Community Services Advisory Board

City of Naples City Council Chamber 735 Eighth Street South Naples, Florida 34102 Community Services Advisory Board Meeting – April 15, 2025 – 2:32 p.m. It is noted for the record that all documentation electronically appended hereto is also contained in the file for this meeting with the City Clerk’s Office. 1) Call To Order Chair Smith called the meeting to order and presided. 2) Roll Call Board Members Present: Cassie Barone Nathaniel Smith, Chair Laura Oscher Brian Smith, Vice Chair Christina Muracco Joseph Murray, Alternate Staff Members Present: Chad Merritt, Parks, Rec, and Facilities Dir. Aaron Hopkins, Parks, Rec, and Facilities Dep Dir. Kevin Walker, Tennis Services Manager Jason Collins, Recreation Supt. Stephanie McMillion, Administrative Coordinator Others Present: Michelle Bernier 3) Pledge of Allegiance Chair Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4) Announcements 4.A) 2025 Clay in May Kevin Walker, Tennis Services Manager, provided an overview of the City’s 55th Annual Clay in May, noting that the month-long tennis event will kick off on April 28th, featuring four one-week tournaments with 49 divisions ranging from beginner to local pro and top juniors. He added that matches will typically take place on weekday evenings with an expected 400 participants, featuring a total of 600–700 matches, followed by a fun players’ party and cookout that is open to everyone at the park. 2025 Clay in May 4.B) Dog Park Survey Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Deputy Director Aaron Hopkins, informed the Board that the Dog Park Survey will be available until April 28th and encouraged the community to participate. He stated that there is no plan to remove the dog park and that the feedback will be analyzed and possibly presented to the City Council. He added that the survey is accessible via QR codes at the Dog Park, on the City website, and on social media platforms. In response to Alternate Member Murray, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director Chad Merritt stated that there is currently no estimate of usage for the dog park. Dog Park Survey 5) Public Comment Michelle Bernie stated that Fleischmann Park pickleball players are appealing to the City to reconsider the 2019 Master Plan limiting new pickleball courts. She noted the annual fee of $50 and sharing the use of the basketball court and requested dedicated courts to reduce setup time and wait times. Ms. Bernie highlighted that while East Naples Community Park has courts, they are often overcrowded and less accessible for residents of Gulf Shore and Pine Ridge. She also

Community Services Advisory Board Meeting – March 18, 2025 - 2:30 p.m. noted the group’s financial contribution, suggested resurfacing or reallocating space, praised the park’s staff, and recommended adding a first aid kit for safety. 6) Changes to the Agenda None. 7) Approval of Meeting Minutes 7.A) Approval of the March 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes. MOTION by B. Smith to APPROVE the March 18, 2025 Meeting minutes; seconded by Barone and carried 5-0 (Barone-yes, Muracco-yes, Oscher-yes, B. Smith-yes, N. Smith-yes). March 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes 8) Regular Agenda 8.A) Director and Staff Report. Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director Chad Merritt provided an overview of the Director’s Report, highlighting that the contract to begin improvements at the public beach access at Vedado Way was approved by City Council along with a contract to replace the gutter at the Norris Center. He added that Cambier Park had recently undergone several upgrades including the resurfaced basketball courts and the newly constructed bocce courts, which were seeing heavy use. Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Deputy Director Aaron Hopkins briefly reviewed Recreation, noting that summer camp registrations are being quickly filled, especially the fishing camp, which added a fourth fully booked week due to high demand. He also noted that the City’s first Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Baker Park on April 19th, that social media engagement is growing, thanks to Special Events, Marketing Supervisor, Danielle Futia’s efforts and that Marina Manager, Edward King had introduced popular new logo designs and decorative flags at the City Dock. He acknowledged that overall, participation and revenue are strong. Agenda Memorandum Director and Staff Report April 2025 9) Member Communications Responding to Alternate Member Murray, Director Merritt stated that in the 2019 Master Plan, the decision not to add more pickleball courts within the city was based on the availability of courts in nearby areas. Director Merritt added that due to limited land resources, the City must often rely on shared spaces, otherwise new facilities often mean reducing or removing others. Member Barone acknowledged that the City has historically done well in thoroughly engaging with the public, although past outreach efforts have at times missed certain demographics. He noted that the strong public demand for pickleball is a clear example of community interest that will likely be reflected in future engagement efforts. Chair Smith relayed that the Pelican Bay Pickleball Project, a private partnership with a County park, led to the construction of 20 courts after local efforts failed to expand pickleball within the City due to noise and location issues, where limited public land has been identified as a weakness in the City’s parks and recreation services. 10) Adjourn 3:35 P.M. Minutes approved: 05/20/2025.