to the donation, the Rotary Club has been working with city staff on future upkeep, maintenance, and improvements, including support for ongoing development, fence installation, clean drinking water, greater accessibility and more.
We recognize the importance of the business community in Coral Springs. They are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in creating job opportunities, generating revenue, and contributing to growth and prosperity. To celebrate the accomplishments of local businesses, we recognized seven companies through the annual Business Excellence Awards program.
Small Business Award: USK Karate
Large Business Award: Flora Fine Foods
Commissioner Award: P & H Interiors
Heart of the Community Award: Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream
Legacy Award: Homeland Property Inspections
Company to Watch Award: Corellia Gifts + Goods
Sustainability Award: Harmony Eco Spa Boutique
Every year nationwide, about 300 children under age five drown in swimming pools. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for this age. It only takes seconds for an unattended child to get into trouble in a backyard pool, canal or lake.
The city hosts a Water Safety Day annually to provide entertaining and informative opportunities to learn about safe swimming and water precautions. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cypress Pool (1300 Coral Springs Dr.)
Parents need to talk to their child about water safety. Here are some ideas to start with:
• Don’t go near a pool without an adult. This is the most simple and important water safety conversation to have.
• If you see someone struggling in the water, don’t jump in to help. Run and get an adult.
• If you fall into a pool, don’t panic. Turn around, find the wall, and climb out or yell for help.
Detective honored on House Floor
BE PREPARED!
WATER SAFETY DAY • JUNE 3
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Cypress Pool
1300 Coral Springs Drive
Join us for an entertaining and educational experience for families of all ages! Participate in water safety activities and wear your swimsuits. Learn about resources to help make your home water safe.
LEARN MORE HERE!
Law
Congratulations to Detective Mark Mitter who was recently honored as Law Enforcement Officer of the Day by State Representative Dan Daley during a recent legislative session. With 14 years of dedicated service to our city, and valuable contributions to the Special Victims Unit, this recognition is well deserved. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe, Detective Mitter!
The City of Coral Springs partnered with the Aden Perry Good Samaritan and Scholarship Fund to install more than 70 rescue rings near bodies of water in city parks, both as a safety enhancement and to honor the memory of a heroic teen, Aden Perry.
Aden was a 17-year-old high school student who tragically lost his life while trying to save another teen who had just accidentally driven his car into a lake. He heroically dove into the water, where the car had just submerged, to provide aid to the driver, but sadly, both young men died.
Following her son’s passing, Sarah Perry, or “Aden’s Mum,” as she likes to be called, has devoted her life to ensuring that lifesaving Rescue Rings are now available near bodies of water.
“If I had to find good in this tragedy, it would be that he’s a hero,” Aden’s mum said. “He had so much passion for life and now I’m living his legacy.”
Coast Guard-regulated rescue rings are installed near bodies of water within the city’s parks. The rings are attached to a rope and are meant to allow anyone in the public to assist during a potential water emergency, without needing to enter the water themselves.
1
Designate someone to call 911 – Have someone other than the rescuer (if possible) call and give as many details as possible.
Lift up and take the ring off the hook. 2
3
Remove the wrapped rope from the pole and prepare to throw it.
4 5
Throw the ring and the rope in the water directly toward the person in distress. If possible, throw the ring past the person and pull.
Pull the rope towards you slowly, gently guiding the patient to the shore. If you pull too quickly, the ring could slip out of the grip of the patient.
Whether your child loves art, drama, sports, or something in between, Coral Springs has exciting summer camps for all ages and interests. We encourage you to check out our full list of camps to find the perfect fit for your child! For all available camps, visit CoralSprings.gov/camps.
Coral Springs Museum of Art Summer Camps
Introduce your mini masters to the magic of art. The Coral Springs Museum of Art offers a variety of summer camps for all ages.
Serving up lessons in tennis fundamentals, drills, and skills, tennis camp is available for kids ages 5 to 16 years old.
Safety Town is a nationally recognized program for children ages 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 years of age. The program, operated by Parks and Recreation in coordination with the police and fire departments, will teach children valuable lessons about bike safety, fire safety, and personal safety. Each weeklong session concludes with a graduation ceremony. Learn more at: CoralSprings.gov/safetytown
DID YOU KNOW?
More information about summer camp offerings can be found here.
Stradling Park is now open!
The new Splash-N-Play at Betti
Stradling Park features the largest water play area under the Coral Springs sun! This ideal location near Meadow’s Playground, the Skate Park, restrooms, and park pavilions will provide a fun atmosphere for all ages in one convenient spot.
Residents can activate the water features by placing their hand on any of the four black round buttons at the corners of the pad. Check our website at CoralSprings.gov/splash for updated hours – it’s even open in the evening!
The Art of Data is a collaborative exhibit from the City of Coral Springs Office of Budget and Sustainability that has asked local artists to take city data and interpret it through their own artistic medium. Regularly used to uncover patterns, determine future expenditures, track environmental change, and more, data is an important tool used by municipalities to make everyday decisions. This exhibit will explore what happens when common statistics are morphed into a visual representation. Mediums on display will include digital art, crochet, recycled and reclaimed materials, and more.
The exhibit will be on display at the Coral Springs City Hall Lobby through May 31.
CoralSpringsMuseum.org • 954-340-5000
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Pressure by Juan Abuela
On view through June 17
Juan Abuela is a contemporary artist whose work is the consequence of his intense passion for painting, design, and carpentry. He appropriates different objects to discuss why and how they are stripped of their functions, transformed, and ultimately revealed in their new design.
SHOWS & MORE!
Visit the Coral Springs Center for the Arts and get tickets to upcoming performances!
PROGRAMS
ARTventures
Saturdays • May 13, June 10, July 8
2 – 3 p.m.
Limited Seats
Ages 2+
$6 Members
$8 Non-Members
Join the Coral Springs Museum of Art for ARTventures Family Fun Day every second Saturday of the month. Together families will enhance their education in arts and culture with creative activities such as storytelling, music, and art production. ARTventures starts with a tour of the current exhibit and culminates with a fun and engaging activity for the whole family.
Learn more at: CoralSpringsMuseum.org
KING OF CORAL SPRINGS CHESS TOURNAMENT • MAY 20
8 a.m. • Coral Springs Charter School Gym
3205 N. University Drive
In partnership with the National Scholastic Chess Foundation, the event is open to two age divisions: Ages 5-11 and Ages 12-18. The tournament is free, but all playing participants must pre-register by Wednesday, May 17.
GAME NIGHT AT THE DEN • JUNE 8
6-8 p.m. • Florida Panthers IceDen
3299 Sportsplex Drive
All ages are invited to the IceDen for a cool night of interactive games, plus a party DJ, food, ice skating, and more. Admission is free. Pre-registration is required.
9 a.m. • Veterans Park
8601 Royal Palm Blvd
The city, in partnership with the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs, will host a special Memorial Day Ceremony to honor the brave men and women of our military who have given their lives in service to our nation.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION • JUNE 17
5:30 - 9:30 p.m. • City Hall Lawn
9500 W. Sample Road
The City of Coral Springs will host an outdoor celebration in honor of Juneteenth, Freedom Day; a day that symbolizes the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. The celebration will include messages of hope from community leaders, musical and step performances, and a historic perspective on the significance of Juneteenth.
FOR EVERYTHING CITY EVENTS, VISIT: CoralSprings.gov/events
This interactive program promotes health, wellness, and a greater sense of community in Coral Springs. These events give residents a chance to interact with their city leaders on an individual level through participation in their favorite sports and activities. Each health and wellness activity will be led by Mayor Brook and co-hosted by a commissioner. Participation is free of charge!
Caribbean Dance with Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen
Saturday, June 24 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sartory Hall • 10150 NW 29 St.
Kickball with Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra
Thursday, July 27 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Coral Glades Softball Field • 2700 Sportsplex Dr.
Pickleball with Commissioner Joy Carter
Saturday, September 23 • 10 am. to 12 p.m.
Cypress Park Courts • 1301 Coral Springs Dr.
Flag Football with Commissioner Joshua Simmons
Thursday, October 19 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Coral Glades Stadium • 2700 Sportsplex Dr.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION • JULY 4
5 - 9 p.m. • Mullins Park
10000 Ben Geiger Drive (N.W. 29 St.)
Residents are invited to celebrate Independence Day with a grand fireworks display set to start at 8:30 p.m. at Mullins Park. Admission and parking are free. Text 888-777 with the keyword CSFIREWORKS to receive up-to-date information about this event.
Learn more at: CoralSprings.gov/seniors
Friday, May 19 • 1 p.m.
We’re pleased to welcome the South Florida Chamber Ensemble to our Senior Center for regular performance at 1 p.m. The performance, which is open to all seniors, features an enchanting monthly theme. This month’s theme is “River Songs.”
Friday, May 26 • 1 p.m.
Coral Springs resident Bill Vasquez will present a timetable of history & how events interrelate. Group is open to Coral Springs residents and non-residents ages 55+ only.
Visit the Senior Center at Sartory Hall located at 10150 NW 29th Street
EVENT
