A key point of the meeting was the presentation by the project manager regarding the ongoing park inventory and public engagement process. The analysis revealed that while Opa-Locka meets the current standards for green open space, the city falls short on some state and national recreation standards, specifically in the areas of connectivity and walkways. To address this shortfall, the meeting engaged attendees in a visioning exercise using post-it notes to capture their ideas for specific parks.

The engagement process aimed to gather community input on their needs and desires for the parks and recreation facilities. This input included favorite parks, facilities, activities, and programs.

A community member’s request for a multi-purpose facility was a notable topic, emphasizing the importance of proper construction. The facility, akin to one in another park, was mentioned as a vital addition to the community’s amenities.

The meeting also addressed funding concerns for Parks and Recreation, particularly the suggestion to transform Ingram Park into a boys and girls club, which could be funded through the United Way and employee donations. During the conversation about redevelopment, the availability of funds within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was brought to light. The frustration over the delay in approving the construction of a playground and other facilities, despite available CRA funds, was expressed, and community members were encouraged to participate in the upcoming CRA meeting to advocate for the allocation of funds to improve the city’s parks.

Furthermore, revitalizing the city’s parks to provide more recreational opportunities for children was discussed, with a call for community involvement to reach these goals. The city’s vision for its parks was also set to be further explored through an upcoming public survey, with attendees being reminded to spread the word about this survey.