On March 13, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2019-30754, approving the GOB implementation plan, which included the necessary funding to complete the improvements of the
new Flamingo Park Youth Center Facility (PAL) and Flamingo Park Master Plan improvements (Exhibit B). The master plan includes improvements to the baseball and softball fields, a new butterfly garden and renovations to the historic lodge. The original implementation plan included funding for the Youth Center Facility (PAL) in tranche one and the Flamingo Park Master Plan in tranche three.
On April 21, 2021, Commission adopted Resolution No. 2021-31693 advancing the GOB funding for the Flamingo Park Master Plan from tranche 3 to the current tranche 1 and the Flamingo Park Youth Center (PAL) was scheduled for tranche 2 as recommended by the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee and Parks Advisory Board.
Flamingo Park Master Plan
Softball Field Improvements
The softball field improvements include a new artificial turf field, new concrete pedestrian walkways, new pedestrian lighting, new LED sports lights, new spectator bleachers, new dugouts, and new chain link fencing. It also includes the implementation of resiliency strategies and the installation of new trees, palm trees, shrubs, and groundcover.
The softball field project 60% construction documents are under development. The 90% design drawings are expected to be completed early this fall 2022. The construction documents and the permitting processes are expected to be completed in early 2023, followed by bidding and award, with construction expected to start in the summer 2023.
Baseball Field Improvements
The baseball field improvements include restoration of the stadium bleachers, ramps, stairs, press box, and stadium restrooms, restroom ventilation upgrades, new chain link fencing, new pre-engineered storage shed, new LED sports lights, upgrade all existing drinking water fountains, address water intrusion issues at the electrical room, repair access paths, install new artificial turf. New cosmetic upgrades include patching and painting existing stucco, renovate ticket booth, install new pre-engineered dugouts, and install new safety padding at poles inside field and behind home plate.
Construction of the baseball field is expected to commence approximately 8 months after the commencement of construction activities at the softball field. Completion is anticipated near the end of 2024.
Resilient Elements
The project team is currently coordinating and designing drainage wells to assist with the future Flamingo Park neighborhood resiliency improvement project.
New Butterfly Garden
Construction of a new butterfly garden will include new trees, palms, ground cover, native plants, lighting, and new concrete pathways as well as drainage improvements. The design of the Butterfly Garden is 90% complete. Construction of the butterfly garden is currently on hold due to the FPL hardening project which is currently utilizing this area of the park as a staging area. Additionally, this area has been identified as a potential site for the temporary modular structures which may be used to house the Rainbow Intergenerational Childcare Center (Daycare).The temporary modular structures would be in place ahead of the demolition of the South Shore Community Center, which is required for the construction of the new Fire Station 1.
Historic Lodge Renovations
The historic lodge, formerly used as the Property Management building, will be fully renovated, and converted into a multi-use community center. The design of the Historic Lodge is 90% complete and is anticipated to commence construction in the summer of 2023. Renovation of the historic lodge will not be impacted by the FPL activity or the placement of the temporary modular structures in the Butterfly Garden area.
Flamingo Youth Center Facility (PAL)
The Flamingo Park improvements also include the replacement of the existing Recreation Center, currently known as the PAL, located at 999 11 Street, along the southern end of the park. The proposed 30,000 square feet Youth Center facility could include a basketball gym, indoor running track, fitness center, locker rooms, community meeting rooms and classrooms. The City’s consultant, M.C. Harry, has commenced the preparation of a feasibility and constructability study. Included in the review of the project is an analysis of the feasibility and cost of permanently relocating the Rainbow Intergenerational Learning Center (Daycare) from the South Shore Community Center site on 6th Street to the new facility. The design phase for the Youth Center is scheduled to begin late 2024.