The pool renovation emerged as a primary concern, with discussions centered on leveraging community input to shape the project’s design. With a budget of approximately $4.5 million, the renovation aims to enhance the existing pool facilities without expanding the pool’s footprint, incorporating features like a potential splash park. The process has been delayed for over two years due to extensive paperwork and approval steps, with funding expiration looming in 2026. This timeline necessitates a careful approach to both planning and execution to ensure the project meets community needs while adhering to regulatory requirements.

The board acknowledged the need for community engagement, suggesting a public meeting to gather input, similar to past successful initiatives at Newton Park. Alongside pool improvements, the discussion included potential additions of new restrooms and a concession stand. The staff committed to presenting a detailed site plan at the next meeting, which will provide a visual framework for potential improvements.

Concurrently, the board addressed broader flooding issues affecting Bay Oaks Recreational Center. Recent storms, particularly Hurricane Ian, have heightened the urgency for effective flood mitigation strategies. The gym renovation, a related topic, involves installing epoxy flooring to replace damaged tiles, with considerations to create dual-use spaces for basketball and pickleball. Despite insurance coverage for some restoration efforts, additional costs for enhanced materials like epoxy flooring may fall to the town, although FEMA reserves could provide some financial relief.

The gym’s rehabilitation is already underway, managed by the insurance company, with plans to restore the facility to its previous state while incorporating flood mitigation measures such as elevating HVAC systems. However, the cost of raising gym equipment remains a municipal responsibility. In light of these challenges, the board emphasized the necessity of strategic planning and resource allocation to address ongoing flooding concerns and ensure the facility’s resilience in future storms.

The conversation also touched on the redevelopment bids for the recreational center, which had exceeded budget expectations, prompting a decision to re-bid the project. The council aims to include essential elements like pickleball courts, a walking path, lighting, and parking within a revised budget cap of around $2 million. Raising the ground level and installing retention ponds are integral to addressing water accumulation issues, with compacted clay losses on the ball field identified as a persistent concern.

Further discussions explored the underutilization of tennis courts and the growing popularity of pickleball, prompting a reevaluation of sports facility allocations. The board considered converting some tennis courts to pickleball courts while maintaining a dedicated space for tennis to ensure balanced recreational options.

The management and future direction of the Friends of Bay Oaks group also featured prominently in the meeting. With leadership transitions looming, the board grappled with compliance issues related to the Sunshine Law, which restricts informal discussions of board matters outside public meetings. This prompted a debate over the necessity of a separate entity for fundraising, with concerns about the tax deductibility of donations made directly to the town versus those made to the Friends group. The board recognized the importance of community involvement and volunteer recruitment to ensure the group’s continuity and support for Bay Oaks’ programming.

In addition to these topics, the board addressed operational and organizational matters, including the need for new leadership within the Friends of Bay Oaks and the potential for expanding park spaces on the island. A motion was passed to recommend that future development agreements include provisions for pocket parks.