The town of Hollywood Park is considering forming a parks and recreation advisory board.

What happened

City Secretary Patrick Aten told City Council on July 18 that local officials have informally discussed the idea of having an advisory board of five appointed residents who could hash out parks and recreation-related issues before forwarding recommendations to the full council.

According to city officials, four of the positions would have formal representation of organizations, such as the Hammerheads swim team and the Hollywood Park Community Association, that regularly use facilities across Hollywood Park’s three parks. A fifth board seat would be an at-large position.

What they’re saying

Mayor Sean Moore said council often faces parks-related issues that interest many residents. One example, Moore said, was council’s recently addressing swim lane policy at the Voigt Park pool.

The city is also considering requiring permits for individuals or groups who use public park amenities, such as tennis coaches offering private lessons, for for-profit purposes.

“We needed a place where we could filter those needs, wants and desires before they ever get to council and where all the relevant stakeholders are already engaged and have reached a consensus of some sort,” Moore said.

While council members agreed on the need for a parks advisory board, they asked for clarification on such matters as member eligibility.

“For me, I need a little more research,” Council Member Glenna Pearce said.

What’s next

City attorney Ryan Henry said he will take council members’ feedback, refine a draft ordinance and return in August when council could formally consider creating the advisory board.

Henry said the new parks board will just be an advisory board, and council has no obligation to fully accept or reject any board recommendation.

“You should listen to [the board] and factor in all the other things you have to think about, but ultimately the decision is yours.” Henry said.