Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Bertha Henry
Department: County Administration Division: Parks & Recreation
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to execute a License Agreement with the Weston Community Garden Society, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, to utilize a portion of Markham Park for a community garden, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney; and authorizing the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement. (Commission District 1)
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Why Action is Necessary
Long-term license agreements for space within County parks require approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
What Action Accomplishes
The motion will authorize the County Administrator to enter into a license agreement with a local not-for-profit organization to utilize a portion of Markham Park for a community garden, and to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions associated therewith.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board’s value of cultivating community culture, arts, recreation and life-long learning, and the associated goals to provide diverse artistic, cultural, educational, and historical amenities and programs that contribute to a vibrant, multi-cultural and economically viable community and, in coordination with our community partners, market and deliver world-class recreational opportunities.
The Weston Community Garden Society (“WCGS”) and the Parks and Recreation Division desire to partner in the creation of a community garden in a not more than two-acre portion of Markham Park, allowing WCGS to construct and operate a community garden where student volunteers will have opportunities to learn about organic gardening, and the produce that will be donated to local food banks will help combat food insecurity.
It is intended that WCGS will develop and maintain the community garden in conjunction with local organizations such as the Weston Satellite Rotary Club, Students Feeding Florida, and volunteer Master Gardeners. With Cypress Bay High School and Western High School situated within five miles of Markham Park, the proposed garden will also be a resource for students wishing to earn service hours toward graduation. Students that take part in Western High School’s horticulture program will have opportunities to expand their studies to include growing produce.
The proposed license agreement will not generate revenue to the County, and the WCGS will be responsible for all costs associated with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the community garden. The proposed term of the license agreement will be for an initial period of not more than five years, with up to two five-year renewals, which may be exercised by joint agreement of the County and WCGS. Other terms, including insurance requirements, are subject to further negotiation between the parties. If this item is approved, any license agreement will be reviewed for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney.
The WCGS intends to dedicate the community garden it operates in memory of Ann Wasserman, one of WCGS’s founders and supporters.
Markham Park is a 669-acre park located at the edge of the Everglades, featuring a huge campground, an observatory, a model airplane field, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor public shooting range. The proposed site of the community garden is shown on Exhibit 1.
This proposal is compatible with the County Charter as the operation of a community garden constitutes a park purpose.
Source of Additional Information
Dan West, Director, Parks and Recreation Division, 954-357-8106
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
There is no fiscal impact.