City of Parkland Seeking Residential Developer for Heron Bay Golf Course Property

The City of Parkland published an Offering Memorandum to develop 21 acres of the former Heron Bay Golf Club on March 1, 2023. The city is seeking a residential single-family home developer to build homes on the so-called "dog leg" portion of the property that previously was the site of the first three holes of the golf course.

The City intends to work closely with its selected developer through the approvals for the project, which the City envisions as a high-end complement to the surrounding area that integrates seamlessly with the Heron Bay Homeowners Association (HOA).

The Offering Memorandum is the latest milestone in the property’s politically-charged journey since being closed as a golf course in 2016. After several years as unused greenspace, the 223 acre property was purchased by The North Springs Improvement District (NSID), which, among other things, provides water treatment, wastewater collection, and stormwater management to nearly 40,000 residents in the cities of Parkland and Coral Springs.

NSID indicated that approximately 150 acres of the property will be used for stormwater management. The resulting green space would also allow for recreational walking trails. ur office receives many calls from clients inquiring about the use of revocable living trusts to “avoid probate” of their assets when they die. Indeed, so long as the trust is properly funded, assets passing under such a trust are not typically subject to a probate proceeding. However, many trustees responsible for handling trust assets are often misinformed or misunderstand their obligations beyond simply “distribute the assets and walk away.”

To help recover its $32 million purchase price, NSID intended to develop the remaining approximately 70 acres. The resulting proposals included large retail and commercial developments that were not in character with the surrounding community and created a political firestorm led by prominent members of the Heron Bay Community.

Following strong public opposition by the Heron Bay Community Association and homeowners with properties abutting the land, multiple lawsuits were filed in an effort to prevent the proposed project from moving forward. Parkland Mayor Richard Walker subsequently proposed that the City purchase the property to resolve the situation.

In September 2022 the City of Parkland Commission stepped in to purchase the developable ~70 acres for $25.4 million. The city has subsequently divided the property into two pieces: the 21-acre residential parcel and a larger parcel where the former driving range was located. The city intends to develop the latter property for commercial/ retail use.

After a residential developer is selected and the project is taking shape, the City will begin the search and selection process for a developer for the commercial/retail portion of the property.

The selected developer will ultimately facilitate a number of public stakeholder meetings. The planning sessions will likely include residents, planners, City officials, architects, a landscape architect, a transportation expert, public safety officials, and others. The City believes that a collaborative planning mechanism would enable the most desirable outcome for all of Parkland.

It is undetermined when the planning process will begin for the commercial property.

Assets titled in a revocable living trust are not equivalent to payable-on-death (“POD”) accounts or direct beneficiary designations. Those designations are contractual in nature and funds held with the financial institution

By Michael Feldman

Othe trust beneficiaries, estate creditors, and other interested parties. There are numerous specific duties of a trustee, but generally, a trustee’s obligations include a fiduciary duty to all trust beneficiaries, avoidance of self-dealing with respect to trust assets, and a duty of impartiality toward all trust beneficiaries. The trustee must also prudently invest trust assets and pay only reasonable and proper expenses from the trust (including trustee commissions, attorney fees, taxes, and creditor claims).

Proper administration of a trust becomes more imperative when the trust contains ongoing obligations, such as when trust assets are to be held for a period of time before distribution to the beneficiary. This may occur when the beneficiaries are minors, spendthrifts, or have a disability that precludes an outright distribution of assets. When dealing with disabled beneficiaries, the trustee may be obligated to establish a special needs trust (“SNT”) for the benefit of the disabled individual. SNT’s carry with them their own duties and obligations. In addition to claims for breach of duty, a trustee’s failure to properly administer an SNT may jeopardize any public benefits (such as Medicaid or SSI) for which the ooking for a way to keep your child engaged and active during the summer months? Look no further than Summer Camp! With a variety of programs available, Summer Camp provides an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with peers, try new activities, and build self-confidence. And for busy parents, summer camp also offers the chance to enjoy some much-needed downtime. Our City's Summer Camp Guide is the ultimate resource for finding the perfect camp for your child. With a wide range of options and expert recommendations, you can trust that your child will have a blast and make lasting memories.

One common misconception is that trust assets cannot be reached by the Grantor’s creditors after death; this is incorrect. While payment of creditor claims is first an obligation of the Grantor’s probate estate, should the probate estate contain insufficient assets to handle these claims then such claims may be satisfied from revocable living trust assets. Under Florida law, creditors have 2 years in which to seek payment for any claims (although this may be shortened by opening a probate administration for the purpose of barring creditors). The trustee may be personally liable should any distributions be made without first ensuring any creditor claims are satisfied or barred. The trustee should also be aware that certain debts, such as IRS debt, may not be bound by state limitations on creditor claims.

All trustees should seek the advice of a trust attorney, CPA, and other professionals as needed to assist them with proper administration of trust assets. This not only helps protect the trustee, but it protects the beneficiaries and other interested parties to whom the trustee owes an obligation.

▸ Michael Feldman is the managing partner of Feldman & Feldman, Counselors at Law, P.A., an elder law, special needs, and estate planning firm (www.feldmanesq.com).

5678 Dance Camp

www.5678DanceInc.com

954-757-4105

The City of Parkland’s Dance and Cheer camp is back! The all-day program provides exciting and fun-filled days at cheer and dance. Campers return home at the end of each day tired, yet eager for the next morning when they get to come back for more enjoyable experiences. Under the supervision of caring, well-trained staff, campers at 5678 Dance Inc. are sure to have the time of their lives.

AIM High (Achieve in Medicine)

www.Osteopathic.nova.edu/ community/aim-high/

954-262-1143

AIM-High is an intensive medical school immersion experience for high school students (rising sophomoresseniors) who want to actively explore a career in medicine, or any health care profession. Enjoy action-packed weeks, interact with faculty, practice clinical skills and hear from current

Lstudents and residents to get a real-life jump on your future journey.

Band Camp

www.MusicParkland.com

754-229-6284

During this summer camp program, students/campers will sing, act, play, and paint. Campers rehearse with the help of counselors and will be preparing a special private musical that will be performed for parents and families. Counselors teach campers how to sing using the right techniques & special tricks. Not only will the counselors teach the singing, but they will also teach them choreography and a personalized script to associate with songs that they will singing.

Atlantis Academy

www.AtlantisAcademy.com

954-752-7571

Atlantis Academy was established in 1976 for students who have learning difficulties and are struggling in their current school environment. Atlantis Academy emphasizes the importance of close parent/teacher/student relationships for the benefit of each child.

Camp Explorer

www.CreativeChildLearningCenter.com

954-389-8245

Summer is the time for children to explore new activities and interests. At Camp Explorer, campers in kindergarten through fifth grade take daily field trips to local attractions, enjoy a fun sports week, and engage in cooking, art and science projects. Weekly themes include topics such as It’s a Small World, Space Explorers, and Animal Kingdom. Campers also take part in STEM themes such as Biorobotics, Engineering a Metropolis, and Coding and Gaming.

Camp Live Oak

www.CampLiveOakFl.com

954-563-4880

Camp Live Oak is the only American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp in Broward County. The Environmental Day Camp, held at Birch State Park, offers various water sports such as swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing, arts and crafts, and more, while the Marine Science Day Camp, held at Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, focuses on conservation, including an in-depth sea turtle curriculum.

Coconut Creek Summer Camp

www.CoconutCreek.net/parks/ summer-camp

954-545-6670

Coconut Creek’s Summer Day Camp programs for elementary and middle school students are being offered at the Community Center as well as the Recreation Complex. The activities your child will experience include exciting games, arts and crafts, sports, on-site special events and tons of indoor and outdoor fun! The summer day camp programs offer a safe, affordable, inclusive environment where children can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and make lasting memories..

Fitwize 4 Kids Camp

www.FitwizefKids.com/florida

954-363-2349

Fitwize 4 Kids Camps is an awesome summer camp for kids! Treat your kids ages 5 thru 13 to a unique experience this summer. Fitwize 4 Kids will be offering summer camps that are adventurous and fun, providing many challenging activities designed to promote self confidence and build trust. Camps will include exposure to a wide variety of fun sports, fitness training, healthy eating, nutrition programs, exciting educational field trips and much more!

Florida Children’s Theatre

www.FLCT.org

954-763-6882

Florida Children’s Theatre serves as an educational center for theatre arts serving children and families across South Florida. The oldest documented children’s theatre in the state of Florida, FLCT was founded in 1952 by two mothers in a garage. The theatre quickly grew to be the first children’s theatre organization to perform at Parker Playhouse, the Broward County Main Library Theatre, and Dillard

Center for the Arts. Each summer, FLCT hosts a vibrant summer camp for children interested in theatre at the Fine Arts Theatre at Broward College Central Campus in Davie. The summer camp is open to children in grades 2-10 and will feature productions of Shrek The Musical Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr.

Florida Panthers Hockey Camp

www.PantherIceden.com

954-385-8500

Get your kids out of the heat this summer with a four-day camp hosted by the Florida Panthers. Campers will have two on-ice and two off-ice sessions designed to meet players of all skill levels. Campers should have prior hockey experience and bring full hockey equipment.

Funky Fish Ocean Camp

www.FunkyFishKidsDay.com

954-712-9900

Quench your kids’ thirst for curiosity. Funky Fish offers an extraordinary week filled with snorkeling, boogie boarding, skim boarding, eco-art and marine science. Geared towards children aged 4-17 and a ratio of 1

Instructor to 7 kids. The fun in the sun takes place at Fort Lauderdale Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . .

iD Tech Camp

www.iDtech.com

888-709-8324

Unlock your child’s brilliance at the world’s premier destination for STEM education. Guided by elite tech rockstars from universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU, they’ll have fun, advance their skills fast, and join a community of 500,000 aspiring innovators. For ages 7-19.

Imacs

www.IMACS.org

954-791-2333 www.CampArtrageous.com

This summer exercise your child’s mind and stimulate his/her desire to learn at IMACS’ (Institute for Math and Computer Science) Hi-Tech Summer Camp. The program consists of virtual robotics, electronics, logic puzzles, and computer programming. Working solo and in teams, campers will learn how to think logically and creatively while having fun. IMACS offers camp programs for students entering grades one through twelve.

Do You Love Drawing, Painting & Creating Masterpieces? Then Camp Art-rageous Is The

Each

Do you LOVE drawing, painting and creating masterpieces?

Each week campers will have a blast experimenting with difffferent mediums while learning about new artists and new techniques.

Dates: June 13 - July 22 Monday - Friday Times: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Two

Dates:

Do you LOVE drawing, painting and creating masterpieces?

Ages: 5 - 13

Each week campers will have a blast experimenting with difffferent mediums while learning about new artists and new techniques.

Rates: $185 per camper/per week 10% sibling discount

Dates: June 13 - July 22

Monday - Friday

Rates:

Ages: 5 - 13

Times: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(954)445-7272 makecoolart@gmail.com

Two Locations: Plantation (El Dorado Clubhouse) Weston (Imagine Weston School)

Ages: 5 - 13

Rates: $185 per camper/per week 10% sibling discount

Unleash your imagination and make INCREDIBLE art at the best art camp in town!

(954)445-7272 makecoolart@gmail.com

Inside Out Theatre

www.InsideOutTheatre.org

954-385-3060

Inside Out Theatre’s unique summer program offers students training in a variety of theatre arts, with classes taught by professional artists. Students will learn acting, voice, dance, mime, physical comedy, Shakespeare, stage combat, stage make-up, audition techniques, commercial and film acting, improvisation and more. The Junior Summer Intensive will present Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids, while the Advanced Summer Intensive will perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Summer Conservatory students will have the opportunity to perform the pop opera Bare.

Junior Dolphins & Cheer Camp

www.JuniorDolphinsFootball.com

305-943-7272

Junior Dolphins camps provide the premier environment for youth players to learn and retain the game of football. The Junior Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Program aims to inspire young women to be confident, caring, and good teammates while promoting a healthy lifestyle and commitment to becoming better performers.

Malachi Acres Summer Camp

www.MalachiAcres.com

954-255-7185

Junior equestrians will learn everything there is to know about horses in this safe, fun and educational program. New campers will learn the fundamentals of riding and tack, grooming and more. Advanced campers will sharpen their riding skills and learn specifics within conformation/anatomy, tack function, health /nutrition as well as learning proper leg support wraps and emergency horse care.

Next Stop Broadway

www.SchoolofRock.com

954-344-5991

Do you have a child who’s name will be in lights? Summer Camp is back! Campers are split into age appropriate “pods” that stay safely in their classrooms while instructors rotate bringing fun activities designed just for them in singing, dancing, acting, performing, and more! Each session culminates in a fully designed production, in which EVERY camper participates.

Parkland Children’s Academy Summer Camp

www.ParklandChildrensAcademy.com

954-688-5877

Parkland Children’s Academy offers an exciting and interesting variety of activities in our summer camp program for children ages 5 to 12. They incorporate fun-filled adventures that will ensure your little camper will always be entertained and enjoy themselves all day and every day. The camp promotes and encourages key life skills that your child will keep with them for the rest of their lives.

Park’s Taekwondo

www.ParksFederation.com

954-345-1555

For thousands of years, martial arts has taught kids Discipline, Focus, Respect, and Confidence. But we won’t tell the little one that — we’ll just keep them smiling and laughing. They won’t even realize they’re learning amazing life skills too (our little secret!). The camp is a community of support, kindness, respect, and friendship. It’s safe, fun, and helps kids grow and soar.