Signature City Summer 2018

Ball Stars Shine Bright DIVE INTO THE SPLASH ZONE

Sales Tax Project Updates

BURNS ROAD RECREATION CENTER 4404 BURNS ROAD

School’s out and Summer’s in!

Come out and enjoy all we have to offer at the Splash Zone. Our fun-filled splash park features amenities to accommodate all ages in the family.

SPLASH ZONE FEATURES:

Spray Pad Sprayers galore! The Spray Pad features an assortment of interactive sprayers! There’s no standing water at the Spray Pad, making this area suitable for children ages 6 & under.

Splash Playground The Splash Playground is packed with features including sprayers, slides, and a waterfall! The water depth of the playground ranges from zero to eighteen inches deep, which is ideal for children 6 & under.

Play Pool Featuring a diving board, a rock climbing wall, two slides and a basketball hoop, the Play Pool is for the more adventurous! With a depth of 4 feet to 12 feet, the play pool is recommended for those who can pass a swim test.

ADMISSION FEES:

Residents: $3.55 / Non-Resident: $11.15 For Splash Zone hours of operation, visit pbgfl.com/SplashZone.

Summer Blast Pass Don’t miss a day at the Splash Zone! Now through September 3rd, take advantage of our Summer Blast Pass with a resident rate of $250 and non-resident rate of $500 for a family of four! Each additional family member is $50 or $100, depending on residency status. A $20 Recreation gift card is included with each pass!

Pool Party?

The Aquatic Complex is the perfect location for any summer occasion! Visit pbgfl.com/facilityrentals for more details.

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PRODUCTION

Public Media Relations Division

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Temple Danny Whilden Cory Bessette CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Nuttle James Stormes Candice Temple Danny Whilden

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CONTACT US

signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100 S U M M E R

Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at City facilities.

Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites @CityofPalmBeachGardensCityHall @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolf @GardensGreenMarket

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Splash Zone

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City Briefs- Election Information

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Summer Beach Safety

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Calendar of Events: Pull Out Poster!

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Featured Art

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City Social

F E A T U R E S

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Penny Tax Projects Update

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Ball Stars

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Johnson Dairy Road Improvements

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Bringing the Heat

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@CityofPBG @PBGardensFire

ON THE COVER:

@PBGPD

Britney Brown is a proud product of Ball Stars Youth Basketball Camp. After participating in the program for several years, Britney is strong, confident and off to college on an athletic scholarship.

@CityPBG @cityofpbgardens

PHOTO BY: Jason Nuttle

SUMMER 2018

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CITY BRIEFS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2018 BALLOT LANGUAGE

1

CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 1

SHALL THE PALM BEACH GARDENS CHARTER BE AMENDED TO CHANGE FROM THE EXISTING TERM LIMIT WHICH PROHIBITS A COUNCIL MEMBER FROM BEING ELECTED TO MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS TO A TERM LIMIT THAT PROHIBITS A COUNCIL MEMBER FROM SERVING FOR MORE THAN THREE

POLLING LOCATIONS Precinct

Add’I Precinct (s)

Location Assigned by SOE

TO ALL SITTING COUNCIL MEMBERS?

1174

1176, 1178, 1180, 1186, 1232, 1236, 1238

Mirasol Sales and Info Center

SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO. 1 BE ADOPTED?

1188

1189

Westwood Gardens HOA

1190

1196

Gardens Presbyterian

CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS AND MAKING THE CHANGE APPLY

YES NO

2

SHALL THE CITY CHARTER BE AMENDED TO REMOVE PROVISIONS THAT ARE OUTDATED, UNNECESSARY OR CONFLICT WITH STATE LAW INCLUDING MUNICIPALITY, CITY CLERK, AND CITY TREASURER SPECIFIC POWERS/DUTIES; OATH OF OFFICE; MERIT SYSTEM; PROCEDURE REMOVING COUNCILMEN, QUALIFICATION

Evergrene Clubhouse

1194

Frenchmans Creek Country Club

1200*

1294*, 1296, 1302*

Dwight D Eisenhower Elementary

1222

6062, 6064

Sandhill Crane Gol f Club

1230

1234, 1 242, 1244

Christ Fellowship Church PBG

OF ELECTORS, COUNCIL MEETING AND PROCEDURE, AND OTHER

1228

Carleton Oaks Clubhouse

PROVISIONS; REVISE COUNCIL-MANAGER RELATIONSHIP; CHANGE

1240

Timber Trace Elementary

1246

1247

Watson B Duncan Middle

AND OTHER CHANGES; AS PROVIDED IN EXHIBIT A, ORDINANCE 8?

1248

1268, 1270

PBG Community Center

SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO. 2 BE ADOPTED?

1250

1274, 1276*

Palm Beach Gardens High

YES

1252

Ballen Isles Country Club

1254

1352

Northlake Nazarene Church

1260

1264, 1266

PBG City Hall Council Room

1262

1286*, 1288, 1290, 1292, 1298*, 1318

PBG Moose Lodge 2010

FILLING OF VACANCIES; LIMIT INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM; DEFINE “FULL TERM”; REMOVE COUNCIL CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYEES

NO

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1192 CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 2

CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 3

SHALL THE PALM BEACH GARDENS CHARTER BE AMENDED TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY MANAGER

1272

Palm Beach Gardens Elementary

1278*

1360, 1372

Garden Lodge 366 F&AM

1280

1282*, 1374*

Pew Leadership Center

SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED QUESTION NO. 3 BE ADOPTED?

1284

1306, 1310, 1338*, 1340

Eissey Campus Theater

YES

1324

1326

Allamanda Elementary

BE A RESIDENT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF APPOINTMENT AND INSTEAD PROVIDE THAT ANY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE CITY MANAGER BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IN THE CITY MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT?

NO

For further information, visit www.pbgfl.com 4

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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* denotes an unincorporated precinct assigned to a location that is also assigned to municipal precinct(s)

V OT E

B Y

M A I L

I N S T R U C T I O N S

Any qualified Palm Beach County voter is entitled to a vote by mail ballot. A mail ballot may be requested in person at one of the Supervisor of Elections offices, in writing, over the telephone or by completing the online application by visiting www.pbcelections.org, Telephonic, written or facsimile requests should be directed to: Supervisor of Elections P.O. Box 22309 West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-2309 Telephone: (561) 656-6200 Facsimile: (561) 656-6220

When requesting a vote by mail ballot, the voter must provide the following information: • Name

• Local Telephone Number

• Residence address

• Out of Town Telephone Number

• Address where the ballot is to be mailed*

• Voters signature

• Date of birth *Effective Jan. 1, 2014, a request for a ballot to be mailed to an address other than the voter’s address on file in the Florida Voter Registration System (FVRS), must be in writing and signed by the voter. Absent uniformed service members and overseas voters are exempt from this requirement.

Notify the elections office immediately should your residence or mailing address change.

Your voted and signed ballot must be received at the Main Office of the Supervisor of Elections by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

Branch offices close at 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

HOW TO REGISTER visiting pbcelections.org

If you are eighteen years old, a U.S. citizen,

OR in person/telephone:

and legal resident of Florida, you may

The Supervisor of

register to vote. If you are sixteen years old you may pre-register and receive your

Elections Main office:

card in the mail after your 18th birthday.

240 South Military Trail you have been convicted of any felony by any

West Palm Beach, FL, 33415

You are NOT entitled to register to vote

court of record and you have not had your

Office Number - (561) 656-6200

if you have been adjudicated mentally

right to vote restored pursuant to law.

A voter identification card will be mailed to

incapacitated with regard to voting in this or any other state and you have not had your

If you meet the above requirements, you may

the applicant approximately 2-3 weeks after

right to vote restored pursuant to law, or, if

register to vote in Palm Beach County by

the application is processed.

Beach Safety Tips

by Cory Bessette Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue

Jellyfish/Man o’ War and Sea Lice • Avoid seaweed as there may be groups of sea lice in and around them • After swimming in the ocean rinse with fresh water as soon as possible and concentrate on areas covered by bathing suits • If stung by a Jellyfish or Man o’ War seek medical attention at the lifeguard stand right away • If you are stung by a Jellyfish or Man o’ War and experience signs of an allergic reaction (i.e., difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or face) call 911 immediately • Seek medical attention if you are stung on the face, mouth, eyes, or genital area

Sun Protection • Use brands of sunblock and sunscreen that contain natural ingredients • Look for sunblock or sunscreen that contains Zinc Oxide as it is a very effective sunscreen ingredient • Applying aloe to a sunburn will help to ease the pain • The best protection from the sun is to stay in a shaded area, cover up with clothing and a hat, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

Other Tips • Hydrate to prevent heat related illnesses • Signs and symptoms of a heat related illness include but are not limited to: muscle cramps, profuse sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, nausea, and weakness. Call 911 immediately if the person is confused or unconsciousness (passing out) • Swim in a lifeguarded area and be mindful of rip tides • Pay attention to the beach warning flags

SUMMER 2018

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The Gardens: North County District Park After a groundbreaking this spring, construction of the Gardens North County District Park is well underway.

Completion: Fall 2019

T

he park is on schedule and the original scope of Phase I has been expanded since our draft plan was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Signature City magazine.

The City has since entered into an interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County that will enable “The Gardens North County District Park” to serve residents and visitors in northern Palm Beach County.

The City will fund, construct, operate, staff, and maintain the 81.9acre park, with an initial Phase I cost of $11.2 million and an annual operating budget of $613,137. After further consideration and review, it was determined the scope of Phase I should be expanded by $2.5 million and will include two additional multipurpose fields, parking, restroom, and a playground structure.

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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THE MOST CURRENT SITE FEATURES ARE: • 7 lighted multi-purpose fields • 2 playgrounds • One large concession, restroom, storage and meeting room building • One standalone restroom • A splash pad area • 3 pavilions • Nature trail • Walking areas • 531 parking space and 4 large bus parking space • 4-acre lake • 23.6 acres of preserve area

Municipal Complex Renovations (City Hall, Police Station, and Fire Station)

T

o remedy the severely overcrowded office conditions of City Hall and allow room for future growth, the City Council approved funding for the renovation of City Hall and portions of the Police and Fire Stations. After months of designing, the plans have been finalized and renovations will soon begin.

will be expanded by 240 square feet at the north side of the building, and 4,900 square feet will be renovated to accommodate a new fitness center and to relocate of the City’s inhouse employee health clinic which is currently in place at Fire Station 3. Construction of the project is currently out for bid and closes on June 22, 2018. A contract award is anticipated for September 6, 2018.

City Hall Completion: Winter 2019 Police Station Completion: Fall 2019 Fire Station Completion: Summer 2020

The final design includes expanding the existing City Hall structure to the east by approximately 17,000 square feet, adding a new covered entrance to the main lobby, adding a new patio to the west elevation outside of the new break room on the first floor, and renovating 30,500 square feet throughout the first and second floors of the building.

The Police Department will be expanded by 3,200 square feet on the second floor at the north side above the existing Sallyport, adding a new generator enclosure and renovating 8,350 square feet. The Fire Station

SUMMER 2018

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Tennis Center Clubhouse

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ver the years, the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center has been a rather unassuming facility that sits in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens. Its highly sought after HydroCourts, knowledgeable staff and reputation as a competitive hub have earned it such distinctions as 2014 United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Outstanding Facility Award and the 2017 Distinguished Facility of the

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

Year Award from Tennis Industry magazine. By upgrading the clubhouse facility, the Gardens Tennis Center will be well positioned to become a local, regional and national hub for tournaments, clinics and other community events.

The final design includes construction of a 12,705 square foot Key West-style clubhouse with an indoor delicatessen, sports performance room, multipurpose rooms available for rent and outdoor

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dining. The design plans are currently under review for permitting. An Invitation to Bid was released in June 2018 with a contract award anticipated in September 2018. Construction of the Tennis Clubhouse will take approximately 10 months. During this time, temporary facilities will be in play for staff to continue operations seamlessly throughout construction.

Completion: Winter 2019

Operations Center

A

s the City continues to “build for the future,” plans are moving full steam ahead to centralize operations by co-locating maintenance operations. At the moment, vital divisions carrying out the City’s maintenance functions are operating at two separate locations. The construction of the Operations Center to house these functions is expected to greatly improve

efficiency for Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, Streets & Stormwater and Parks Maintenance.

The design-build contract for the new Operations Center was awarded to Ahrens Companies in November 2017. The final design includes construction of a 39,410 square foot facility with administrative offices, breakrooms and three large maintenance bays that will house the City’s

Public Works Department. The facility is designed to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane with 205-mph three-second gust winds and will be used during Emergency Management operations, when needed. Construction began in June 2018 with an estimated completion date of March 2019.

Completion: Spring 2019

SUMMER 2018

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10

JULY 22

AUGUST 18

Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

National Fajita Day All you can Eat Fajita Buffet - $18.95 5 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at The Dancing Crane

JULY 24 Parking Violation Hearing 1 p.m. at City Hall

JULY 24

JULY

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall

THRU AUGUST 23

JULY 27

GardensArt Exhibition: Contemporary Fiber Art by Michele Sanandajian Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Palm Beach Gardens City Hall Lobby

“Fiesta Friday” Mixed Doubles Social 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Tennis Center

THRU AUGUST 26 GardensArt Exhibition: Abstract Paintings by Henriett Anri Michel Monday – Sunday, Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse

Red Ball Team Challenge 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at Tennis Center

JULY 29 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

AUGUST 1 National Girlfriend Day Take your Girlfriend to lunch or dinner & her entrée is half price!

The Dancing Crane July is Park & Recreation Month City Wide

JULY 3-AUGUST 1 Youth Recreation Dance Registration Ages 3 and up Various days and times WWW.PBGREC.COM for details Burns Road Recreation Center

USTA Boys and Girls 18-16 Singles and Doubles 8 a.m.-7 p.m. each day at Tennis Center

JULY 28

AUGUST

JULY 1-31

AUGUST 18-20

AUGUST 2 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

AUGUST 5 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

AUGUST 12

To The Sea by Tammy Seymour GardensArt Exhibition

AUGUST 19 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

AUGUST 20 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 6 p.m. at City Hall

AUGUST 26 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

AUGUST 27 - OCTOBER 4 GardensArt Exhibition Watercolors by Tammy Seymour Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall Lobby

AUGUST 28

Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall

Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Elections Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polling Locations on page 4

JULY 12

AUGUST 13

AUGUST 28-OCTOBER 14

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

First day of school Riverside Youth Enrichment Center

GardensArt Exhibition: Hard Edged Abstracts by William Finlayson Sun-Tue, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wed-Sat, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse

JULY 10

JULY 15

AUGUST 13

Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

Fall hours begin at Aquatic Complex Go to PBGREC.COM/AQUATICS

JULY 16-20

AUGUST 14

Ball Stars Youth Basketball Camp Palm Beach Gardens High School

Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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AUGUST 31 “Fiesta Friday” Mixed Doubles Social 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Tennis Center

JULY

AUGUST

S M T W T F S

S M T W T F S

SEPTEMBER

S M T W T F S

OCTOBER S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4

1

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

14 15` 16 17 18 19 20

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

29 30 31

26 27 28 29 30 31

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

28 29 30 31

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SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

SEPTEMBER 3 Labor Day Splash 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Aquatic Complex

SEPTEMBER 3

SEPTEMBER 11 Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 14 Travel Cup Women’s Team Challenge and Season Kick-off Party 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tennis Center

SEPTEMBER 16

THE DANCING CRANE WEEKLY SPECIALS Tuesdays: All You Can Eat BBQ Buffet 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ($20.95) Thursdays: All You Can Eat Italian Buffet 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ($19.95) Fridays: All You Can Eat Prime Rib Buffet 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ($20.95)

OCTOBER

Labor Day Nine and Dine 2 p.m. at The Dancing Crane $50.00 pp (Nine holes and cook out) Reservations Required

Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 23

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 6

SEPTEMBER 20

OCTOBER 6-8

City Council Meeting (Budget Hearing #1) 7 p.m. at City Hall

City Council Meeting (Budget Hearing #2) 7 p.m. at City Hall

USTA Boys and Girls 14-10 Singles 8 a.m.-7 p.m. each day at Tennis Center

Fall Festival 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Gardens Park

OCTOBER 7

OCTOBER 28

THE GARDENS GREENMARKET Season Opening!

8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 22 Gardens Indoor Yard Sale 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Burns Road Recreation Center

SEPTEMBER 23 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

SEPTEMBER 25

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SE US PT EM HO N BER E 8: YOUTH DANCE OP SEPTEMBER 8 2018-19 Youth Dance Open House Choose & register for classes 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Burns Road Recreation Center

SEPTEMBER 9 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

SEPTEMBER 10 Season Opening of Adult/Seniors Club 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Burns Road Recreation Center

Parking Violation Hearing 1 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 25

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 26 Artist’s Reception for William Finlayson 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Sandhill Crane Golf Club

SEPTEMBER 30 Gardens Summer GreenMarket at STORE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage

OCTOBER 9 Planning & Zoning Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall

OCTOBER 13 Pitch for the Cure Softball Tournament 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at Lake Catherine Softball Complex Hosted by Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association

OCTOBER 26

OCTOBER 29-DECEMBER 5 GardensArt Exhibition: Acrylic Paintings by Julia Rose & Oil Paintings by Manon Sander Call for viewing hours: 561.630.1100 Burns Road Recreation Center

OCTOBER 30 Artist’s Reception for Julia Rose & Manon Sander 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Burns Road Recreation Center

OCTOBER 14 The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

OCTOBER 19-21 Palm Beach Gardens Classic Soccer Tournament All City Multipurpose Fields Hosted by Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association

OCTOBER 20 Jamie’s Angels Special Needs Tennis 1 p.m.-2 p.m. at Tennis Center

OCTOBER 21 The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Hall

I M P O RTA N T ADDRESSES:

Burns Road Recreation Center: 4404 Burns Road City Hall: 10500 N. Military Trail

PBG Tennis Center: 5110 117th Court N. Sandhill Crane Golf Club/ The Dancing Crane Restaurant: 11401 Northlake Blvd.

STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage: 11010 N. Military Trail

SUMMER 2018

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PHOTO: JAS ON NUTTLE

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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BALL STARS

Youth Basketball Camp b y C a n d i c e Te m p l e

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PHOTO: JAMES STORMES

hat do police officers and basketball players have in common? Well, not much on the surface. But take a closer look right here in Palm Beach Gardens this summer and you will see where the two professions meet.

For the last two years, the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department has been involved in a very special camp experience. This month, for the third consecutive summer, the Department will host the Ball Stars Youth Basketball Camp in the gymnasium at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

The camp is a unique blend of training that doesn’t merely focus on dribbles and drills. Intermingled with the teaching of basketball skills, Ball Stars also brings in influential speakers from law enforcement and the community to connect with the kids and relay life skills. The routine consists of breakfast and a morning session for elementary aged children and an afternoon session for middle and high school aged kids after they’ve shared lunch together. Topics

OPPOSITE PAGE: Upon completion of high school,

Ball Stars Camp participant Britney Brown will attend Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina on a basketball and track & field scholarship.

THIS PAGE: Balls Stars Youth Basketball Camp is led

by NBA All-Stars Michael Ray Richardson (far left) and Otis Birdsong (far right).

of conversation vary from day to day and the kids can ask questions of speakers about bullying, finance, drugs and alcohol, and even social media safety.

attend the camp daily and interact with the kids during downtime and drills. The results have been positive, according to Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Clint Shannon.

With the leadership of two NBA All-Stars, Otis Birdsong and Michael Ray Richardson, the program has been in operation around the country for over a decade with the goal of helping deserving youth reach their full potential. The program is free to the youth and teens who participate, with a majority of the kids coming from underserved communities.

“The days of servicing the public by just responding to calls is a thing of the past,” explains Chief Shannon. “Kids and officers see each other in a different light. Personalities come out on both sides, and we can use that to build relationships.”

In 2016, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department partnered with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation to cover the cost of the camp for about 150 local kids. Officers

Although the involvement of police officers is a fairly new addition for the Ball Stars Camp model, it has been successful and set the bar for other cities. Birdsong recalls that seeing the national climate around police relations has inspired him to duplicate the Gardens example elsewhere. (continues)

SUMMER 2018

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“It makes a difference for them to interact with the police department”, he says. “We are trying to begin using a model similar to Palm Beach Gardens, with getting the local police involved. This summer we will have a camp in Baltimore for the first time and we are trying to get the police department to participate.”

Birdsong says he wasn’t aware that his camp could be of benefit in Palm Beach County until he was in town for a golf tournament several years ago. At that time, a Palm Beach resident broached the idea of him offering camps in the area. A little confused by the idea of offering his program in affluent Palm Beach, he soon learned of the surrounding communities that he could help. “I just wasn’t aware of the need,” he recalls.

MORE THAN JUST A CAMP The concept of basketball camp may not seem like an impactful thing. To truly appreciate the affect, you must learn a little about Otis Birdsong’s background. Growing up in a large family, he would describe their socioeconomic status quite simply as “poor”. He vividly remembers being in the sixth grade and wanting to attend basketball camp along with his brother. At that point in life, they had never had the opportunity to attend any camp, let alone one for sports.

“I believe there was a ten-dollar fee for each of us”, Birdsong recalls. “My family didn’t have the money. The school basketball coach paid the fee. I never forgot that. It was my first time playing basketball.”

PHOTO: JAMES STORMES

Birdsong adamantly affirms that this was a pivotal moment for him. Before that camp, he had never played basketball. Ultimately, this exposure fostered a love for the game that led to a successful college basketball career, a twelve-season NBA career with the Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets and the Boston Celtics, and an appearance in four NBA All-Star Games.

And it all started with basketball camp.

Palm Beach Gardens Police Sergeant Geoffrey Soule takes time to interact with a Ball Stars Camp attendee.

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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INSPIRING LOCAL TALENT If ever there was a local example of the camp’s impact, Britney Brown is it.

At age 18, she has just graduated from Suncoast Community High School’s Class of 2018 and is the epitome of confidence and humility.

After working with the NBA All-Stars of Ball Stars Camp for the last five summers, she is not only a standout in their eyes but in the eyes

of Columbia International University. The University has tapped her to begin school in the fall as a dual athlete. She will attend on a basketball and track & field scholarship.

Providing that opportunity and guidance to young people is what inspires the leadership of Ball Stars Youth Basketball Camp.

According to Birdsong, Britney’s skills have evolved each year that she attended camp, at first, through her participation in the Riviera Beach camp session, then the last two years as she also attended the Palm Beach Gardens session.

“When she first started, she was very raw and rough,” recalls Birdsong of their first encounter with Brown.

As the oldest of four children who all play sports, Britney started playing basketball at the age of twelve. She was inspired by her grandfather to begin playing basketball.

Although he passed away in 2009 and has not been able to see her growth in the sport, she knows he would want her to stay active.

She credits Ball Stars for enhancing her basketball skills and showing her many ways that the team is more important than the individual.

“My experience with Otis and Michael wasn’t only in basketball camp,” reflects Britney. “They turned into family. It only takes respect and love.”

Ball Stars Youth Basketball Camp will take place July 16-20 at Palm Beach Gardens High School. Camp leadership includes Otis Birdsong, Michael Ray Richardson and West Palm Beach native, former NBA talent Anthony Goldwire. While the team is concerned with improving the technical skills of the players that participate, they are just as focused on fortifying their life skills.

Telling of his passion for the mission, Birdsong shares, “If we can just help one of those kids get turned around, we’ve done our job.”

Spirit Form Emerging Story and Photo by Danny Whilden

Location: 11900 Taylor Drive,

Palm Beach Gardens Sculpture by: Riis Burwell

I

n late 2017, intense wildfires ravaged northern California, decimating entire homes, businesses, and communities. Riis Burwell was just one of the thousands who felt the impact. In his art studio, over $250,000 worth of equipment accumulated over three decades, it appeared to be all gone in a matter of hours as the wildfires spread across six counties, destroying everything in its path. As the fires cleared, Burwell began to salvage what

Spirit Form Emerging

Garde

rkway ns Pa

The Gardens Mall

he could from his studio. And as it would turn out, not all was lost.

Out of the ashes of his studio, Burwell uncovered an art piece that had been seemingly untouched by the fires. Spirit Form Emerging as it is titled, surfaced from the rubble as the only art piece to survive. The 11-foot-tall silicon bronze sculpture is the third version of its kind, a commemorative piece dedicated to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Once retrieved from the rubble, Burwell quickly got to work to complete it.

Spirit Form Emerging now stands tall in front of La Posada on Gardens Parkway, bearing a new meaning and purpose. It signifies the lives that were lost as a result of the wildfires and the reincarnation of the communities that were impacted. La Posada saw this structure as a fitting representation of its residents and the spirit of Palm Beach Gardens. The structure itself can withstand hurricane force winds up to 250 mph, solidifying its strength, resilience, and grace in what has become its permanent home here in Palm Beach Gardens.

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B

Improvements Underway for Johnson Dairy Road

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f you’ve visited the Municipal Campus off of North Military Trail lately, you may have noticed orange cones lining Johnson Dairy Road. The increased activity is part of improvements for Johnson Dairy Road which include the installation of a new turn lane from north bound Military Trail onto Johnson Dairy Road. Other improvements at the intersection of Johnson Dairy Road and Military Trail will allow the junction to accept a traffic signal at the location in the future, when warranted. An additional turn

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lane will be installed west bound Johnson Dairy onto north bound Military Trail.

Johnson Dairy Road will be extended to the west to provide access to the Gardens Park Baseball Complex and the City’s new Operations Center that will be completed in the spring of 2019. Lush landscaping, sidewalks, on street parking and street lighting will also be installed. Johnson Dairy Road improvements will enhance circulation for City Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Station, Sports Complex, Operations Center and the

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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residential properties to the north, while allowing for

a beautified roadway and improved pedestrian access.

Project Name:

Johnson Dairy/

Military Trail Improvements

Project Location:

Municipal Campus,

10500 N. Military Trail

Budgeted Cost: $808,000 Funding Source:

Road Impact Fees

Engineer/Architect/Designer:

Simmons & White

Urban Design Kilday Studios

Contractor:

J.W. Cheatam, LLC

Estimated Start Date:

Summer 2018

Estimated Completion Date:

Fall 2018

B R I N G I N G TTHE HE BRINGING

Adult Athletics Now Offering Over-50 Men’s Softball League

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lthough new to the lineup of offerings for Palm Beach Gardens Recreation’s Adult Athletics programs, the Men’s 50+ Softball League is off to an impressive start. The league, known as Tim Tanner’s All-Stars, currently has four teams with plenty of room for growth.

The league is named in memory of the late son of Alan Tanner. Alan, who previously played professional softball and is a Gardens resident, has long had in mind the goal of beginning a 50+ league here at home. Although no league previously existed with Gardens’ Adult Athletics, statewide and nationwide 50+ leagues are a multimillion dollar industry annually. Alan says the target participants in the Gardens are those who are in their 50s & 60s, still working, and not retired.

The inaugural season, which played earlier this spring, ended with four teams and close to 60 players. League play is challenging with customized rules designed for the age group of players and to keep games moving along. For example, every batter starts with a 1 and 1 count, each game lasts one hour, and only five runs are allowed per inning. The 7th inning is an “open inning,” allowing for unlimited scoring. Although recreational, games are professionally officiated.

Summer play will consist of pick-up games with formal play resuming in the Fall, so be sure to sign up!

If you are interested in joining the Tim Tanner All-Stars 50+ Men’s Softball League, here’s how you can get involved: SIGN UP: Palm Beach Gardens Adult Athletics

Contact Lyndsey Marsh, 561.630.1113 PAY: PLAY:

$35 Registration Fee Tuesday Nights at PGA National Park (specific dates TBD) SUMMER 2018

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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SUMMER 2018

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City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

S ay

hello

to Summer!

Enjoy all the Summer GreenMarket has to offer Under the covered breezeway a t S TO R E S e l f -S t o r a g e & W i n e S t o r a g e !

PRODUCE ∙ FLOWERS ∙ BREADS SEAFOOD ∙ CHEESES ∙ HANDMADE CRAFTS SAUCES • HONEY ∙ & MUCH MORE!

EVERY SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. STORE Self-Storage and Wine Storage 11010 North Military Trail

GardensGreenMarket 20

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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Heads up!

The Gardens GreenMarket returns to City Hall on Sunday, October 7th!