Arlington Pool Update    The Arlington Pool renovation project is coming along well.  After being drained and cleaned, the pool was

Filling the pool with 671,000 gallons of water.

filled this week with 671,000 gallons of water.  And, work has started on the new cool deck surface surrounding the pool.  As part of the project, the outdated electrical panels and pumps also are being replaced.  The contractors are on schedule and we look forward to the pool reopening close to the July 4th holiday weekend.  Thanks again for everyone's patience while these much needed improvements are made.

S. Lido Beach Restrooms   Speaking of much needed improvements, have you been to Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach recently?  We have new public restrooms with an eye on sustainability built into the design.

As part of our interlocal parks agreement, Sarasota County maintains the park, and started construction on the new facility in May 2013.  One of the most noticeable aspects of the building is that it is

The new restroom building at S. Lido Beach.

elevated to withstand flooding.  Designed by architect Sweet Sparkman, it also has an unique architectural screen design applied to the exterior which is intended to mimic looking through sea oat stems.  (The design  received a 2014 American Institute of Architects award.)  The facility itself features low flow toilets, automatic shut-off sink and shower valves, and skylights to provide natural lighting.  A large cistern also is on site to capture rain for reuse.  In addition, handicapper accessibility has been greatly improved.

The project was finished in time for the recent Memorial Day holiday weekend, which was terrific because the park was full with sunbathers, picnickers, boaters and fishermen.  Thanks to our partners at Sarasota County for improving our community with this new asset, which is attractive, user friendly and environmentally friendly.

Looking out from the new restroom building.

 

Newtown:  MLK Way Streetscape Update    The streetscape improvement project along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way is expected to wrap up this month.  Crews already have removed select bulb outs

Crews preparing to install brick crosswalks at MLK, Jr. Way and Orange Ave.

from Central Ave. to Orange Ave., and the installation of four decorative brick crosswalks at Orange Ave. started this week.  When the crosswalks are completed, the entire MLK, Jr. Way corridor from U.S. 301 to U.S. 41 will be repaved.  This is a welcome investment in the community and we look forward to the successful completion of the project.

Newtown - Playground Improvements    Soon it will be out with the old and in with the new, as we replace aging playgrounds at two parks in Newtown:  Orange Avenue and Mary Dean.

At Mary Dean, located at 1507 Central Ave., the two play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12 are being replaced.  Meanwhile, at Orange Ave. Park, located on Orange between 18th and 19th, only the play equipment for toddlers will be replaced, since the other equipment is fairly new.  Both parks are within walking distance of residential neighborhoods and we expect the new play equipment will get a lot of use when it's installed in the next 2-3 weeks.  Just three months ago, new play equipment was erected at Gillespie Park.  These are positive signs that we're becoming more proactive with re-investment in capital improvements for children's healthy outdoor recreation.

Crews preparing to replace the Orange Ave. Park playground.

HARD:NOC Teen Program   A significant graduation ceremony took place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall last week.  It was the very first graduating class of the Honorable Alliance for Reclaiming Destiny:North Sarasota Original Chapter -- better known as HARD:NOC.  The program, developed by staff at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC), was designed to expose young teenagers to a variety of positive character building opportunities.  During the past year, students met twice a week for two hours, with the boys and girls meeting separately.  The curriculum included sessions about avoiding conflict, interpersonal communication, self-esteem, etiquette, and table manners.  One of the most popular classes focused on gardening, and students ultimately grew their own tomatoes and strawberries which they happily devoured.

A total of 12 students successfully completed this unique program and were honored with a dinner celebration in the Grand Foyer at the Van Wezel.  (Thank you to Men's Wearhhouse and Every Child Inc. for providing the students' formal clothing at no cost and to Mattison's for providing the food.)  Congratulations to RLTCC Manager Jerry Fogle and Brunie Neira, who conceptualized and supervised HARD:NOC.  And, thank you to our many dedicated community partners who willingly provided insightful class instruction throughout the year.

We hope the students' success with the program helps them realize new opportunities and provides a framework for their future development as they become productive members of society.

HARD:NOC students at their graduation ceremony at the Van Wezel.