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Welcome to another episode of Sanford Says. I'm Lisa Holder, the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Sanford. And today on Beyond City Hall, we have two fabulous guests, another city department that we're so proud of here at City Hall, City of

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Sanford. We have Matt Coleman, who is our Parks and Recreation Hi, Matt. >> Hello. How are you? >> How long have you been with the city, approximately? >> So, I've been with the city almost a year and a half now. >> Okay. And we have Jose Ortiz. Jose is the

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Parks and Recreation Superintendent. >> Hi. >> Jose, how long have you been with the city? >> I've been with the city going on 11 years. >> 11 years. Okay. So, these two gentlemen are responsible for the green spaces in our city. Think about that, the parks,

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the the the the facilities, all of that. And so, that's a big undertaking. Um and so, it's Parks and Rec Month. We're at the very end, right? July was Parks and Recs Month. We did a lot of fun fun

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highlights of all the city parks. And so, today on Beyond City Hall, we just want to talk about some of the things that you guys do behind the scenes to make it a beautiful city for people to visit and to see and enjoy um the spaces

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that we have and the facilities, too. It's not just parks. There's a lot more to it, right? >> Yep. >> Um programming and all of that. So, adult programming, youth programming. So, how about let us know what that you what

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your department really does. Um I'll let you take it take that and Matt. >> Yes, um I think the important thing is to start with our role. So, the role of Parks and Recreation Department, we strive to enhance the quality of life for all of our residents by providing safe, well-maintained parks, public

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facilities, um preserving open space and historic resources, um strengthening the bonds of the community, and creating healthy programming and events for renewal, growth, and enrichment. So, that kind of embodies what Parker Parks and Recreation is all about, and I think Jose would agree. Um the other thing I

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think is important to highlight is our mission statement, cuz I think this is what drives us as leaders and um what we strive to deliver for our residents here. So, our mission statement is to enhance the quality of life by providing safe, well-maintained parks and public spaces, preserving open space historic

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resources, caring for people, strengthening the bonds of the community, and creating healthy programming and events for renewal, growth, and enrichment. >> Okay. So, that's a that's a uh I think that would be something that every every person would like to see at their city and live in a city that

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offered those things, right? >> And you're absolutely >> Absolutely. I think that enhances the quality of life for our residents here, and we're we're happy, and we always try to to deliver and get better. So, anything we can do, we we're happy to do it. >> Okay. And so, um Jose, what what what um what is Parks

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particularly? What what is operationally, what happens behind the scenes with all of our city parks? And how many do we have? I know you have quite a bit. >> Yes. So, we have 29 parks throughout the city, uh 20 medians, and all our all are downtown area,

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including 5 mi of Riverwalk, right? That's all we do. Um so, any any green space you could see pretty much in the city is maintained by by Parks Department. >> Great. And also, our our trees, too. >> Our trees. >> All of the flower beds. >> the flower beds, yep. All the trash

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cans, everything. Everything downtown and our trails and our parks. Everything you see, all of the amenities, we take care of all of that. Along with the fun fact, we have our own cemetery as well. >> That's right. And so, we're 26 square miles and so

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think about that. We also have these smaller Most people are used to hearing about Fort Mellon Park and, you know, the the Paw Park and all of those highly visible parks, but we also have a smaller neighborhood >> parks. Well, yes.

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>> parks that some neighborhoods are really fortunate to have. >> Yes, very fortunate. Uh I know uh Peter went out and then saw some of the parks. >> Ooh. It's Peter. Okay. Catch Peter Parks because Peter Parks was sitting on the bench outside in the

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hallway of the Parks Department and he's been there for like three or three years now. And Peter kind of just sits there with Sometimes he'll change his uniform out. We decided to grab Peter for Parks Month and take him out and about and uh and

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and visit our city >> visit our sites. >> Yeah, like sort of like the Elf on the Shelf thing. It's cute. >> Yes. Yep. >> But uh and it wasn't May I say this? It wasn't a city employee inside the you know, >> Yes. It was a >> [laughter] >> creative >> It was an independent prop. >> It was an independent prop. That's

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right. >> Yes. >> So, um but yeah, so there are some really cool smaller neighborhood >> smaller neighborhood parks. Yes, I I encourage everyone to go and and visit those parks because it's Each park has something different. >> Right. And then speaking of that, the amenities, right? We have rental

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facilities at our park. >> Mhm. >> How would people learn about all of that? I mean, and where to access this and how to rent facilities and which parks have what. So, can they just They'll go on the website. >> think our website would be the greatest

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resource. Start there. You can go on to Parks and Grounds and it'll list out all of our parks. You can kind of see what what's at each park and then we strongly encourage if you have questions, give us a shout. We're happy to answer the phone, talk to you. Um if you see us out and about, stop us. We love to chit-chat and celebrate the awesome things that

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our co-workers do um in in our department and division. Um, so yeah. >> Okay. So, let me share with me some of the things that happen behind the scenes operationally for a parks and rec manager that like I know that first of all, you've got, like I said,

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facilities, civic center, all of that and not just parks. >> So, there's a lot of things that happen behind the scenes, you know, whether it's enhancements or repairs or things like that that we have to coordinate and make sure that our facilities are upkept to a certain level. There's a lot of things that happen, you know, whether

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it's working with contractors to piggyback off of off of contracts or get contracts. There's a lot behind the scenes that we have to work on as well as then it's the follow-through. Then we have to go out there and make sure the contractor is delivering on what they promised they would give us or whatever that repair or service is. Um, and

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sometimes what's great about this also is that sometimes the public helps us do this because they say, "Hey, this doesn't look the greatest. Can you please" and then we're able to, you know, go out there cuz again, city of Sanford is 26 miles and we do not have a large staff. We have a small staff for what we have to

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maintain and and the public helping us is is awesome. We enjoy it. We love feedback. We've got some great residents. I won't call them out by name, but we have some great residents that call us at frequently and just say, "Hey, just want to let you know, this is not up to par" and then we're able to send resources over there to make sure that it's

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kept at our level of expectation. So, they're it's >> Can you talk about some of the amenities that we have here that are under the parks and rec umbrella? For instance, the stadium, the museum, the aquatic center. >> Yes, so we do have the stadium, which is phenomenal. We are in the process of doing some

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hopefully get it approved for commission for some repairs to the stadium, but we also have a museum, which is phenomenal. Really cool. And we also have the aquatic center, which I didn't know until I joined the city. It's a Olympic-size pool and I don't know if everyone understands how massive that

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is. It's not your standard pool. It's a large, large swimming pool, um which we're very proud to have. Um And then, you know, we've got a lot of parks. We also have Derby, um you know, Mike Curbi Park, and not a lot of facilities have that. And that is another feather in the city of

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Seabrook's cap that we're able to have that for our residents for them. >> The soapbox derby program. Yeah, that's super cool. And um there's also you have rental facilities too that people could be aware of, right? Um >> We do. >> Parties or weddings, things like that.

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>> Yep, absolutely. So, we do Yep, we do the Civic Center. You can rent out the Civic Center for different events. Um you can also rent out Betty Smith Cultural Arts Center for um events. Centennial Park has a pavilion there that you a lot of people like to use for a wedding. And then like the big beautiful gazebo. >> You can rent them out.

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>> Lights up, right? Doesn't it light up at night? It has different colors. I've seen it. It does. >> Does it? Have you seen it? >> I have to I'm going to have to go at night. >> So, I'm going to go look at look at it. I believe it lights up, but I'm not sure about the colors. >> Yeah. Okay. It lights up, folks.

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>> And then, we have I mean, we have various pavilions throughout all our parks that you can rent along with water hookups, so you can have water slides, and there's electrical outlets for power, so yes. >> Okay. And then, we're talking about of course our what you say our flagship

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park is Fort Millen, right? And that's I mean, that's busy every weekend. >> It's That It's every day. >> Every day. The splash pad. >> Splash pad, the pavilions, uh hopefully our new amphitheater here soon. >> Right. That's the That'll be under the responsibility of Parks and Rec, right?

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>> Yes. The new amphitheater with the botanical gardens, all the sidewalks, the new the new lake. >> Yeah, I mean, it's it's pretty it's it's a beautiful area to play in. It makes But and we have I'm sure people from out of town that come to that park particularly, right? Because they meet

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family there. There's a lot of, you know, family reunions and things at those pavilions. Like you said, every day it's being rented out. There's the basketball courts are always filled playing on the on the weekends. And it's adjacent to the beautiful lake, Lake Monroe, right? So, the Riverwalk, that's

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another thing that what you said, 5 miles >> Almost 5 miles of trail. >> of trail. >> Recreational, yeah. >> And it's unbelievable that you can, you know, exercise, enjoy the enjoy this beautiful scenery. And when you're

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walking, riding your bicycle, walking your dog, what you will see those the manicured lawn. And that's the part of the recreation. From the from Mellonville all the way out to to I-4 is the city of Sanford. And so, there's a lot that has to be done and maintained

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to make our city so beautiful because people keep wanting to come back. So, um is there any services that might surprise residents that you guys do? You talked about this >> I think the biggest I'm sorry, go ahead. >> No, that's okay. >> Okay, I was going to hit uh circle back to the cemetery because when I joined

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the city of Sanford, that was the one thing that I didn't realize that we had was a cemetery. And and when you hear cemetery, it's 33 acres. And I think one of the I don't want to say it's it's super great to go and work at the cemetery because, you know, that you're dealing

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with tough sore subjects, right? None of us like to talk about losing someone, but the greatest reward of working in that program is to helping people with that closure, you know, is putting their loved one to rest, ensuring, you know, sometimes families want to meet out there and make sure that the spot they're picking um celebrates or or

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represents their family member member in the best possible way. So, for me, that was one of the rewarding experiences I had talking to families who were getting a cemetery, and I don't think a lot of people understand that we do have a cemetery. So, Right. And it's a there's differences between municipal cemetery

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and private, right? What are there any main differences that >> I think the biggest one is cost. >> Oh, yeah. it's I was going to say that, but >> very very very costly. I have them for residential. >> Okay. I know we're changing the subject, but it's part of life. Do we have plots available?

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>> We do. >> We do. I think we have actually over 2,200 plots in the program. >> Oh, okay. >> We have We have a lot of space available. >> Okay, and what is it called? What is our city of San Francisco Cemetery? >> Sanford Municipal Cemetery.

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>> Okay. Okay. And our staff maintain the grounds, is that what >> So, we actually have a big contractor. >> Yeah, we have we have a contractor that maintains the ground. Our staff helps with the with the burial process. >> Your hat Our staff helps with the Oh, with the >> Yes, yes. So, so our admin staff, you

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know, deal with deal with the paperwork side of things. And then I actually I myself and used to be Matt, we would go out and we we would actually plot the the site. >> Oh, I didn't I know I may not attend, so I'm learning something new, but So, there is a wide range of services that

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you provide. And uh talking about Let's change the subject a little bit. For those that are living, well, you life goes on um respectfully. But, the adult programs and the youth programs, right? We have tons of them. >> Tons.

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>> And so, summer camp just ended. And it was a successful camp from what I understand. >> It was. It was, yep. >> And so, now we're into what are >> We're >> Now, we're gearing up for after school. >> [laughter] >> Which is Justin busy. >> As I would

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>> Yep, Justin busy. And then we're also in the registering for soccer, flag football, as well as baseball is about to kick off, which is very exciting. So, we've got a lot of things going on. And we also Some people don't realize we have a lot of senior programming at the senior center. Um Jackie does a great

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job over there with her programming. Um so, there's a lot really um with our events that we do. Our events team coordinate a lot of special events. City puts on a ton of events internally, but then we also work with third-party businesses to bring events here. So, there's really there's always

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something to do in the city of Sanford for our residents, which is amazing. >> Right. And we have a community center, Westside Community Center, that's under the responsibility of the Parks Department. And there's all kinds of program How is the programming set at each location? Like, for instance, does

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the director like Jackie, who's in charge of Jackie Clark Witchard Senior Center, does she determine what the programming is or >> So, yeah, each facili- each facility has a recreation supervisor who oversees the programming there. And to be honest with

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you, in my 10 years of experience in with the recreation field, I think City of Sanford has one of the greatest pools of talent that I've ever seen. All of them do an exceptional job with their programming. They're very passionate about what they do, which is evident in the programming and services they offer, which to me is huge.

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>> Yeah. >> Because the last thing you want to do is go to one of these programs and feel like you're not really wanted or welcomed. Our staff is just so caring and loving. They want you to be there, and you can feel that in the energy that they bring to the table. It's amazing. >> Nice. That's true. >> Yeah, I mean, we're you could see it. Every- everyone comes back every year. I

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mean, we're full at the capacity every year and every and every program. >> So, Jose, you were at the stadium before you became >> I was. >> Yeah. >> superintendent. So, how how is it at like baseball is our like like it's apple pie, baseball, Sanford, right? I

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mean, it's like that seems like it's You know, I don't know. >> Yeah, that's that's that's what we have. >> history. We wouldn't have a stadium, right, if we didn't have the history of baseball and >> Right. >> and a lot of that. >> Right. Yes. Yes. Um as as many know, you know, Jackie Robinson played here in Sanford, and and

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that was around the around the time we we we missed him playing in our stadium by I think it was 3 years. >> Wait. >> Yeah. Um but base- baseball is baseball is a big part of Sanford. >> Wait. And um did you play Were you a ball >> I did. I did. Actually >> I knew there was a connection.

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>> Yeah. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Uh I moved to I moved to Sanford when I was around 8 or 9 and and I started playing in our program with uh with our supervisor was John Polk. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah, he was he was my coach pretty much all through my tenure of baseball. So, I

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played I played in our program up till I was 18. >> Okay. >> And then I started working with the city part-time after that and got to it and here I am. >> Okay. So, that's a real I mean >> Yes. That >> success growing up in this >> Not not born in Sanford, but we're pretty much raised. >> Yeah. That's really awesome.

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>> Yeah, it's I I I've devoted all my, you know, 11 years to to the city. >> Yeah, that must be very rewarding. >> It is. It is. It's very rewarding from where I started to where I am now. I I can I'm >> Right. >> blessed. >> Yeah. That's some great things. So,

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um is there any Is there any hidden gems that we have in our park system >> [laughter] >> I'm glad you asked. >> I have a couple I >> You want me to go first? I know you have one. All right. I would like to highlight James Dunn Park. I think this

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is a beautiful park. If you want to take your family to go to a picnic, highly recommend this park. It is so gorgeous with the large oak canopies as well as if you hit it just right, you might see some ducklings. We do like to tell everyone please don't feed them, but >> Okay. >> but enjoy and watch them from afar. They

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are actually amazing and it's just a gorgeous park. >> It's off the off It's off the main road. It's It's over by the Bel-Air area. >> The Bel-Air area. Yeah, actually And And there's peacocks. >> That's what I was going to say. >> Yeah. >> Are they >> You catch them there. You'll see a couple peacocks. >> Well, there it's just It is very, very

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unique park. It's almost like he's walking in time. >> Yeah. >> You know, cuz it's not like everywhere we go today hustle and bustle and this is >> It's very peaceful. >> Yeah, peaceful. Peaceful is the word. If you want peaceful and just to sit there on park benches right there where you

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can go and just, you know, meditate and do, you know, whatever. It's just a wonderful place. I know. And what were you going to think or say? >> Uh one one of my one of my favorites is the Junglands Junglands Circle. That's a that's a nice little quiet park. >> Where's that one?

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>> That one is off of Is that Airport Yes, Airport Boulevard and Park Avenue. >> Okay, then up in that area? >> Okay. Um kind of close to Airport Lanes. That one is side of town. Um just little tucked away park. >> I got to find that one cuz I haven't

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seen that one. I haven't seen that one. Um we went to what is the Bay Avenue? Is it >> Yep. Bay Avenue. >> Park is another one that you wouldn't Right off of 46 >> Right off of 46. >> Uh and these folks that live there are very fortunate to have because you have

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swings sets at the at barbecue. >> Yep. Yep. >> Um What do you call them? >> Grills. >> Grills? >> Yes. And And a big open field there, too. So >> Yeah. So that >> It's got a lot of good variety. >> Do you need to You can just go, right? Do you have to book >> All our parks are open.

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>> Okay. But those are the only things that you need rentals for are for the pavilion that's in the parks. Is that right? Or how does that work? >> If you want to reserve the pavilion, some pavilions can be rented on >> Just to make sure that you have it that day Yeah, that's correct. Saturday and something and you have a big event

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you're inviting people. >> Yep. Yep. Okay. That secures that pavilion for for your >> Okay. Uh let's see. Um the events. So we just got finished with 4th of July. That was the Parks and Rec Department. That's a huge undertaking that starts months and

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months >> Yeah. What's that one? I would say I would say January or February. >> Yeah. >> Working on it. >> Well, I'm still seeing red, white, and blue, but I mean So, tell me what Now we have There are like five uh city events

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for the awards that uh some people may not understand. They see all these events in downtown, they think it's all city of Sanford, but those are privately run events by nonprofits in the private sector. But then there are events that the city >> City Hall's >> sort of ordained and hosts, and that's

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what you have Let's see if we can name them. Let's see if we can more than five. Let's see if we can name them. I There's July 4th, >> Uh-huh. >> uh Halloween, >> Yep. >> There's um Christmas parade, Christmas >> in the square. >> in the square. >> Yep, same.

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>> Vet- Veteran's Day, Veteran's Day. >> Yep. >> Um Valentine's Day. No, we don't do Valentine's Day. >> Memorial Day. >> Memorial Day. >> Easter. >> Easter. Is that That's it. That's a lot. >> And then um this year we're looking at do a 9/11 um remembrance ceremony for

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the 25 years of um 9/11. >> Oh, that's fantastic to hear. Okay, everybody, we're going to read this 25 years this September. We're going to be doing a special um just like something we do with like Veteran's Day, that kind of thing. I'm going to go out there in Memorial Park. Okay, so wait to hear

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about that. We should be getting it >> More details to come to you then. >> Okay. Um let's see. So, any park improvements that we want to talk about, like that you know that we can share right now with people? >> Yes, so actually one of our newest parks is Woodmere Park.

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That is completely >> Woodmere. >> Woodmere. Okay. >> I'm very excited about that park. It's very different than what we have. >> Where is Woodmere? Where >> Uh Woodmere is off of >> Sorry, I'm making putting you on the spot. >> It's off of Sanford Ave. Uh in front of Cattle

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Ridge. That area is right off of Maddy. >> Okay. >> It's just right across the street, so it's close close to the airport. >> Okay. >> Yes, that brand new park is very different than what we have because it's >> It's new. >> Yes, very brand new. >> Okay.

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>> Uh we just opened it up this week. Um >> Okay. >> It's It's different because it doesn't have our our normal pour place or mulch. It's got We did like an AstroTurf finish on it. >> Oh, no. >> So, it's it's It's nice. Well, it's the first one in St.

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>> Okay. So, it's there. Check that out. We have like an It's open and available. We'll put some information out on our social media. We'll do some reels with that. Has Peter Parker gotten out there yet, though? >> I think he I think he did. I think he did. It's It's but we we did we we featured them.

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>> [laughter] >> Okay. Hold on. >> Um So, that that's our wish list. We also We did just get approved for a Win-Win as well. And And McKibben is going to get a good a good refurbishment over the next 3 years.

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>> Oh, that's great because we find that I mean, these are This is one great asset that city government offers. I mean, that's free outdoor spaces. >> Outdoor spaces. I mean, there's there's no at There's a couple areas in town where you

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have There's five parks within a mile of each other. >> Right. >> You know, they're walking distance of each other. It's It's nice. That's one of the biggest things that that drives families to move, I think, to certain areas is for the green space. >> Is it >> we have we have a lot of open green space. >> We do because if you're a mom or dad,

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you have little ones at home, you know, taking them to the park. Who hasn't got You know, that's a thing of That's just a way of growing up, you know, is to get out, go to the park, get on the swing. What was the last >> I mean, that was the last time you got on a swing. >> Last swing, yeah. >> Everybody has the swing memories when

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you're a kid. So, and that's city we maintain those parks. We all of the above. And so, >> And I don't want to cut you off, Peter. I I would be remiss if we did not mention Spirit Road Park. We're putting in swings there, and that park holds a special place in my heart cuz we've got some very passionate um community

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members that have adopted that park and have just done a phenomenal job out there. So, hats off to them, and we're happy to deliver that for our residents. >> And that that's in the works. Uh just spoke with the contractor and the all the parts are ordered, so. >> Okay. And so, can you tell me um there's an

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Adopt-A-Park program, right? >> Correct. Correct. >> talk about that really quickly? >> Absolutely. So, if you're interested in adopting one of our parks, reach out to us. We'll get you the application. Um you know, I think we require four quarterly um you know, cleanups. Now, you can do more

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than that, but the minimum is four and most of our volunteer programs do more than that because they're very passionate about the city and and the parks that we have here, so reach out to us. Um my name is Matthew Coleman. I'm Jose Ortiz. We'd be happy to connect you with the application and get the ball rolling.

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>> Let's yeah, um Adopt-A-Park program with City of Sanford. There's also that really great um off of 13th Red Barber Park. I like that one too. >> Another big open one. >> Yeah, open space that you don't see too many people. I mean I mean everybody's busy these days, but

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when you get to slow down and and and and get out side, especially when the cooler weather comes along, it's it's just a great attribute to have. I know as a resident or even a visitor, so I mean hats off to our park parks and recreation park. 29 parks.

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>> 29 parks. This is not Yeah, not including the facilities and everything else, so. >> Right. Right. Um any um any long-term visions for any recreational opportunities here in the city, anything that's

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kind of like on the back burner that we could speak of? >> So, I think we believe we believe it's important always look for programming options to enhance um our citizens' quality of life, like we've kind of discussed. Um the goal is to add quality programming and events that residents desire. Um like I said, we have one of

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the best recreation teams. Um and if you have ideas and or want to want us to um look into things, we're happy to run those things down. Um but but I'm we've got some great things coming. Um you know, for for our programming. I mean, this year we did add a women's a

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summer women's volleyball league. That was very popular. So, it's just small little programming like that that we just add to what we already doing that that that the residents love. We get a great feedback. So. >> Right. And when you drive these park right drive around and you happen to see you'll see a sign that will say the name

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of the park and it'll have the city they have the city logo on there something so you'll know that which park you're in quickly when you're there. And there are parking areas spaces or near the parks and so um but just take a take a take an

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exploration with your kids. Go on the website and or even yourself. I mean, you don't have to be a kid to enjoy our park. So, uh Is there any message that you both want to that you may have may have left out that you want to say about

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>> I I think that's the biggest thing that I want our residents to go out and enjoy all the facilities that we have. Um and and especially the small ones that that aren't really talked about as much. >> Right. >> Those those are the ones that are important to me. I want people I want everyone to go out and see those because they're all they're all great.

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>> Yeah, they are. They really are. I mean, you can imagine having to keep those grasses green in this weather and stuff like that. That must be a a huge undertaking, right? How do you how do we do that? I see you're wearing a Toro hat. >> I don't know >> That's because you just

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I mean, that's in your business, but um but but seriously, irrigation? >> Irrigation it's like >> And you look like a professional irrigation person. >> We we yeah, so we we actually have that is that is a big deal. That's how we keep our our ground our turf green, you know, our turf green, our plants

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growing, our trees growing. >> Cuz who's going to want to come to a park that's got >> dead dead grass >> dead grass pa- That means that it's not being maintained. So, when you go to these places and you see beautiful green grass even though it's Florida grass was St. Augustine. It's >> or Bahia

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>> Listen, Then it's there's there's people behind that that are taking care of that day in and day out cuz we take just like I think some people think it manages when they turn the water on. That when they go out to a park and it's green grass and they can put their

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blanket down and then there's no red ants crawling up your, you know, ankles and biting your toes. There's people that are doing that, right? And so you're looking at them, folks, and I mean on and a team the team behind all of you. But um it's really important for

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those people to understand that this is a major component of city services, you know, is providing the park the parks for us and the programming, too. The programming also that we mentioned um Is there anything else that you wanted to say about

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>> Parks and Recreation? >> I mean why it So Parks and Rec Month is celebrated nationally, right? And so what what do you want to say about I mean not just in July, but in general about how important the whole concept

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and you know, there was that TV show actually Parks and Rec. What do you think about this? >> [laughter] >> I just thought about that. So I thought But there's this there's a kind of like a humorous connotation to Parks and Rec, you know, light-hearted, but there's a lot that goes on and a lot of more Yeah,

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and I think for you behind it. >> There are Oh, well a lot of people worldwide city of San Fernando our team is a decent size, but we're not huge. Um so we all do multiple things in our department and I think the biggest thing for us is what

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we truly enjoy and love is when our residents, like Jose said, come out and visit our parks, come out and see what we do, look into our programs, give us a try. That's that's the biggest thing and the most rewarding thing working in this field is is seeing people out enjoying our facilities, the parks, the

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amenities, the programmings. That's what it's all about, you know, and and for us come out and check us out. We're We're happy to have you. >> Thank you. And Matt, we have prices for our programming that are resident prices, correct? When people register, even for the baseball programs that they

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go >> Yep. >> And and they fill up quick. Summer camp, after-school >> Very quick. >> But our prices are almost like right Can we say they're the the lowest in the in the area? I mean, or I mean, now >> I think they're the lowest in the area.

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And it's a great deal. Our commission has really been looking out for the residents here. They do a great job keeping fees low, which is critical critical. So, we're happy to help our residents. They They deserve it. At the end of the day, they're who we work for. We're happy to do that, so. >> Right. Right. I'm sure the kids had some

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great great experiences this summer in summer camp. >> No, it was awesome, yeah. They had a great time. >> Uh Jose, is there anything >> Uh I >> Listen, how do we keep our our men and women out in the field tied like with this heat and stuff? How I I always

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think about that because walking from the car into City Hall is just >> It's hot. >> It's It's very hot out >> I have so It's just, you know, it's >> being smart, being being being cautious with the heat is is trying to get all our work done early in the morning

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before it gets it gets very hot. And then, you know, taking our breaks, making sure we're hydrating. And hydrating starts the night before. And then, you want to start hydrating >> a lot of that. Right. Right, yeah. Cuz that's that's tough. I guess, you know, that it's like our winter, you know, you're up north and having to work in the snow.

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>> [laughter] >> Yeah, same thing. >> Right. So, but it's a necessary evil, but uh for being in Florida, our beautiful state Florida, so. Um any last words, folks? >> I think thank you for having us on. We love doing this, and uh we love spreading positive things about parks

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and recreation, so thank you. >> All right. >> Yes, I agree and if anybody has any questions, please please please reach out. >> Right. Visit the city website at sanfordfl.gov. There's a park and recreation page. There's There's all the parks there. We're going to be going around actually

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communications department and videotaping 360 videos of our rental facilities so we can have that on our website so it's more accessible than having to come down here. So you can make wise decisions in in the comfort of your own home. Uh

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but we do want you to come down to Sanford and enjoy all of our parks in in our city. Oh, we forgot to mention the dog park. Dog park. >> It's part of Yes. >> That's right. That's at least dog park. I mean, what's a city without a dog park? But we I mean

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play at your own risk. If there's signs out there, unfortunately um you know, when you have dogs at home and you you know, they're they're just laying around all day long and you want to take them out and you don't want to say walk them. They're nice. It comes to be nice, but sometimes, you know, we

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can't control the public that right there. >> Correct. Unfortunately, you can't control the public and and our biggest thing is if you know you if your dog can be a little aggressive, you probably don't want to come to a dog park. Um but know your dog. If you have a small dog, stay on the small dog side. If you have a large dog, stay on the large dog side.

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But when it's operated effectively, I think people enjoy it a lot. >> Yeah, they do because and one thing it's shaded. That's really the >> But it's very shaded. >> Dog park. It's got our beautiful oak trees. So it's a great great place to take your your furry friend. Mhm. All right. Well,

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I One last thing. I knew I was like >> Good catch. >> [laughter] >> Yes. >> Thanks both of you. Thanks Matt Coleman and thank you Jose Ortiz. These gentlemen are behind the scenes typically, but they have taken their time out of their busy day to come up here to communications and share the

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good word. We are just a we're a funnel of information and to and out to the public. And we really appreciate both of you. I'm Lisa Holder, Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Sanford. Thank you for listening to Sanford Says. You can find this podcast

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for every you subscribe to your favorite podcast and on the city website at sanfordfl.gov and follow us on social media. We're on Facebook, Instagram, and um we'll see you next time. Thank you. Bye now. >> Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Holder. >> I'm perfect. Thank you. That was

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fabulous singing around them. I know she's going to kill me and then I'm wearing this kind of a neck um >> [music]