July 23, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Agenda Packet

July 23, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · 2026-07-23 · agenda_packet

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on July 23, 2026. Key agenda items included the introduction of staff for the Nathaniel Bell Resource & Recreation Center, the Donnelly Park Tree Plan, and updates on Parks & Recreation and Cultural/Special Events. The Donnelly Park Tree Plan involves removing an 'extreme risk' Laurel Oak in Quadrant 2 and replacing it with a Cathedral Live Oak, funded by MDFE. Additional Redbud trees will also be installed. In Quadrant 3, funded by a State Grant (FDACS), four Cathedral Live Oaks will be installed in the fall, and one Crape Myrtle will be relocated. Quadrant 4 plans include removing two existing oaks and installing two new specimen Live Oaks for the expansion of the Memorial Area. The Nathaniel Bell Community Resource and Recreation Center is nearing completion and expected to open in late August. The May 18, 2026 meeting minutes were approved. An action item from the May meeting involved approving the naming of the Frank Brown Sports Complex Football Field as the Johnny Tonk Copeland Field. Public comment was noted during the May meeting regarding this naming, with family and community members speaking highly of Mr. Copeland. The Parks and Recreation Department is also involved in various community events and facility maintenance, including the Donnelly Building remodel and swim programs.