Coral Springs Under the Sun - Fall 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY WITH EVERYTHING

City Commission Message

AAs summer winds down and we look ahead to fall, we are thankful for the many upcoming events, meetings and activities that allow us to engage with our residents and businesses.

From regular office hours to our July 4th celebration and the Ice Cream Birthday Bash, this truly was a summer to remember! Our new program, Move with the Mayor, provided us with the opportunity to enjoy Caribbean dancing and a game of Pickleball as an active way to connect with residents. The community turnout at these events reinforces our goal to be an active, healthy community. We look forward to even more opportunities to connect and engage with our residents this fall.

Throughout the year we have promoted our Vision 2035 survey because we not only want residents to have their voices heard, but we also want the community to have a direct impact on our city’s future. Surveying will conclude with an interactive Visioning Summit where additional feedback and survey results will be shared with the community.

We host numerous public meetings, including regular Commission meetings and workshops. We also offer opportunities for residents and business owners to serve on and attend meetings for Boards, Committees, and Groups. These organizations meet regularly and serve critical functions within the city. In addition, the City Clerk’s Office regularly updates our website, CoralSprings.gov/agenda, with information about all public meetings, including supporting documents.

If you have questions about public notices or meetings, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 954-344-1065.

Mayor

Scott J. Brook

Vice Mayor

Shawn Cerra

@CSCommissioner2

Commissioner

Nancy Metayer Bowen

@CSCommissioner3

Commissioner

Joshua Simmons

@CSCommissioner4

Commissioner

Joy Carter

@CSCommissioner5

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any member of the Commission, please call 954-344-5911.

For more office hours, visit CoralSprings.gov/events.

Meet with the Commission

Coffee with the Mayor and Veterans

Wednesday, September 13

9 - 10:30 a.m.

City Hall, Sawgrass Room (9500 W Sample Rd.)

Veterans are invited to join Mayor Scott Brook for coffee and conversation at City Hall.

Move with Mayor: Pickleball with Commissioner Joy Carter

Saturday, September 23 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Cypress Park Courts 1 & 2 (1301 Coral Springs Drive)

Move with the Mayor: Flag Football with Commissioner Joshua Simmons

Thursday, October 19 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Coral Glades High School Stadium Field (2700 Sportsplex Drive)

Mayor sworn in as FLM President

M

SCOTT BROOK - PRE OF THE F

Mayor Scott Brook was sworn in to serve as President of the Florida League of Mayors (FLM) during their Business Meeting in Orlando on Thursday, August 10. In this role, Mayor Brook looks forward to promoting mental health awareness and serving as a resource for communities across the State of Florida.

My vision for Coral Springs’ future includes a vibrant downtown!

My vision for the future of Coral Springs is to see youth who grew up in our city return!

My vision for the future of Coral Springs is to be environmentally sustainable and near our commitment to the Race to Zero!

My vision for Coral Springs is an active and healthy community for all ages!

My vision for Coral Springs is to see a community that is strengthened by the residents who call our city home.

Message from the City Manager

Throughout the year the City of Coral Springs celebrated its 60th Anniversary with memorable events and activities — and we are not done celebrating! From our firstever Campout Coral Springs, a Community Concert, an Ice Cream Bash, merchandise sales and historical photo opportunities, celebrating the city’s 60th Anniversary is meant to promote hometown pride and a sense of community.

This fall we will unveil public art dedicated to six decades of Coral Springs progress. We will also host the city’s Largest Pizza Party in November. Check CoralSprings.gov/60 for event details.

I appreciate the work of our dedicated employees who plan and host events as well as the community for supporting these events.

I recognize that it is our commitment to community and forward progress that truly sets Coral Springs apart from other communities.

Thank you to the members of our community who already completed the 2035 Vision survey, your input helps us plan for the city’s future.

I consider it an honor to serve as the City Manager in the premier community in which to live, work and raise a family.

Frank Babinec, City Manager

QR Codes

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!

On the Cover

If you have questions or comments regarding this

Relations

Paula Rubiano • Lindsey Steinberg

Graphic Design

Juliana Newman

Photography

Kafi Marsh • Josh Berlant

Ryan Himmel • Drew Walker

event held at Mullins Park.

RECOGNITIONS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

City receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

The City of Coral Springs Department of Budget & Sustainability has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for producing a highquality digital budget book that effectively and transparently outlines the details of the current fiscal year budget.

Receiving this distinction consecutively since 2007, the department consistently prepares budget documents that reflect state and national guidelines and the GFOA’s

best practices on budgeting. In addition, the organization was awarded two special recognitions, one for special performance measures and another for special strategic roles and strategies.

This year marks the first time the department received the honor for their digital-only version of the book. In line with the city’s priority to adopt more sustainable practices, the digital budget book helped to save printing costs and lessen environmental impact.

Communications and Marketing team receives state and national recognitions

The City of Coral Springs Communications and Marketing Department was honored by the City Commission for earning several state and national awards and recognitions, including the Florida Municipal Communicators Association (FMCA) Outstanding Communicator Awards and Telly Awards.

PARKS & RECREATION

Aquatic Complex undergoes necessary renovation

Swim teams, water enthusiasts - and even prospective Olympians - will soon be able to utilize enhanced features at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex (12441 Royal Palm Blvd.) thanks to an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded renovation project.

The 30+ year old Coral Springs Aquatic Complex is an Olympic-style swimming and training facility, that was in need of improvement to continue its reputation as a national and international training site for schools and Olympians.

The project includes critical infrastructure repairs to the cracked and shifting pool deck. Once completed, the facility will have new permanent shading canopies, starting blocks, and diving boards. During the construction, the Aquatic Complex pools will remain closed. Learn more about the project at CoralSprings.gov/AquaticProject.

Enjoy park improvements and enhancements

Jaycee Park

Renovations to the basketball courts, tennis courts, and sidewalks at Jaycee Park are completed!

Pickleball Courts at Riverside Park

Eight new pickleball courts were added to Riverside Park, including the city’s first stadium court! Additional fitness elements will be installed over the next six months.

Cypress Hammock Bridge

You can now take a looped walkthrough Orchid Park and Cypress Hammock Park. Originally connecting Forest Hills Elementary to the neighboring community, the bridge was repurposed and installed at Cypress Hammock Park as an enhancement.

Visit our website for updates!

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Learn more at: CoralSprings.gov/events

6 - 8 p.m.

Coral Springs Gymnasium

Trivia Night

September 13

Holiday Themed Movie

November 8

PUBLIC WORKS & SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

City welcomes new Sustainability Manager

In line with its strategic priority to be an innovative, high-performing, and sustainable organization, the City of Coral Springs hired Andrea Lemaitre as the city’s new Sustainability Manager.

Lemaitre joined the City of Coral Springs in April. Her role addresses sustainability in Coral Springs by balancing the present environmental, social, financial, and operational needs while planning for the future. She is also responsible for implementing and managing the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), providing education and outreach, developing policy, coordinating city initiatives across departments, and partnering with the local community and external organizations.

Lemaitre’s approach to sustainability is based on collaboration, communication, and

a passion for people, culture, and the environment. She encourages residents and community partners to “think globally, act locally.”

Before working for the City of Coral Springs, Lemaitre conducted research in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, focusing on the environment-governance-public health nexus and water insecurity. She is a social scientist with a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Miami.

More information about the city’s sustainability initiatives can be found at CoralSprings.gov/GoGreen.

Keeping Coral Springs Clean

Quicker than quick, faster than fast. . .the City of Coral Springs held a contest to allow the public to name its newly purchased street sweeper.

After conducting a “March Madness,” bracket-style poll on city social media accounts, the community, appropriately, selected a kids’ race car movie-inspired name: “Lightning McClean.” More than 60 names were submitted as part of the contest.

With the addition of the new equipment, city street sweeping is managed in-house as part of the Coral Springs Public Works Department, replacing the outside contracted service. Transitioning to a city-run operation allows for an improved level of service, cleaning more roads and neighborhoods, which helps keep debris from blocking storm drains.

DID YOU KNOW?

Stormwater Plans

The City of Coral Springs Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) aims to evaluate the existing stormwater infrastructure and identify improvements to address street flooding and future climate projections. The plan will also serve as a roadmap to build community resilience in the face of stronger storms, rising sea levels, and future urban development. Learn more about what the plan will accomplish, online at CoralSprings.gov/SWMP.

WORK AROUND TOWN

Completed Projects

Sidewalk Replacement

As part of the annual sidewalk replacement program, the city replaced existing asphalt sidewalk with concrete and upgraded the ADA ramps at NW 99th Avenue.

Sample Road Master Parking

To better serve our businesses and patrons, the Sample Road Master Parking underwent a facelift. The project included resurfacing and restriping the parking lot along with upgrades to the sidewalks and handicap/ ADA ramps.

The Hills Water Main Upgrade

Approximately 4,900 linear feet of water main was installed in the Coral Hills neighborhood between University Drive and Coral Hills Drive and NW 39th Court and Wiles Road. This is part of the continuous replacement of existing underground cast iron pipes throughout the city.

A BOVETHE FLOOD CORAL SPRINGS

BEFORE & AFTER

PUBLIC SAFETY

AED installation in parks for enhanced safety

The safety, health, and wellness of our community remains a priority in Coral Springs. Ensuring public access to vital life safety equipment in our parks has been an ongoing initiative that the city has looked to identify potential grant opportunities to complete. Through use of the ARPA funds, the city installed AED kiosks at select city parks and city facilities. Every AED kiosk also includes a Stop the Bleed kit as well as instructions for how to administer aid until help arrives.

Locations:

• City Hall

9500 W. Sample Road

• Betti Stradling Park

10301 Wiles Road

• Cypress Hammock Park

1300 Coral Springs Drive

• Cypress Park

1301 Coral Springs Drive

• Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park

2915 Sportsplex Drive

• Kiwanis Park

520 Ramblewood Drive

• Mullins Park

10000 NW 29th Street

• North Community Park

5601 Coral Springs Drive

• Riverside Park

205 Coral Ridge Drive

• Sportsplex Park

2800 Sportsplex Drive

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

PROGRAMMING

SHRED-A-THON • SEPT. 16

9-11 a.m. • Sportsplex Park

2575 Sportsplex Drive

The Coral Springs Police Department will host a free Shred-A-Thon event for city residents. Limited to three file size cardboard boxes or reusable bins per vehicle.

CAR SEAT INSTALLATION

SEPT. 30

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • City Hall Garage

9500 West Sample Road

Your child’s safety is our top priority! Our certified car seat installers will be on-site, ready to ensure your car seat(s) are installed correctly and securely. We will answer questions related to child seat safety. Be sure to bring your car seat(s) and keep the installation area clear.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK • OCT. 7

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Coral Square Mall

9469 West Atlantic Boulevard

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department invites you to the Fire Prevention Week Kick-Off at the Coral Square Mall (near the food court entrance, north side). Attendees will experience informative demonstrations to prevent fire and promote safety. This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts with You: Pay Attention to Fire Prevention.”

Become a SafeKeeper Summer Youth Camp Program 2023

Looking to make a positive impact on our youth? Our SafeKeepers program is seeking new members. SafeKeepers are volunteers stationed at local schools who aim to create a positive environment for students as they arrive at and leave school every day.

Duties include:

• Provide positive encouragement, meaningful conversation, and motivation to students, parents, and staff as they arrive at and leave school every day.

• Monitor student activity and report suspicious behavior or potentially dangerous situations to security.

• Familiarize yourself with school policies and rules.

• Verbally address students, when needed, who are in violation of school policies and school rules.

Calling 911 vs. non-emergency phone number

We understand that emergencies demand immediate attention and that your safety is of utmost importance. That’s why we remind residents to dial 954-344-1800 for nonemergency situations, freeing up 911 lines for residents who have urgent need. Scan this QR code to automatically save our non-emergency number to your phone contacts for future use!

Traffic Unit Receives Recognition

The Coral Springs Police Department held its six-week summer camp for underserved youth in our community this June and July. This year’s campers enjoyed activities such as indoor and outdoor play, R.A.D. for Kids selfdefense training, dental screenings, vision screenings, and even a firstever visit from the Miami Dolphins who hosted a one-day football clinic. Run entirely by the men and women of the police department, the camp is free for participants and helps to promote relationship building, physical activity, a sense of community, and volunteerism among our youth.

Our Police Traffic Unit recently received first-place honors in the State of Florida Law Enforcement Challenge. In addition, they won the Champions Division, which compared their efforts against previous first-place winners. This is a state-wide program that evaluates crash data, enforcement efforts, and education programs for traffic safety. Their commitment to traffic safety made this accomplishment possible.

OUR COMMUNITY

Neighborhoods with Integrity Projects

The Neighborhoods with Integrity (NWI) team enjoyed meeting and working with residents over the past few months. NWI participated in the Broward County Waterway Cleanup, collecting 40 years of trash along with volunteers.

The Oaks Community and the NWI team partnered to replace two entryway neighborhood signs and landscaping. By working together, residents of the community raised $4,000 for repairs and additional landscaping.

From great BBQ to potluck meals, the residents of West Glen celebrated their community with the NWI team.

Is your community interested in getting more involved in community projects alongside the NWI team?

Visit CoralSprings.gov/NWI for more information.

WE SALUTE YOU!

Honoring our Hometown Heroes

We are proud to honor military veterans and active-duty service members through our Hometown Heroes Banner program. Coral Springs residents are encouraged to submit their military family members for recognition: CoralSprings.gov/heroes

Unexpected encounter leads to a meaningful friendship and new memorial at Orchid Park

Among the many pandemic-time hardships, forming meaningful connections was challenging for many. Yet for Coral Springs-based Girl Scout Troop 10883, the girls creatively utilized a Coral Springs Park as a safe place to meet faceto-face – and laid the groundwork for an unexpected encounter that would result in a lifelong connection.

While holding socially distanced meetings at Orchid Park in Coral Springs, Troop 10883 became curious about an older gentleman who regularly visited one of the park’s memorial trees; the memorial was for a woman named RuthAnn Gillooly.

During the unveiling, they noticed another visitor at the memorial – and it was who they had been searching for all along – Kathleen Schaffer, the adult daughter of John and RuthAnn. Kathleen, along with her husband, made a spur-of-the-moment decision to visit Orchid Park that morning.

“Chills went up my back. It was the craziest thing,” Kelli said.

The gentleman - John Gillooly – RuthAnn’s husband – was kind and patient with the girls, sharing that his wife was a former teacher. Inspired by his kindness, the troop chose to install a Little Free Library at the park in honor of RuthAnn next to her tree. Little Free Libraries are nationally known pop-up library installations where readers are encouraged to “Take a Book. Share a Book” for free.

Sadly, in the months that it took to install the library formally, John passed away. Troop Leader Kelli Matonak tried to locate other family members hoping to include them in the official unveiling of the Little Free Library, but never found them.

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, with all the logistics finally in place – and the Little Library appropriately renamed to honor both RuthAnn and John Gillooly – the girls arrived at Orchid Park to unveil their project officially.

The troop unveiled the new Little Library to an emotional Kathleen who shared just how much the Girl Scout Troop had meant to her dad during the last days of his life.

“He talked about them almost every day; he referred to them as “His” Girl Scouts,” Kathleen said. “As they grow, and when they go their own way, I hope they remember what a difference they can make; you never know who is sitting next to you.”

Chills went up my back. It was the craziest thing.

-Kelli Matonak, Troop Leader

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

Happy Birthday Coral Springs!

Did you hear the scoop? The City of Coral Springs celebrated its official 60th Birthday with a large-scale Ice Cream Bash on Monday, July 10. Free ice cream was distributed community wide to residents, seniors, summer campers, city employees, first responders, and more courtesy of event sponsor Al Hendrickson Toyota.

An estimated 2,500 scoops of ice cream were handed out, with three Coral Springs parks – Betti Stradling, Mullins, and Lions Parks – serving as the main distribution sites. Local shops Larry’s Ice Cream, Cherry Smash, and Let’s Chill Ice Cream served up their favorite flavors.

Coral Springs was officially chartered July 10, 1963, and sharing sweet treats with the community offered a “cool” way to celebrate the city’s milestone birthday together and beat the summer heat!

60TH SIGNATURE EVENT UPDATE!

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR

ANNIVERSARY FANS

SILVER COMMUNITY SPONSOR

GOLD PRESENTING SPONSOR

CITY SERVICES

NEW DROP BOX

A customer convenience drop box is available on the first floor of the City Hall parking garage near the elevators. The drop box is designed to provide residents a convenient place to deliver documents after regular business hours or as a convenient contactless option. The drop box is monitored electronically 24/7 and remains locked.

What is accepted in the drop box?

• Letters or parcels that are lettersize envelopes, 5x7 or 8x10 flat envelopes.

• Water Billing, Code Compliance, or Business Tax payments (checks or money orders only)

• Completed Volunteer forms

• Building documents (that meet the appropriate parcel size)

• Permitting forms

• Not accepted: cash and U.S. Mail

The Passport Services Office brings Coral Springs provides passport and fingerprinting services inside of the Coral Square Mall (9239 W. Atlantic Blvd.)

Here’s How it Works:

Citizens who require new passport services may either make an appointment in advance or join the virtual queue. No standing in line is required!

• During operational hours, starting at 10 a.m., customers can reserve a spot in line for same-day service through the QLess Virtual Check-In System online. We will not accept walk-ins. Same-day service is not available on Saturdays.

• Once you reserve a spot in line, you will be notified via text when it is your turn. You may wait in the car or enjoy shopping at the mall while waiting. Congregating in front of the Passport Services Office is prohibited.

• Due to the high volume of customers, QLess will close when we have reached daily capacity.

• Appointments are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays between 3 and 6 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Due to the high demand, appointments tend to be filled up weeks in advance. We recommend checking at 6 p.m. for any next-day cancellations. A limited number of appointments can be made through the QLess Virtual System.

To get in line or make an appointment, visit CoralSprings.gov/passports

VIEW OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE!

MOBILE CHECK-IN

ARTS & CULTURE

MUSEUM OF ART

CoralSpringsMuseum.org • 954-340-5000

2855 Coral Springs Drive

EXHIBITIONS

Heather Couch + Thomas Stollar

Main + East Gallery

On view through October 7

PROGRAMS

ARTventures

Saturdays

September 9 & October 14

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.

Pine and Palm Holiday Market

December 8 & 9

Main Gallery

On view October 16 – November 25

The Coral Springs Museum of Art Pine and Palm Holiday Market is a two-day shopping event that will be filled with original art and wares from local artist and makers. This is a great opportunity to “Sip, Shop and Celebrate!” the holidays by buying local and supporting up-and-coming artists. This year we have expanded our event to include a juried exhibition and hands-on workshops throughout the month. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as they become available!

Learn more at: CoralSpringsMuseum.org

Visit the Coral Springs Center for the Arts and get tickets

Kandy Lopez

EVENTS

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

SEPTEMBER 11

8:30 a.m. • Northwest Regional Library

3151 North University Drive

The city will honor victims by laying a wreath in front of the 9/11 Monument. Residents are invited to pay their respects at the monument throughout the day on September 11.

SENIOR HEALTH FAIR • OCTOBER 18

9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Coral Springs Gymnasium

2501 Coral Springs Drive

Seniors are invited to a free Health Fair! The fair will feature a variety of health screenings and wellness advice. The event is open to all seniors, family members, residents or business owners who offer services for seniors.

THRILLS-N-CHILLS • OCTOBER 21

Session #1: 1-4 p.m. • Session #2: 6-9 p.m.

Coral Springs Gymnasium

2501 Coral Springs Drive

FIRE DEPARTMENT PASTA DINNER

OCTOBER 28

5-9 p.m. • Fire Station #80

2825 Coral Springs Drive

The Coral Springs Fire Department is excited to meet residents at the Annual Pasta Dinner in support of Cancer Awareness. This event is held in partnership with the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association.

OKTOBERFEST • OCTOBER 14

4-10 p.m. • City Hall Lawn

9500 W. Sample Road

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Coral Springs!

The event features authentic Bavarian fare, entertainment, beer, wine and a Kinder Carnival. Parking is free at City Hall.

With a bit of hocus pocus and community spirit, the Coral Springs Gymnasium will transform into a carnival featuring themed spaces and activities for all ages including haunted walk-through, games, crafts, music, toddler area, and more. This year, the event will take place during two sessions. Tickets are $5 per person ages 2 and up and must be purchased in advance online: CoralSprings.gov/Halloween

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

NOVEMBER 11

10:45 a.m. • Veterans Park

8601 Royal Palm Boulevard

On November 11, the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs and the City will honor our military members on Veterans Day.

FOR EVERYTHING CITY EVENTS, VISIT: CoralSprings.gov/events

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

For details, visit CoralSprings.gov/holidayfun

EVENT UPDATE!

Downtown in December is reimagined!

Experience the joy of the holidays throughout the month of December with new opportunities to celebrate the season. This year’s reimagined event series features three days of holiday cheer and exclusive opportunities for Coral Springs residents.

LIGHT UP THE LAWN • DECEMBER 2

5-7 p.m. • City Hall Lawn

9500 Sample Road

Celebrate the official start of the holiday season in Coral Springs with our traditional City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony. Coral Springs residents will also have an opportunity to take a ride on the trackless train! Registration is required and priority passes provided for Coral Springs residents.

HOLIDAY MARKET • DECEMBER 9

5-7 p.m. • City Hall Lawn

9500 Sample Road

Shop local and shop small for the holidays! Visit our holiday market at the City Hall Lawn featuring vendors selling a variety of gifts and goods for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

HOLIDAY PARADE • DECEMBER 13

7 p.m. • Along Sample Road

Experience the magic of Coral Springs as local schools and organizations share their creativity and holiday spirit for the city’s annual holiday parade. This year’s theme, Magical Memories: A Ride Down Memory

Lane, aims to evoke fond memories of holidays past and present.

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, you are invited to visit City Hall with your friends and family to take festive photos with our interactive holiday light displays – any evening after December 2!