HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.17.2026 -Minutes PRCAAB CITY OF DANIA BEACH
PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD - MINUTES
I.T. PARKER CENTER
901 N.E. 3RD STEET, DANIA BEACH, FL 33004
17TH , FEBRUARY 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
Board Members:
Keith Roberts (Chair) – Present
Richard “Rich” Aube (Vice Chair) – Present
Victoria “Vicki” Roeser – Present (Tardy 6:09 PM)
Hinwah “Andy” Li – Present
John Mode – Absent
Jeff Hansen (Alternate) Absent
City Staff:
Rafael Acosta – Parks & Recreation, Frost Park Programs Manager – Present
Kala Gardner Parks and Recreation, CW Thomas Park Manager – Present
Zaira Desiderio Parks and Recreation, PJ Meli Parks Manager - Present
I. Roll Call was taken & meeting was called to Order at 6:01 p.m.
I. Rafael welcomed everyone in attendance and let board chairman Keith Roberts
lead the meeting.
II. Minutes: Approval of Minutes (January 20, 2026) – Motion to Approve Richard Aube
2nd Approval Andy Li.
III. Citizen Comments
I. Will Harrington from the Harbour Town Marina sat in the meeting and announced
himself.
I. Will was excited to be at the meeting and to learn all the happenings in
Parks and Recreation and is excited to see how Harbour Town can help
with City happenings.
I. Keith Roberts stated how lucky we are to have great neighbors like
Harbor Town who have interest in our happenings.
Old Business
II. Street Renaming of NE 1st street
I. After the board approved the item, Rafael stated that the
item will now go to commission on a future date for
reading and discussion.
III. CW Thomas Grand Opening
I. Grand opening occurred on February 12, 2026. The public were
able to come and see the facility firsthand. Commissioners and
Mayor spoke at the event, followed by tours and activities.
II. Andy Li asked about the fitness room at the facility and the rates
I. Kala Gardner stated that the rates for the fitness room
would be the same as Frost Park and CW Thomas both
have fitness rooms. Purchasing membership gets you
access to both fitness rooms.
II. Richard Aub asked about the pool fees and if it was
included in gym membership and Rafael stated that the
pool has its own fees, but that the prices would be the same
as PJ Meli pool once the pool fully opens at CW Thomas.
III. Andy Li asked about the hours of operation where Kala
stated 9 am – 9 pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 9 am
– 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am – 2 pm.
IV. Keith Roberts took a tour with Kala, and he highlighted
how one of the rooms can be used for multiple activities
including rentals. Kala also stated how the room can be
split to accommodate smaller rentals.
I. Andi Li asked if the 3D printer room was included
in that and Kala stated that no, that room is more
dedicated to the Rising Stars program.
V. Keith Roberts reiterated how beautiful the facility is and
how it will meet the needs of that community, stating that
its turnkey and that the possibility are endless with this
facility.
VI. Kala was asked when the pool would be open and she
stated that its about a month away due to permits being
cleared and chemicals at safe levels.
VII. Andy Li asked what would be served in the future at the
concession stand
I. Kala stated that they are still working out the
financial details for sales. She did state that items
such as snacks, goggles, swim diapers would be for
sale once those prices have been finalized.
IV. Joyce Hunter Bench dedication:
I. Date of April 22 was agreed upon everyone with the time now set
at 12 pm. Richard Aube will be supplying the bench.
II. Keith Roberts stated his enthusiasm for this dedication and thanked
Richard in his leadership to get the bench
I. Richard stated that he was excited for Joyce Hunter
knowing that she can sit at her own bench and reflect on
what she’s done for the city and how the board has
rewarded her efforts with this bench.
III. Andy Li asked what guests would be invited
I. Rafael stated the board and that he would let our director
reach out to the dignitaries regarding the event.
IV. New Business
.
I. Updates
I. CW Thomas is open
I. Programs are returning now that the facility is opening
I. Chess is starting up
II. Cooking class is back
III. Dance program continues
IV. Fit Fusion started Tuesday and Wednesday for $10 a month
V. Rising Stars has 32 participants and will be increasing their
numbers when the new school year starts.
VI. Summer Camp registration will be starting on March 28 for
residents and April 4 for non-residents
I. Zaira stated that the Rising Stars participants can
start registering on March 16
VII. Kala stated the registration is open for Day Camps and
Spring Break Camp
VIII. Once pool is open, they will start swimming lessons
IX. Open play for the gymnasium is available
I. Anyone interested can register on the Civic Rec
platform to enter the gym. Any participant under
the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
II. Same goes for use of the outdoor facilities
I. Kala reiterated that the age restrictions are
for safety purposes.
X. The grand opening had a phenomenal turnout
II. PJ Meli Park
I. Zaira stated that PJ Meli will be next up for renovations and that
the commission meeting would get to see the designs
II. Safety Saturdays will be upcoming at PJ Meli and CW Thomas
with classes like hands only CPR.
I. Future classes such as water safety and opioid awareness
would be coming up in the future.
III. Hoop Lab began at PJ Meli on Sunday which is a basketball
development program
IV. The Youth Advisory Council, which is also the teen program, will
meet at the end of the month
V. Teen camp will have a limited free program for Spring Break
VI. Social Seniors program is growing in numbers and may have to
limit the size of the group due to building constraints
VII. Athletics continues
I. Junior Sports continue to grow
II. RBI baseball program started
III. Tennis continues as well
VIII. Keith asked about lifeguard services and how they are shared
between PJ Meli and CW Thomas
I. Zaira stated we have a contract with a vendor for lifeguard
services that takes care of PJ Meil and will be for CW
Thomas once the pool opens. They do swimming lessons
there and will be for CW Thomas
IX. Rafael made a note to mention that the safety Saturday CPR class
is not for certification
III. Frost Park
I. Rafael stated the state of frozen iguanas at Frost Park due to the
rare cold temperatures was an issue. The ones that were dead were
collected by public services and properly disposed of
II. Frost Park had the annual motorcycle show on January 31
III. Soccer started at Frost Park for Tarpon Soccer League
IV. Volleyball is open for ages 55 and older on Wednesday from 9 am
– 12 pm
V. Rising stars continues to be steady
VI. Youth Craft and Flea Market will be on February 21
VII. Regular Flea Market on March 7
VIII. Egg hunt will occur on April 4
IX. Summer camp inquiries have begun
IV. Special Events
I. Dinner at the Hall on February 7 was a success
II. Wine and Seafood with be on March 14th from 4 pm – 9 pm
I. Tickets are on sale for the wine tasting
I. Zaira reiterated that the event is free but to
participate in wine tasting you will have to purchase
the tickets online
II. Rafael stated the prices for whine tasting which is
$55 to participate
III. Blues and BBQ Saturday April 11.
V. Discussion/Action
I. None
VI. Meeting Adjourned at 6:30 PM with Vicki Roeser motioning to adjourn and Richard
Aube 2nd the motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rafael Acosta
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