Approve the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee  on April 28, 2023 for the naming of the basketball courts at Flamingo Park to commemorate Mr. Arnold Notkin, a former physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center), long-time coach at Flamingo Park, and President of the Police Athletic League, who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021, pursuant to Section 82-503 of the City Code, to consider whether to approve the proposed name by a 5/7ths vote; and directing the City Clerk to provide public notice of the hearing consistent with the requirements of Section 82-503(a)(5). 

At the February 22, 2023 City Commission meeting, a discussion pursuant to section 82-504 of the City Code, for a recommendation on the naming of a facility or other portion of Flamingo Park to commemorate Mr. Arnold Notkin, a former physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center), long-time coach at Flamingo Park, and President of the Police Athletic League, who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021, was referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC").

At the April 18, 2023 PSNQLC meeting, the Committee gave a positive recommendation and supported the request to name the basketball courts at Flamingo Park in honor of Mr. Arnold Notkin, as well as placing a plaque to commemorate Mr. Notkin.

Mr. Arnold Notkin, known by many as “Arnie,” was a Parks and Recreation coach in the 1960s and 1970s, working primarily out of Flamingo Park, in addition to other sites such as Crespi Park and Tatum Park. He also worked as a physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now the Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center) for approximately 40 years, and his mentorship impacted youth in Miami Beach communities throughout that time. Mr. Notkin was the President of the local Police Athletic League and he did a great amount of volunteer work. He was beloved by the countless students and children he impacted over many years.

Family and friends would like to honor Mr. Notkin by naming the basketball courts at Flamingo Park after him, which was an area where he spent years coaching participants in Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programs. The Parks and Recreation Department has been in contact with Mr. Notkin’s family to prepare the design for the plaque, which will be shared at the public hearing on June 28, 2023. 

The Parks and Recreation Department will be covering the costs through its current budget.

Estimated at $6,000 (if pedestal is required)

Estimated at $6,000 (if pedestal is required)

Account: 011-0950-000349-28-406-545-00-00-00-