(PENSACOLA) --- Though the Parks & Recreation Board agenda was light, discussions were deep.
The April 21 agenda included swearing in new members Michael Osley and Ray Palmer, and nominating the New Chair, Kerwin Price, and Vice Chair, Daniel Brass. However, the public forum and staff reports dealt with local park concerns.
(Photo: Ray Palmer, left, Michael Osley, right, swearing in as new Parks & Recreation Board members)
Former Pensacola Councilwoman Sherri Myers, who is running against Councilman Charles Bare for District 2, expressed her concern for Tippin Park to the new board members.
"I was glad to see that you all have sworn to uphold the constitution of the State of Florida," Myers said, before asking a question. "How does that relate to Tippin Park?"
Her answer.
"In the State of Florida, people with physical disabilities are a protected class, and that is a higher standard than what you would get under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)," Myers said.
The former councilwoman raised civil rights concerns due to the lack of ADA-compliant playground equipment at Tippin Park. While on council in 2019, Myers helped secure up to $1 million during Mayor Grover Robinson's administration to equip the park with inclusive playground equipment.
After offering the park's historical background, Myers pointed out her present concerns, noting the park project is not "happening with your current budget."
(Photo: Former Councilwoman Sherri Myers' discussion over Tippin Park prompted board members to consider more funding for an inclusive playground)
"So when the new mayor asked council to approve a transfer of that million dollars, that was in the budget for Tippin Park," Myers said. "They agreed to take out about $650,000."
As Myers sees it, "officials lied to the State of Florida about what's needed in that park to accommodate children and adults with physical disabilities," and "the council took that money away from you."
Myers has personal experience of feeling duped while on the council. In 2022, Myers said she was talked into buying playground equipment for the centrally located park, and she will not do it again.
She is keeping that promise.
"I think we're all in agreement that we need an inclusive playground for people with special needs," Myers said, adding that only $450,000 remains for the project.
She told the board members she will also take her concerns to Thursday night's regularly scheduled meeting, specifically to remind elected officials of the 2019 agreement.
"That's one of the problems with the form of government we have," Myers said. "When you change mayors, you change priorities."
However, the new Chair, Kirwin Price, said the "issue" with Tippin Park seems to fall outside the board's purview.
(Photo: Board member Kirwan Price discussing concerns over Tippin Parks's lack of inclusivity for children with special needs)
"The funding was never granted to the city, so there is not much we could advise council about, as far as we think should be done with those funds," Price said, adding there are contractors who are considering the $450,000 bid for the inclusive park. "We're just not going to get everything we want."
That wasn't good enough for Myers.
"You are an advisory board, so it's not like you're impotent so that you can have some influence," Myers said.
Price wanted to know exactly what they should pass on to the city council.
"I would pass on to them is that you recommend that they find the money to fund this legislative priority," Myers said. "That's a simple recommendation, and you have the power and authority under our ordinances to advise the city council."
(Photo: Board member Daniel Brask places Tippin Park funding as new business on the Parks & Recreation agenda)
Board member Daniel Brask advised creating a new business item, formally voting, then moving to vote on revisiting the funding for Tippin Park.
Additionally, board members raised concerns about an inadequate budget for the Granada subdivision playground, suggesting they request more funding from the city council, as they will for Tippin Park.
Other key takeaways from the meeting included an update on the Fricker Center's demolition and construction, and all programs there ceasing until Spring 2027, and the Roger Scott Pool getting new prefabricated permanent restrooms, a concern raised by Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier due to the cost.
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