LTC 020-2007 Shade Structures Covering Our Playgrounds/Tot Lots
C9 MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 020-2007
LETTER TO COMMISSION
FROM:
Mayor David Dermer and Members ofthe City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager .l~
January 25, 2007 U
TO:
DATE:
SUBJECT: SHADE STRUCTURES COVERING OUR PLAYGROUNDSITOT LOTS
For the past several years now and in particular since the loss of so many shade trees in our
parks, the Parks and Recreation Department has received a great number of requests for
the installation of shade structures over the playgrounds and tot lots in their neighborhood.
In support of these requests the Parks and Recreation Facilities Advisory Board, on behalf of
our residents unanimously passed a motion recommending the installation of shade
structures in our parks.
In response to these requests, and in keeping with the current industry practice, the Parks
Department requested and was approved funding from the FY 2006/07 Capital
Improvements budget for installation of shade structures over tot-lots and playgrounds in
Muss, Normandy Park and Pool, Palm Island and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Parks.
Additionally, the department is funded for new playgrounds with shade structures in Beach
View Park (53rd & Collins) and Indian Beach Park (46th & Collins). The proposed shade
structures are similar to those installed approximately 18 months ago at North Shore Park
over the baseball bleachers and outside the Youth Center for children's snack time area.
The shade structures that are proposed for use serve only to provide shade. The shade
structures are made of a durable material that readily allows water to pass through. The
shade structures are installed in a manner to allow easy detachment and storage for severe
weather events.
In the 2006-2007 Capital Budget a total of $300,000 is available for the shade structures
listed previously. Of the total amount, $50,000 has been reserved for use on the Marjory
Stoneman Douglas Park shade structure.
For each of the shade structures, funds were budgeted based upon both need and what is
believed to be support of the respective park users. Apparently in the specific case of the
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Park, there is not a clear consensus of the neighborhood as to
the desire to have a shade structure provided. Residents ofthe Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Park area have expressed both a desire to have a shade structure as well as opposition to
having a shade structure. Recent requests for a shade structure at the Park have also
included a request for an unbudgeted fence, estimated at approximately $25,000.
The Administration will attempt to resolve the differences of opinion within the Marjory
Stoneman Douglas Park area on the construction of a shade structure. The resolution ofthe
concem may require a community mE!eting. It is not the Administrations' intent to place a
capital improvement of this nature in an area for which it is not desired, as so many other
areas would like to have shade structures. As the shade structure issue is discussed, the
request for a fence will also be raised to determine if there are any neighborhood concerns.
If there is support for a fence, the necessary capital funds will have to be identified either in
the current budget or next fiscal year.
The shade and reduction of direct sunlight has been the focus of National Parks and
Recreation professionals for years, and is a concern they are taking very seriously. Due to
this, these structures are being erected at all major park facilities throughout the nation, and
can be seen at many of the County's and other City's playgrounds throughout South Florida.
We will keep you advised as to the status of the shade structure program and should you
have ad 'tional questions, please advise.
/KS/JM/sam
ALLlShadeSlrucluresforParksL TC.doc
C: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith, Parks & Recreation Director
Julio Magrisso, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
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