Karen Woodson, a resident and the newly elected president of the Friends of Bay Oaks, announced the organization’s revival. With a full acting board and volunteers in place, they are developing a logo that reflects the Bay Oaks identity and town colors. A holiday welcome event on December 3rd is planned to attract new members and generate funds. Woodson emphasized that the Friends of Bay Oaks would focus on raising money, as the advisory board cannot directly engage in fundraising. Questions about event permits, especially for serving alcohol, were discussed, referencing the operational guidelines of other local organizations.

Attention then turned to facility improvements and funding allocations. The board addressed the pool reconstruction project, emphasizing the availability of funds, approximately $5 million, with plans to interview design firms after Thanksgiving. Opulent Outlines LLC, a Fort Myers-based firm, is under consideration, expected to handle designs for the pool, restrooms, and associated systems. The board acknowledged procedural delays but expressed optimism about moving forward.

Discussions highlighted the necessity of concrete sidewalks to replace existing pathways in the park, prioritizing durability and accessibility improvements. The board justified the choice of concrete over softer materials due to maintenance and flood resistance concerns, estimating a cost of $71,000. Additional park enhancements, such as shade sails for pickleball and fitness courts, were considered with remaining park improvement funds.

The meeting delved into the potential repurposing of the concession stand, with $9,000 already allocated for equipment like a hot dog roller and popcorn machine. The board discussed involving community groups in fundraising efforts for further enhancements, such as refrigerators, to support event catering. The condition of the bleachers was also assessed, recognizing that they could be cleaned and reutilized for future events.

Marketing efforts for Bay Oaks were a focal point, with plans to update promotional materials for distribution in local hotels and apartments after Thanksgiving. The Lee County School District’s shift to using Peach Jar, a third-party service for flyer distribution, was noted, incurring a $25 fee per event. The importance of word-of-mouth was highlighted, particularly following successful personal outreach for a Halloween event.

The board discussed a digital marketing and special events coordinator position, expanded to a townwide scope to improve outreach across various events. An update on the Silver Sneakers program revealed that application processes are underway, with a response anticipated within six to eight weeks.

Naming rights for facilities sparked a discussion. While some members expressed opposition to the idea, others highlighted the potential financial benefits under current budget constraints. The need for a formal policy on naming rights was acknowledged, with references made to existing named features within the community.

The meeting also addressed the status of the park behind the school, described as nearly unusable. The board expressed frustration over communication lapses concerning the Interlocal Agreement. The potential for a key card system to allow gym access outside regular hours was discussed, emphasizing insurance and liability considerations.

Finally, the meeting touched on the procedural aspects of organizing special events at Bay Oaks, with a focus on improving communication and facilitation to attract events to the facility. The conversation underscored the importance of better supporting event organizers to utilize Bay Oaks as a central hub for community gatherings, with discussions about restroom facilities at Newton Park and the potential addition of more pickleball courts through private donations.