PALM VALLEY — A crowd is expected to gather at the Palm Valley City Hall tonight to let their opinions known about the proposal for the city’s first park.
Longtime resident Rollins Koppel wants to fund a park on a city-owned 1-acre lot adjacent to Jack Nicklaus Drive. It would be the city’s first and only official park.
But city officials have talked for quite some time about what would make up the park — initially including playground equipment and a fountain.
However, results from a survey sent to 677 residents and returned by 158, appear to show residents of the city and the immediate area near the proposed park would rather it remain what it is — a green belt or bird and butterfly area.
Some of those residents are expected to show up tonight to voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 5 p.m. at the City Hall, 1313 N. Stuart Place Road.
Last month, city officials voted to allow city attorney Jason Mann to discuss an agreement with Koppel and join together to build a park. At that time, city officials stated what type of park had not yet been determined.
Later today, the item is on the agenda again as an action item.
It states there will be “discussion and possible action to accept (or reject) offer of monetary donation by Rollins Koppel for a proposed park on city owned property alongside Jack Nicklaus Drive and approve an agreement regarding such donation.”
As of July, Koppel had donated $3,500 for the project up to that point. At that time, city officials had some concerns about the reaction to a park of that type by the neighbors as well as parking, insurance and following rules. The idea since that time has been Koppel would fund the creation of the park and elements within it, but the city would have to pay for maintenance and any additional insurance needed.
The park isn’t the only item on tonight’s agenda.
A new city logo and the designer of that logo are expected to be unveiled and celebrated.
Since late last year, city officials have talked about a new logo for the city. A contest was held and then had to be extended. But the latest go-around revealed some quality entries and last month, city officials pointed to one they all liked.
Although some modifications were required prior to the final approval of the new logo, that seemingly has been completed and is ready for unveiling.
The person who created the logo, Ashlynn Elliff, is expected to receive an award for her design following the approval of the logo.
Other items on the agenda include action to adopt an ordinance regulating events in the city as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board as well as the possible sale of a vehicle confiscated through a seizure and forfeiture proceeding.
