Palm Bay Recreation Advisory Board Recommends New Pickleball Courts and Future Park Development
Palm Bay, FL - The Palm Bay Recreation Advisory Board (RAB) held a productive meeting on June 4, 2024, at the Tony Rosa Community Center, where several significant recommendations were made to enhance recreational facilities in the city. The meeting, chaired by Thomas Gaume, focused on the expansion of pickleball courts and the strategic use of impact fees for future park development, particularly in the southeastern part of Palm Bay.
Key Recommendations:
Expansion of Pickleball Courts:
Vet’s Park: The board recommended the addition and construction of eight pickleball courts. This location was chosen due to existing infrastructure, making it a cost-effective option.
Nungesser Park: The board recommended a split construction of tennis and pickleball courts. The existing tennis courts are in disrepair and will be rebuilt, with the addition of eight pickleball courts.
Fred Lee Park: The board recommended the addition and construction of eight pickleball courts. This location also benefits from existing infrastructure, reducing additional costs.
Fred Poppe Regional Park: The board recommended planning for a tournament-style complex. This complex could potentially host pro pickleball events, generating significant economic impact. The initial plan is to build 16 courts, with the possibility of expanding to 32 courts in the future.
Future Park Development in SE Palm Bay:
The board recommended investing funds in purchasing land within the 32909 area for a future park site. This decision addresses the lack of parks in the southeastern part of the city and aims to secure land for future recreational development. The board emphasized the importance of acting quickly to secure a sizable parcel of land before opportunities diminish. They discussed potential locations, including a 1400-acre parcel just southwest of Babcock, and highlighted the need for a new regional park to serve the growing population in this area. The use of impact fees was noted as a crucial funding source for this initiative, ensuring that financial resources are available to support the acquisition and development of the new park. Notably, the 32909 area has $7,824,584 in impact fees available, which can be utilized for this purpose.
Other Notable Discussions:
Disc Golf Course: The course is complete and open, with a ribbon-cutting date to be coordinated.
Riviera Dog Park: All amenities installed except for water features, with a ribbon-cutting and renaming pending.
Swim Lessons: Discussion on reducing the cost of swim lessons to make them more accessible, especially in light of increasing drowning statistics.
Summary of Recommendations:
Vet’s Park: Recommend the addition/construction of eight pickleball courts.
Nungesser Park: Recommend split construction of tennis and pickleball courts.
Fred Lee Park: Recommend the addition/construction of eight pickleball courts.
Fred Poppe Regional Park: Recommend planning for a tournament-style complex.
32909 Area: Recommend investing funds in purchasing land for a future park site.
These recommendations reflect the board's commitment to enhancing recreational facilities and planning for future growth in Palm Bay, ensuring that residents have ample opportunities for sports and outdoor activities. Notably, the board emphasized the availability of impact fee funding to support these improvements and additions, ensuring that financial resources are in place to make these projects a reality. 🏓🌳
What they need are larger playground equipment for older kids 8-12, many go to the parks with their younger siblings and have nothing to do. (Lynbrook Park for 1)