LTC 293-2004 Parks & Recreation Department Update
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 293-2004
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From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez J ~
City Manager ,.r 0
Parks & Recreatio Department Update
Date: November 18, 2004
To:
Subject:
Four Halloween celebrations drew more than 3,300 kids and adults for fright and fun at the
Scott Rakow Youth Center, the North Shore Band Shell and the 21st Street Recreation
Center October 30 & 31,2004. (Please see the scary photos attached.)
. The 2-night event at the Scott Rakow Youth Center drew more than 1,000 Trick or
Treaters who visited the Haunted House and strolled through the considerably less
frightening Candy Land, where they met Sponge Bob Squarepants and other
friends, and then went onto Trick or Treat Street where every child was a carnival
game winner and received sweet treats.
. On Sunday, October 31, more than 2,300 parents and younger children participated
in the Safe Night of Fright at the Bandshell which included a live D.J. and free
candy, soft drinks and popcorn for every visitor.
. On Friday Night, October 29, more than 60 teens danced and skated to the sounds
of Rhythm City DJ at our first Halloween Skating Party at the new Scott Rakow
Youth Center Ice Rink. The event was held from 6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m,
. The North Shore Margaret M. Swett Social Club held its Halloween Dance at the
21st Street Recreation Center Saturday, October 30,2004, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00
p.m. Sixty-five developmentally disabled adults attended the evening's festivities
which included dancing and refreshments.
Parks & Recreation participated with more than 250 volunteers to help clean and spruce-up
North Shore Open Space Park and South Pointe Park Saturday November 6, 2004, as part
of the Miami-Dade county-wide Hands on Miami Volunteer Day. The volunteers spread
mulch, planted trees, eradicated weeds and picked up litter from 9:00 a.m. - Noon.
The name of the new Parks & Recreation Department mascot is "Buddy." Since his June
5, 2004, debut at the grand opening of the new North Shore Park & Youth Center,
hundreds resident suggested names in a contest that offered the winning family three
months of free entry to the beautiful Flamingo Park Pool. Two entries suggested the
winning name, and will receive the prize.
The "Free Family Funday" program continues to be an effective means of introducing
residents and non-residents to our Parks & Recreation programs and facilities. We held
another successful Free Family Funday on the first Sunday of November at the Flamingo
Park Pool. Approximately 215 residents and non-residents came out Sunday November 7,
2004, to the for free entry to the pool and water park, refreshments and games for the
children.
The new Miami Beach Youth Ice Hockey team traveled to the Sunrise Skating Center to
play its first game Sunday November 7,2004. Despite never having played on a full size
rink, the Miami Beach "Squirts" (ages 9 & 10) team scored two goals against the much
more experienced Sunrise team on its own ice. The final score was 6-2 in favor of Sunrise,
but the experience was a real victory for the more than 30 players and parents who make
up our team.
On Saturday December 11th, 2004, the City of Miami Beach X-TREME and the City of
Miami Beach Bolts cheerteading teams will be competing in the COA (Cheerleaders of
America) Beach Blast Competition to be held here at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
You are cordially invited to visit our facilities and experience firsthand the recreational
programs that offer something for every member of the family.
ave additional questions, please contact Kevin Smith at (305) 673-7730.
c: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith, Parks & Recreation Director
Julio Magrisso, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director