THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION (EPCRD) RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board’s Value of “Encouraging investment in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection” by approving the amended management plan for a bond-acquired green space park and greening our community through active land stewardship.
All management plans for sites acquired through the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Consistent with conditions of the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program, all bond-acquired sites owned and managed by municipalities are subject to the conditions of Board-approved Interlocal Agreements. Pursuant to Section 4.3 of the agreement, the City shall prepare a Final Park Management Plan and submit it to the Land Preservation and Acquisition Advisory Board (LPAAB) for approval. Section 4.12 further provides that if the LPAAB is no longer in existence, the Final Management Plan and any amendments to the Plan shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The LPAAB was sunset by the Board of County Commissioners at the June 23, 2009 Public Hearing Meeting (Item No. 11).
Oak Trails Park (GS-24) is a 5 acre green space located on the south side of NW 74th Street between NW 39th Avenue and Lyons Road in the northern portion of Coconut Creek. Broward County purchased the property for preservation and quit claim deeded it to the City of Coconut Creek on October 15, 2007. The Final Management Plan developed by the City was approved in November 2008. The City completed the construction of “Oak Trails Park” and opened the park in March 2015.
During the final plan and development phase and prior to construction, it was determined that the original park concept would be simplified and that several of the originally proposed amenities were no longer needed. The park was created with the following amenities: recycled rubber pathway loop, outdoor exercise equipment, pervious concrete parking lot, native landscaping and perimeter fencing. Proposed amenities that were reconsidered and deemed no longer necessary include restrooms, picnic facilities, playground and sand volleyball court. The Amended Final Management Plan (Exhibit 1) describes the current level of development at the Park, and addresses the changes in proposed amenities. It also provides for a level of limited flexibility in modifying the park concept based on the needs of the developing community while adhering to the restrictions in place for bond acquired sites with management plans under County purview.
The County will continue to monitor the project site through the Land Stewardship Program, for compliance with the provisions of the (Amended) Final Management Plan. Land Stewardship Program staff finds this management plan in compliance with the conditions of the Interlocal Agreement and consistent with previously approved plans and recommends approval.
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