City working with clubs on shuffleboard and lawn bowling recovery; FEMA rules complicate building options

Parks staff told the advisory board on July 22 that they have met with leaders of the local shuffleboard and lawn-bowling clubs to define the minimum facilities needed after hurricane damage and to evaluate whether existing buildings can be restored.
Staff reported that the clubs’ playing surfaces (shuffleboard courts and a lawn-bowling rink) require intensive maintenance but are priorities for restoration. Mike said staff are trying to keep the clubs at their existing site where possible because club members consider it their home, but they are also exploring alternative sites if rebuilding is not feasible.
Staff emphasized that FEMA regulations, including the informal “50/50” rule discussed previously, limit what can be rebuilt in certain circumstances after storm damage. Mike said the department is working through FEMA requirements and exploring a request for proposals for temporary office and restroom facilities; the RFP had not been released as of the July 22 meeting. Art has approved that the clubs may continue to run programs and host fall events while staff work on longer-term facility decisions; those events are an important revenue stream for the clubs.
Discussion vs. decision: The board received a status update and encouraged continued regular meetings with club leadership. No formal action or council vote was recorded at this advisory-board meeting; staff said they will continue to work with FEMA, the clubs and procurement to shape rebuilding options.
Ending: Staff will keep the clubs updated and said they expect to allow club programming and events to continue through the fall while pursuing temporary facility solutions and evaluating FEMA constraints.