Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Bertha Henry
Department: County Administration Division: Parks & Recreation
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO NOTE FOR THE RECORD recommendation of the Parks Foundation of Broward County to rename Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area as “Kristin Jacobs Natural Area” pursuant to Section 18.43 of the Broward County Administrative Code, “Naming Broward County-owned Property, Buildings, Structures, and Facilities.” (Commission District 2)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Naming of County-owned facilities requires approval of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) after a 30-day period to allow for public input about the proposed name.
What Action Accomplishes
This action notes for the record the proposed renaming of Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area as “Kristin Jacobs Natural Area.”
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
The Parks Foundation of Broward County has requested that Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area, located at 5991 Northwest 74th Place in Coconut Creek, be renamed “Kristin Jacobs Natural Area” to honor the memory and service of former Broward County Commissioner and Florida State Representative, Kristin Jacobs.
Kristin Jacobs was well-recognized for her passion and advocacy in the protection, restoration, and enhancement of the natural environment. Just two years into her tenure as County Commissioner, she supported the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program, the $400 million bond issue approved by voters in November 2000. Through this program, the County successfully acquired more than 1,100 acres of conservation lands, green spaces, and open spaces. Broward County Parks and Recreation was able to add 153.87 acres of preserved natural areas, including the 11.68-acre Hillsboro Pineland Addition. Always a staunch ally of Broward County Parks, Kristin was instrumental in securing Deeds of Restrictive Covenants over each Broward County Park property, establishing protection so they could be used only for park purposes.
In 2003, she led creation of the NatureScape Broward program, an initiative that promotes water resource protection and the creation of native habitat within the urban environment. This effort has resulted in more than 3,000 NatureScape certified landscapes across Broward County and certification by the National Wildlife Federation of the County and 15 municipalities, the first of which was the City of Coconut Creek, as Community Wildlife Habitats. Features of Hillsboro Pineland include nature trails, bicycle paths, and rich native vegetation that serves as host plants for diverse species of native butterflies and habitat for local and migratory wildlife, qualities that provide a natural tribute to Kristin and the NatureScape Broward Program.
Another asset of Hillsboro Pineland is the rehydrated wetland at the center of the property, a project which Kristin oversaw during the years she served as chair of the Broward County Water Advisory Board. She was a champion for this and nearly a dozen similar wetland rehydration projects in the northern part of the County. She would later lead efforts to advance a much larger, multi-jurisdictional water resource development project, the C-51 Reservoir, a regional alternative water supply project that is now coming to fruition nearly 15 years later. Kristin was a strong advocate for coordinated and efficient water resource management to benefit urban and natural system needs, and in addition to chairing the Water Advisory Board, she served as Chair of the Broward Water Resources Task Force and helped to launch the Broward Leaders Water Academy, which has become a state model for engaging decision makers in science-based decision making.
Commissioner Jacobs’ environmental focus extended beyond Broward County. In 2009, she led the development of the four-county Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, a model for collaboration and joint action among local governments in addressing the shared challenges that climate change presents for our entire region and across the state.
These are but a few of the environmental initiatives led by Kristin that will undoubtedly provide long-lasting positive benefits for all of Broward County.
Commissioner Jacobs represented District 2 on the Broward County Commission for 16 years (1998-2014), including one term as Mayor. Dedication of this unique pineland and rich natural area would provide recognition of Kristin’s environmental leadership on behalf of Broward County residents. This site is considered particularly fitting because many of its features are emblematic of the specific programs and principles for which Kristin was a recognized champion. Commissioner Jacobs died on April 11, 2020.
Section 18.43 of the Broward County Administrative Code requires Board approval for naming Broward County-owned property, buildings, structures, and facilities after a thirty-day period to allow for any public input about the proposed name. If approved, staff will place an item on an upcoming Board agenda to formally rename the site “Kristin Jacobs Natural Area.” Agenda item exhibits include correspondence with the City of Coconut Creek, the City of Parkland, and the Parks Foundation of Broward County.
The requested action has been reviewed for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney.
Source of Additional Information
Dan West, Director, Parks and Recreation Division, 954-357-8106
Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resiliency Officer and Deputy Director, Environmental Protection & Growth Management Department, 954-519-1464
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.